A house of art stands before you. The Dox Thrash House is a testament to Black history and artistic innovation. This three-story Victorian is located at 2340 Cecil B. Moore Avenue. It stands as a Philadelphia landmark in the Sharswood neighborhood.
Dox Thrash was a prominent African-American printmaker. He called Philadelphia home from the mid-1920s until his death in 1965. The Dox Thrash House is currently undergoing restoration. It had fallen into disrepair after being vacant since the 1990s.
Imagine Dox Thrash returning from World War I. He’s eager to immerse himself in the vibrant Black artistic community of Philadelphia. After studying at the Art Institute of Chicago he found inspiration here.
Thrash’s involvement with the WPA’s Federal Art Project was pivotal. He collaborated with other artists and developed the carborundum mezzotint process. This innovative printmaking technique would define his legacy and revolutionize printmaking.
Look closely. Can you see the echoes of African-American life celebrated in Dox Thrash’s work? He depicted his subjects realistically. His art brought Black lives to the forefront during a time of immense racial prejudice.
Dox Thrash didn’t just create art. He mentored young artists sharing his knowledge and passion. His dedication shaped the next generation of Black artists. The Dox Thrash House became a hub of creativity.
Preservationists, like Maya Thomas, Dana Rice, and Chris Mulford, recognized the significance of the Dox Thrash House. They launched the Dox Thrash House Project. Their goal was to raise awareness and save this historic home. They envisioned it becoming a center for the arts.
Beech Community Services stepped in to purchase the property. They shared the vision of revitalizing the Dox Thrash House. With the support of the community and grants from the city and state, restoration efforts began.
Akeem Dixon, the project manager for Beech, plans to incorporate a commercial tenant for the storefront. Apartments will be located upstairs. He hopes to find a tenant who embodies the legacy of Dox Thrash.
The Dox Thrash House is more than just a building. It represents a crucial piece of Philadelphia’s Black history. It reminds us of the artistic contributions of African Americans. It also symbolizes community revitalization.
Before Thomas knew of the house’s history, she was drawn to its beauty. Built in approximately 1895 it is an example of late Victorian architecture with a facade made with Roman brick and terra cotta details.
The Dox Thrash House was once home to Shaykh Muhammad Hassan. He was a North Philadelphia businessman and community leader. Hassan bought it from Thrash in 1959. A few years later, Hassan was arrested for inciting a riot during the 1964 uprisings.
The restoration of the Dox Thrash House ensures that Black history is not forgotten. It serves as a reminder that Philadelphia’s historical landmarks should reflect the diverse stories of its people.
Today, the Dox Thrash House stands as a beacon of hope. It symbolizes the power of art. It exemplifies community collaboration. It ensures that the legacy of Dox Thrash lives on for generations to come.