Remember the Centennial Exposition of 1876. It put Philadelphia on the world map. Now, let’s delve into the story of Parkside, a neighborhood born from that very event.
Once known as Blockley Township, Parkside transformed in the 19th century. Lush green lands and proximity to the railroad made it ideal for the Centennial Exposition. Imagine tourists from around the globe flocking here. They enjoyed ethnic foods, vaudeville theaters, and beer gardens.
However, Parkside faced a decline after the Exposition. It took visionaries like Frederick Poth and Henry Flower to revive it. The 20th century brought new homes and a wave of German merchants. Occupations ranged from brewers to mechanical engineers.
Interestingly, the 1920s saw an influx of Russian-Jewish families to Parkside. A synagogue was built on 41st and Viola Street. Today, that synagogue is a Baptist church.
The Great Depression and World War II brought challenges. Many Jewish residents moved to other neighborhoods. This shift allowed African-Americans to find refuge here. They have been the longest residing group in Parkside since 1897.
Parkside is now one of Philadelphia’s urban tourist attractions. Philadelphia’s designation as a World Heritage City boosts Parkside’s development. The Fairmount Park Conservancy is funding a 20-year plan. This plan includes streetscape improvements and park renovations. A new transit line will connect Parkside to Center City.
After the Centennial Exposition, the fairground became green space. However, the area remained largely undeveloped initially. In 1895, a new trolley line connected Parkside to the city. Memorial Hall became home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Developers commissioned architects to design homes. These homes featured Flemish gables and terra-cotta cornices. One critic described the architecture as lacking unity.
In 1912, the Richard Smith Civil War Memorial was completed. It featured the Whispering Benches. Following World War II, Parkside became a predominantly African-American neighborhood.
In 1983, Parkside was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Community groups renovated mansions into affordable apartments. The Girard Avenue trolley service was restored in 2005. The Please Touch Museum moved into Memorial Hall in 2009.
Frederick A. Poth, a German-born entrepreneur, played a key role in Parkside’s development. He invested his fortune in building homes for wealthy individuals. By the 1930s, a Russian Jewish presence was noted in Parkside. The Great Depression led to houses being divided into apartments.
Today, Parkside boasts revitalized historic homes. These homes provide housing for diverse residents. They enjoy access to Fairmount Park, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Mann Music Center. Parkside stands as a testament to Philadelphia’s rich history and community progress.