Kensington, Philadelphia - July 2004

Sirhcbre: 22nd Oct 2006 - 18:36 GMT

I would love to see some pictures of kensington in london.

kenso: 5th Jan 2007 - 20:34 GMT

It is such a shame to see what has happened to Kensington. I grew up there and it was a great neighborhood. Now it is just a "hood".

Alyssa: 20th Feb 2007 - 04:10 GMT

I went there on a mission trip in the spring of 05. It was my biggest life changing experience.

Scott: 21st Feb 2007 - 01:58 GMT

I was born and raised in kensington and it has and always will be hell on earth! Now I live in New Orleans.... I have a family and I am working on my third college degree along with performing as a Black hawk Pilot in the Louisiana Army National Guard. I was extremely luck that my Mom encouraged me to join the Army and get the hell out of there....

Scott: 21st Feb 2007 - 02:00 GMT

Hey one more thing my old house is 2114 E Clearfield St Phila Pa 19134 if you could post some pics of that area that would be a wild site also Lee and Inidana is a wild tourist site as well. Thanks....

Dan Doyle: 1st Mar 2007 - 21:15 GMT

I grew up in Kensington during the 70's & 80's and it was a good neighborhood until about 1983 or 84, when most of the good people that still lived there started leaving and the element of hardcore drugs like crack and heroin started to show up on every corner, and prostitution become more noticeable, especially at Kensington & Lehigh Ave. Today that neighborhood is a disgrace and every once in a while I'll drive by my old house at D & Clearfield and tears would fill my eyes, because there are a lot of good memories that are being tarnished by the slum that live there now.

anon (pool-71-175-157-249.phlapa.east.verizon.net): 6th Apr 2007 - 06:09 GMT

this the best place on da planet 2 me but bitch niggas b ware kenzo 4 lfe 19134/215 till i die!!!!!!!!!!!!!

terri: 19th Apr 2007 - 13:28 GMT

i stilllive in kensington born and raised her but it'snot like it was when i grew up i'm working on getting me and my family out of here there are to many drugs prostitution and i do not want my kids to grow up around here i'm one of the few people that is not on drugs or even involved in them but no matter where you go there will always be drugs it's all about how you raise your children and that's my first concern my family kensington was a very nice neighborhood at one time a long time ago i wish we could get it back the way it was but it will never happen.

DAN: 20th Apr 2007 - 19:50 GMT

i myself onced lived in kensington and i'm glad i got out when i could.it was a great place to grow up.its true in the early 80's the plague came and killed kensington.it's a shame how things can kill a great neighborhood.great memories of playing kick ball,halfies,going to the corner store is now all gone.i feel sorry for everyone that is still there because they have no choice.mr. doyle you are right,i know who you are we went to school together.well in that memories are painful

sara: 26th Apr 2007 - 22:13 GMT

I lived in kensington (A St.) from birth until I was 9. I still have fond memories of being a kid there. I haven't been back to that neighborhood for many many years. Unfortunately the only time I see the place is when the news is reporting a murder or drug related crime taking place there. How sad that a once tight knit community has fallen into such dispair. I went to visitation school & have always wanted to go back to visit but I'd be way too scared to go back. Some of the memories I have is: kids going around selling pretzels early in the morning while singing "Fresh Pretzels...all ready pretzels" (that might just be my child version of it), a man named jingles who use to ride around on his bike ringing a bell (something makes me think he was selling water ice but i might be wrong about that....anyone remember him???), werners corner store...always went there to buy breyers vanilla ice cream cones, the may feat at episcopal hospital, jollys cheesesteaks, a pizza truck that had the best pizza in the world, it use to stop at Kensington & A street. I later learned that the secret to their great taste was that they used tomato soup in their sauce, going shopping at kelly's corner, playing a game called bottle caps every night until dark, halfies & pimple balls. They were such great times. I can only hope my own children have such happy memories of their childhood. The house I lived in has been torn down & learning that made me feel so sad. The home belonged to my grandparents & they gave it to my parents when they got married. It's so sad to know someone actually bulldozed the place. I'm sure they couldn't imagine that that old house actually still meant something to someone. In the living room was a marble fireplace. I always dreamed of going back & taking that out & putting it in my own living room. How great that would've been. I'm sure someone probably tore it out years ago & sold it for crack or something. I hope that somehow the neighborhood can someday be brought back to what it once was.

serlingrod: 26th Apr 2007 - 22:40 GMT

i work for New Kensington Community Development Corporation. If you're interested in seeing what we're doing in this area to improve the lives of others, please visit our website at www.nkcdc.org.

sully: 22nd May 2007 - 20:32 GMT

I spent 1954 through 1972 with my family living in Kensington. Time changes everything...The neighborhood started going down long before the 1980's rolled aroung. The families that could got out in the 70's. We made it out. This was a wonderful neighborhood to grow up in during the 50's until early 70's everyone knew each other and looked out for each other. Families knew families and would not hesitate to tell your parents if they saw you smoking or mis-behaving. (thanks to all the neighbors that rated me out, I turned out just fine).
I wonder if my brothers sneaks are still on the line up there.
We sold our house first then finally my dad had to sell my grandfathers. that house had been in the family since turn of the century.
I dont even know if it is still standing...Kensington is just a place in my memory now..a great place.

c. davis: 24th May 2007 - 04:50 GMT

I still live in Kensington and it is very sad to see what has become of it.There is trash strewn everywhere,people smoke pot on their front steps in front of their children and curse them daily.If I could afford to I would leave;most decent people with school age children have. I raised my children in Kensington during the 60s and 70s and we all looked out for each other.

C. Midiri: 25th May 2007 - 22:05 GMT

Yes, it is an aweful place to live now. I was brought up here and my mom refuses to move, so we live here together now....at least until she retires and doesn't feel the need to be near the el. I have a few neighbors who I look out for and then they do the same for me. I have a metaphor explaining how I feel about Kensington ("F&Tioga"~some didn't used to call this area Kensington)
Like the ruins of a third world country it sits-
Getting more dangerous by the day-
Bombs and shells, the remnants of the direct hits-
It would be clean, peaceful, and clear if I had my way-
Yet the world looks on and ignores it, as it weren’t there-
The stench of death is unbearable, yet inevitable…
And the thought of the wrecking ball is unimaginable.
Yet here it sits, my home sweet home.

elizabeth mcadams: 30th May 2007 - 13:11 GMT

let me tell you about kensington before it changed it was beautiful,people took pride in there homes, children were into all sports, you could sleep with your door open,and everyone was like family, i would of loved for my children to grow up there if things didn't change, i wonder do the people who moved in there and destroyed it feel anything of what they did to a once great area,i'm just glad i still have my memories of a once beautiful neighborhood and people,peace!!

sara: 18th Jun 2007 - 04:11 GMT

Does anyone remember Bobman's Dept. store on Kensington Ave? If so..can you please tell me where it was located? thanks!

anne zemartis rose: 20th Jun 2007 - 15:07 GMT

I loved Kensington when I was growing up in the 50's and early 60's, 2100 block of Firth St. just off Trenton Ave. I was so surprised to see the train trestle gone on Trenton Ave. It's so bright and open now. My old street has improved in some ways due to the pride so newcomers have in their homes. It's nice to see flower plants and other improvements. I remember sitting on the steps of the Church of the Good Shepherd every evening with my street friends. My sister and I enjoyed touring the old neighborhood with my sister this past weekend. It's nice to see that the pride is returning to Kensington!

wanderer: 21st Jun 2007 - 01:54 GMT

My parents grew up on Waterloo St, and my grandparents ran the corner store at Somerset (catty-corner from what was the Boys Club) until a bad robbery in the early 80's. Some of the stories they weave are amazing, and I met other Kensingtonites during my travels that remember members of my family. Their siblings stayed in the area, one aunt had a ceramics studio near Kensington Ave. Most left before things got worse, and I remember when we moved to Olney in 74 to escape "urban renewal". After a year out there, we moved to rural Georgia (talk about culture shock).

david: 26th Jun 2007 - 15:45 GMT

I love Kensington so much. It is truly a joy. Granted, there are prostitutes and drugs around but for the most part, you will be OK if you know now to mind your P's and Q's. I love living there and save a ton of money. I have a college degree and two jobs making six figures and save every sent for a better future for the family I hope to have. Until then, I love Kensington. It is safe, beautiful and full of promise and vision for a brighter future. For people who complain about trash, they should just "pick it up" and pitch in rather than just b-tch and do nothing. As to drugs and prostitutes -- invite them in to your homes, get to know them, treat them with respect. Maybe a helping hand from YOU will get them off the streets, off drugs and into program/working. Offer an extra bed for a drug addict or prostitute and see what happens! Peace out!

anon (cache-dtc-ab07.proxy.aol.com): 2nd Jul 2007 - 03:44 GMT

I grew up in north philadephia kensington area. I still live here. I have
to say yes this area is horrible to live in and raise your children in.
It's full of drugs and violence. But you know what for some of us there
is no where else to go. It's not as easy as you think to move to a better
area. I am currently dealing with that. Trying to find a afforable house
that meets my finanical need. In a nice area is almost unheard of. Everybody that lives in Kensington is not about violence and drugs. I am a recovering drug addict for more than 2 years striving for a better life for me and my children. Sincerley, Kitty

fedupinNE: 18th Jul 2007 - 18:33 GMT

Thank God for organizations like NKCDC! Imagine how the world could truly be if everyone just pulled up stakes and left as soon as a community began to turn. There would be no where to live!. Instead of crying about how the Old neighborhood use to be, crack heads stealing marble fireplaces, and crying about a home that has been bull dozed that really DID NOT matter to anyone including the previous owners. Why not join ranks with a grass root organization like NKCDC and make a viable difference in a community that everyone has testifed that they love so much! The bottom line is "talk is cheap" do something to restore the community that holds such fond memories for you!!

Dan: 20th Jul 2007 - 02:57 GMT

I think that Bob Mans was located at Kensington and Clearfield St.

Ginny Orr: 24th Jul 2007 - 04:16 GMT

My grandparents lived on Allegheny Ave. and Front St. I spent sometime there during the 40's. Their life revolved around their church. Alpha Baptist. The church disbanded when many of the members left the area. I would love to know exactly where it was. I know it was within walking distance of the York and Dauphin elevated train stop.

bill w: 13th Aug 2007 - 18:27 GMT

i was rasied there also i use to box in harrowgate gym alot has changed,i do return to feed the the drug addicts and the prostitutes and offer a better way i am now a minister , used to be a irish thug/gangster so i thought, if you can change the way people think you can change the way they do things its inpossiple without the Holy Spirit which renews the mind/fallen nature of sin, problem is sin in the hearts of human beings, Jesus only way to deal with sin throught the cross, i will continue to visit pray and visit kensingtone till God brings revival to these streets blesssing

Bill W: 13th Aug 2007 - 18:35 GMT

oh by the way a tent revival meeting at harrowgate park on the 21-23 of september 3400block of kensington ave join us in reclaiming the streets we will be feeding the people also giving out groceries also books and back packs to the children for school also praying for the sick casting out tommenting spirits of depression,mental health,aids,cancer,diabetis ,all afflicting spirits come join us in JESUS name

Fran: 23rd Aug 2007 - 15:15 GMT

I grew up on Rorer St and Tioga during the 50's until 77. What a wonderful place to be raised. That big white parking garage building was not there and when the circus trains came into town you could see them. Philco allowed the circus to use the parking area for the animals during the weekend. There use to be a parade the morning after the circus arrived, usually on Saturday, traveling east on Tioga. We had all the corner stores. E & Ontario there were a stores on all 4 corners. The American Store, Bollers, The Cleaners and The Bakery. F & Ontario there was another grocery store, a tap room, pharmacy. We never had a Super Food Store until Acme arrived, we always did business with the corner stores. Kids came home for lunch from school. And we went swimming at the Swim-o at McVeys. It was a lovely area to be raised with all the caring people looking out for eachother. One day, I would hope that people take care of their neighbors again. K & A rules!!
Check out old pics of the area on www.phillyhistory.org

addict.: 24th Aug 2007 - 05:38 GMT

i would travel to kensington daily to purchase heroin. jump oon the el get off at somerset purchase needles and then heroin and crack. it was really sad the thinks i saw.

serlingrod: 24th Aug 2007 - 16:11 GMT

East Kensington does have alot of problems, but just like everywhere you go there are good people trying to make a difference. I actually work full-time in this neighborhood for the New Kensington Community Development Corporation. We offer alot of services - utility assistance, housing assistance, real estate, land use development. Just last night we had "Jazz Nites". At the corner of Coral & Hagert is the Coral Street Arts House, which is a converted warehouse with 27 apartments for artist live/work space. Some of the musicians performed for the neighbors at the playground across the street.

Matt: 27th Aug 2007 - 03:31 GMT

My mom was born here in 1924, I never lived there but started doing drugs and bought them there many times in the early 90's. I almost lost my life a couple of times there. Maybe my mom who was then deceased was an angel looking over me and got me out alive. Now I am drug free for 10 plus years, amen. I could only say to people still there, get out cause it aint worth it. Too many nice places in the world to see and that aint one. GOODLUCK

hairsy: 30th Aug 2007 - 21:49 GMT

bobman's was at clearfield st.& kensington ave next to levins

hairsy: 30th Aug 2007 - 21:49 GMT

bobman's was at clearfield st.& kensington ave next to levins

Kenzo Joe: 5th Sep 2007 - 19:34 GMT

Bobmans was at Kensington and Cambria, no Clearfield. Uncle Milty's was at Clearfield Street. I worked at Bobmans after school when I was a kid as a stockboy. It was rough even in the seventies, but it was still good times.

Rob K: 7th Sep 2007 - 02:28 GMT

Kensington's a funny place. I was born there and lived on York Street (at Emerald) until 1990. I go back and drive thru a couple times a year. As much as I love that neighborhood, it's crazy now. It was always a tough place to live, but now you gotta worry about getting shot at just for rolling thru.

anon (cpe-74-65-164-221.maine.res.rr.com): 9th Sep 2007 - 14:57 GMT

Rob K: 9th Sep 2007 - 14:58 GMT

wanderer: 15th Sep 2007 - 04:19 GMT

I remember Kensington and Cambria... there was a little sandwich shop where the best steaks I ever had. My Dad said they used old grill grease to clean the windows :)

steve: 8th Oct 2007 - 19:04 GMT

i live in port richmond and drive through the neighborhood and can't believe how people live the way they do in there. it's sad.

Mike: 9th Oct 2007 - 23:17 GMT

My grandparents owned a bar at Front & Cambria in Kensington for years-until the late 70's. As a child in the late 60's/early 70's I could walk the block alone-everyone looked out for each other. Even though I was raised a suburbs kid, we spent every weekend at their place.The name of their place was "Violas' Cafe"-I'd love to hear from anyone who remembers it.

Lorie : 21st Oct 2007 - 04:01 GMT

I am a temple college student and often go to Kensington and Leigh to get cheese steaks. I grow up in upper class suburb and am very thankful that i was to blessed with such a beautiful town after seeing the poverty that is a part of so many peoples lives.

Staci : 28th Oct 2007 - 03:08 GMT

Does anyone know a Will that lived on Cambria Street, wondering if he ever made it out of there. He went to Temple with me back in 1991. He was starting to study Criminal Justice. Thanks

Dan Doyle: 29th Oct 2007 - 03:38 GMT

Hey Wanderer!! The cheesesteaks you had were from Bills Steakhouse at Kensington & Cambria. Bill's is where you went late at night or real early in the morning, it was open so late. The steaks were actually pretty good, but their fries were better, the the Pizza Factory opened up across the street.

Just a few other places to be:
Joe's Desi
Dennery's
Bobman's
Humphries
Levin's
The Record Spot
Kellis's
Polly Brothers
Four Sons Pizza
Angelo's Pizza
Piccaso's Pizza
Donuts Galore
Kresge's
The York Shop

Just a few, so many others.

Deborah Jarrett: 1st Nov 2007 - 19:34 GMT

I love it I longed forgot Philly, but reading the articals made me laugh and remeber the neighborhood. I was born in Episcapel hospital there on Lehigh ave my grandmother lived on Macher st. We left a long time ago. Sorry to hear it turned into a hell hole. It is up to the people there to clean it up not the people who had to flee. Do you want to know why my family left? I wrote a delightful letter to then mayor Rizzo. Need I expound.

Ben Cantello: 5th Nov 2007 - 21:00 GMT

It is a shame to see kensington in the rocky films years ago and compare it to today. Now it is merely a haven for the college and suburb kids to score their heroin fixes. The people of kensington are not bad people but simply those caught in the vicious cycle of poverty and many have no other means to survive other than exploiting the drug trade that has flourished and yet destroyed our beautiful city.

hairsy: 25th Nov 2007 - 19:34 GMT

HI USED DRINK THERE I LIVED AT 2818 FRONT ST I REMEMBER I COULD'NT GO I THERE TILL I WAS 21 MR VIOLA KNEW MY PARENTS I'M 59 YR OLD NOW SO YOU KNOW HOW LONG AGO THAT WAS . I USE TO WORK AT JACKS CORNER, HOWARD& CAMBRIA EARLY 60'S TO EARLY 70'S ALSO DID ALOT OF DRINKING AT FRONT & SUMMERSET BELL'S BAR MY NAME IS TOM BAXTER NICK NAME AND STILL USE IT IS HAIRSY NOT HAIRS LOGAN. TALK TO YOU LATER

norman : 27th Nov 2007 - 01:11 GMT

hey hairsy,that name sounds familiar. doyou know a bill miller,he lived on front st. at cambria.I was born and raised in kensington,and it makes me laugh when I read some of the comments from peoplewho have absolutely no idea what it was really like.Yes,kensington has dramatically changed from when i was a kid,but there were a lot of good decent law abiding people that raised decent good families. Those memories I have i wouldn't trade for anything.

rick Rock: 1st Dec 2007 - 02:46 GMT

Actually Kensington isn't all that bad. i mean it's still shitty, but it's gotten alot better...one of the only spots in Philly that has.

hairsy: 1st Dec 2007 - 22:20 GMT

hi norman i lived across the street from alex& billy miller they had red hair i don't know what happened to then but who knows where anybody it now. i talk to the gillis and joe o'donnell all the time do you remember the slavins& the duffys joe the taylor brings back a lot of memories talk to you later

LT: 4th Dec 2007 - 16:28 GMT

Since the OP in 2004 there have been many changes for the good in Kensington. The neighborhood has its problems but there are many good people new and old who are working to make it a better place to live. Houses are being re-habbed and new business are opening up. I have great neighbors and enjoy living in an interesting diverse and convinient neighborhood.

pissedoff: 7th Dec 2007 - 03:15 GMT

kensington is still a shitty area, i live and work there, the kids especially are the worse. large groups of kids picking on the stores in kensington like throwing bricks through the window almost hitting a few of my customers.

Dee-Dee: 7th Dec 2007 - 21:06 GMT

I live in kensington and have been living her all my life, It really was much to begin with that I could remember, but things have really went from bad to worst. Part of the problem is the city really don't care about our neighborhood, so they just let things get more fucked up and the other half is people now a days don't do shit unless they get something out of it. But kensington scares me for the sake of my 2 boys becauses things are only going to get worst!!!!!!!!!!!!and that true.

serlingrod: 7th Dec 2007 - 21:14 GMT

www.nkcdc.org

New Kensington Community Development Corporation.

I'm telling you....we're doing great things here. There's still hope yet.

hairsy: 15th Dec 2007 - 21:11 GMT

you can work your tail off you'll never get it back to were it was when i was a kid sleeping with your front door open at night people sitting on steps at night hard working people

Floody: 20th Dec 2007 - 15:39 GMT

I agree that it will never get back to where is was in the past...nothing ever does, but please do not put down the efforts that the New Kensington Community Development Corporation is currently doing. Although what took a few years to destroy will take many years to rebuild. I grew up at Philip and Westmoreland, Played Baseball and Soccer at Lighthouse field, I remember block parties, halfies, wallball,suicide, stepball, wireball, Freedom, kick the can, run the bases in the middle of the street, anything to be outside and using our imagination. again it is a different era and outside activities have been replaced with a joystick, computer and television. I have many fond memories of the old neighborhood and would give one year of life to have an hour of the old days. I have kids now and I have to drive them everywhere for activities, there is no such thing as wallball, stepball etc. The street I live on has a lot of kids but no one plays together, so it does not matter where you live the values of life have changed. I live in Mayfair and have been here for 6 years and I know four neighbors, people keep to themselves today they put up fences to keep everyone else out, there is no such thing as a true neighbor today, if there is I have yet to meet them. I applaud the efforts coming from the New Kensington Community Development Corporation and wish them all success. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to everyone

K Teesdale: 22nd Dec 2007 - 09:12 GMT

Growing up in Kensington, I knew I had to get out. The social environment was not one to be taken lightly. I learned everything I need to survive growing up in Kensington. I walked. I played. I laughed and cried. I bled on the streets therefore , I am a Kenso :)

The emotions I just felt reading these posts about a place I call home were a welcoming rush of remembrance because with the pain there also is joy. Kensington in the 70's was as I remember peaceful give or take a few crazy neighbors :P I remember a corner store called Mac's on Keim and Tioga. Midiri may remember it we were neighbors . I am Dale's daughter . Mac was an icon that I recall. I played bottle caps on Keim. You fill empty beer caps or soda caps with melted crayon. Keim street had a painted grid for shooting the caps on centered in the street. Talk about a great neighborhood. I have always longed to play this again. I learned to swim at Mcveigh and was grateful for the bologna sandwich , I now have weird addiction to them. Butter cake on Sundays from a store at G & Tioga-the name eludes my memory. Ice skating at Scalon (sp?) Ramblers Feild..oh my and the tracks behind.

Those were the days when you knew most of your neighbors and most of their families. There was violence but, nothing you would not expect living amongst a magnitude of beings. We were taught and still teach our young to strive for a big future. The nuclear family separates and neighborhoods change. Today the closest thing I found to a neighborhood of that in the 70's in the streets of Kensington is Small Town America in the Midwest. I actually sell mock hoagies in a corner shop.

Everyone deserves the same opportunities and support from governments of large cities otherwise some areas could be compared to shantytowns like that of India. A community needs support from it's residents and I love reading the efforts coming from New Kensington Community Development Corporation. I always drive through Kensington when I come back home. I have a brother still there and I love to just listen to the echoes of rich voices flowing through the corridors of the brick and asphalt streets and then I remember home. Thank you to all who posted pictures, what a delight .

and one more thing ....I think I still have bruises from wall ball !

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All !

hairsy: 24th Dec 2007 - 02:36 GMT

merry christmas to all and my friends from howard and cambria st jacks corner

Freda Anderson: 4th Jan 2008 - 02:33 GMT

Hey, I live there! It can be rough sometimes but seeing all the stuff that goes down just makes me want to work that much harder to get to collage and to do well... Although I don't go out and hang with the neighborhood kids I have come in contact with many of the products of the bad situation which the neighborhood is in. This is because my house is kind of like a safe house to all the messed up kids that need help in the neighborhood... I've had all kinds of people stay with us in our little row house, there was this girl that my mom took in for about four months and she was just a two years older then me, 16 and she was a prostitute and she got the crap beat out of her... After that she went to her parents for refuge but they wouldn't take her so my mom offered up our house as long as the girl was willing to work with my mom to quit drugs and go back to school... Which she did, although it was hard on her and us kids as well... We have had a lot of kids like that come through this house and stay with us... some of them turned out ok and are now in school on their ways to actually be somebody and then others we kicked out because it was just to much... Like this one boy we had here, his mom was an addict and a prostitute and his dad came back from jail and just beat the crap out of both of them... He stayed with us for about seven or eight months and he just got worse and we really tried but when he tried to bring drugs into the house my mom drew the line... So yeah, it's a messed up neighborhood but not completely without hope. If people are willing to admit they have a problem it can usually be fixed.

Proletariat: 5th Jan 2008 - 18:17 GMT

I've never been in Kensington. I only know it's a very poor community with the hope of surviving everyday. I hope one day I'll vesit the city to meet all these human beings. I read many people have gotten out of there and are proud of it because now they can afford a house and food, but what have they done for the ones who are still suffering in Kensington? As humans, we must not forget those who have nothing to eat, those who have no bed, those who have no clothes to put on during the winter. This society seems to forget there exits poor people, the government has helped to silince the poor who claim for justice. This system is not working, but I believe we can change it.

Workers of the world, unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains

BEAV: 5th Jan 2008 - 19:39 GMT

KENSINGTON WAS ALWAYS A ROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD AS LONG AS I COULD REMENBER.BUT NOW ITS A TOILET I COULDNT IMAGINE RAISING CHILDREN THERE. WHEN WE WERE KIDS WE PLAYED STREET SPORTS ON THE CORNERS NOW THEY DO NOTHING BUT SELL DRUGS ON THE SAME CORNERS. IM GLAD I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO RAISE MY FAMILY IN A BETTER PLACE

Proletariat: 6th Jan 2008 - 00:30 GMT

I'm very upset about those who have lived in Kensington and now live in a "better" community, but won't do anything to restore peace and love in Kensington. If you reading this now have lived there, why don't come back to teach the new generation there is another way of life besides drugs and prostitution. I believe traitors are the ones who know the people's struggles and their miseries but don't even care about them. Are you a traitor?

hairsy: 7th Jan 2008 - 00:00 GMT

proletariat you gotta be kidding me . if you never been there don't even talk about it and the people who used to live there

Proletariat: 7th Jan 2008 - 16:43 GMT

It's my duty to care about others. You're right, I've never lived in kensington, however I've lived in worse places. I've lived in the poorest country in South America, where more than 50 % of the population lives under extreme poverty, meanwhile, the big corporation owners live in Miami, in 10 million dollar mansions. Is that fair? the woring class has been exploited since capitalist revolutions succeded in the 18th century. Kensington is just one example of the inequality and injustice imposed to us by a capitalist system. Therefore, I believe we must not surrender in our fight for freedom and equality.

If you tremble with indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine!

pc: 18th Jan 2008 - 01:42 GMT

i lived in kensington from when i was born in 81 till 93 and i loved living there. i use to live at a and westmorland and i went to St hughs. i dont remember it being that bad in the 80's. me and my friends were out there in the streets playin the same games they were playin in the 60's and 70's, stepball,halfsies,wireball,sooie,freedom.there were problems though, my dad was a herion addict.that shit really did come on big there in the 80's

Mike: 19th Jan 2008 - 03:02 GMT

Hairsy-thanks for responding to my comments about Violas. I'm the youngest of the grandchildren (42) but I remember Hairs Logan well. My mother is Mr. Violas' daughter (Jean). My father, Tom Barnes, bartended there for years. It's interesting to talk to somebody who remembers these people. Sorry it took so long for me to get back and check out responses. I'd love to hear from you again. Take care.

joe bridge: 20th Jan 2008 - 18:25 GMT

halfies, fresh pretzels, stick ball, homicide/suicide, adresses painted on sidewalks,cheap lamposts installed, popvision, mr. softy, corner candy stores,the ave, pinball machines, asteroids,record spot, levins,humphrys store, moes meats, jewish pickles, the belly buster hoagie, mr. cocos pizza,kick the can, freedom, tiny streets, shoveling snow for money, corner bars, the el, churchyard football all day, girls everywhere, priceless memories of a once proud neighborhood....

michelle romanelli: 24th Jan 2008 - 17:06 GMT

Yes. Kensington was great, I grew up at Jasper & Somerset. Worked at Hymies Deli. Knew all the business men. Bobmans's was at Cambria and Kensington. The original owner of Hymies his wife's family owned it. Its a shamed what happened. It was clean and a great place to live.

merbenz: 27th Jan 2008 - 01:00 GMT

i lived on cedar and dalphin st in kensington , the area was of irish and polish all hard working poor familys . the city let this section go . thank your city goverment

merbenz: 27th Jan 2008 - 01:04 GMT

i also went to holy name school at gaul and berks st , now look at it , and look at penn treaty jr high school down the street ran down and let go . still kids go to maby find and edication off teachers that dont care , why not the city dont care the place is now drug infected , again thank your city goverment but hold it the city will take your tax wont they

hairsy: 27th Jan 2008 - 01:27 GMT

hi mike i don't remember your dad unless he was the one with red hair i'm know someone in you family remembers me i need more people to start reading this blog were are all the people from front st area

hairsy: 27th Jan 2008 - 01:30 GMT

hi michelle i loved your sandwishes but martins were better

Ken: 31st Jan 2008 - 02:08 GMT

What are you people talking about? Kensington (at least parts of it) are getting better not worse, there are many great things going on here and I am offended by some of the comments that were posted. I purchased a home here about a year ago, and there are a lot of new people moving into the area and changing it for the better. Yes there are still some problems with crime, but where in this country is that not the case? There are fewer and fewer areas in Philly that are affordable and close to center city, Kensington is turning around and if you dont believe me you should check out the real estate listings and see how much the houses are selling for here!

Emily: 31st Jan 2008 - 05:54 GMT

I smiled to see a posting here with a pic of York and Emerald -- the same site I see outside my bedroom window every day. Things here aren't great but they're definitely moving up and visibly. The neighbors here are working their tails off (come pick up trash with us this Saturday!), but Ken's right, we live here in one of the last affordable neighborhoods in Philly where you DON'T feel worried about your safety. There are some troublemakers but with a little extra effort, this'll be a great place to live again. My house was a shell that no one cared about and a spot that caused a lot of headache for the neighbors. But here we are, all fixed up, feeling happy to have a home that we otherwise wouldn't have been able to buy. Don't be afraid of Kensington! Come and check it out. I recommend Ida Mae's Bruncherie at Frankford and Norris (fishtown almost!) and Atlantis, the Lost Bar at Frankford and Hagert. In the summer, there is cool art to be had at the Trenton Avenue Arts Festival and even a Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby. All is not lost in Kenzo.

Mike: 1st Feb 2008 - 14:26 GMT

Hairsy-
My dad was big (6'2, 225)and had dark hair, but my uncle Frank had red hair and also bartended at Violas. He was the owners son. Thanks for keeping in touch. I'd stll love to hear more. Take Care. Mike

hairsy: 2nd Feb 2008 - 02:50 GMT

i know you uncle frank he was the bartender on saturdays we used to play cards in the back of the bar he should know me. some other guys from the bar was jerry shaw bill bronkel jack delaney gillis jimmy addison lou duffy joe quinn so many more to remember

Mike: 2nd Feb 2008 - 22:14 GMT

Hairsy-I'd love to ask my Uncle Frank about these things. Unfortunately, he passed away last year. I remember Bill Bronkel, but the other names don't ring a bell. Look forward to reading your postings.

Mike: 5th Feb 2008 - 22:35 GMT

Hairsy-I have some other names for you. I went out to dinner the other night and ran into a couple I've known for awhile, but didn't know they were from Kensington. Hairsy-I have some more names to throw at you. Brook, Rocky, and Porky Hoffman and Tony Wolski. The other side of their family is Jim, Joe, Jack, Bob, and Peg O'Donell from A & Hancock. Know any of them? Our conversation about Kensington is taking on a life of its' own around here. I've told friends about our communications and they all think it's great. Get back to me when you get a chance. Maybe one day we can meet face to face-the tab's on me. Take care. Mike

Rod: 8th Feb 2008 - 11:43 GMT

This is quite a thread I happened upon. Have y'all checked out Circle of Hope at Frankford and Norris? There is life in Kensington. www.circleofhope.net

Phillip Zimmerman: 8th Feb 2008 - 19:44 GMT

I grew up in Kensington, on Westmoreland St. I moved to Ohio and oftern return to visit my family still living in Philadelphia. When I am there, by brother and I go to Four Sons for Pizza and cheesesteaks... For me, it's a link to the past that has alot of memories, some good, some not so great. But that's life. When I visit the old neighborhood,it saddens me to see the plight, the disrepair of Ascension Church,the disappearance of Millers Drugs, Ben's Deli, Guys Candystore, etc and the many houses that are now gone, especially on Westmoreland St.

Hopefully, some funds will be allocated to this section of the city and help renew the neighborhood!

hairsy: 9th Feb 2008 - 22:00 GMT

hi mike i went to shepperd school and used to hang with tony from time to time we grew up together as i got older i knew porky but i used to drink with rocky hoffman at B and Alleghany bar i also married the girl next to tony same step jackie mckee I know joe o'donnell from swanson st he had a brother mike and a sister kathy I must know the other people you were with what was the name of the place you were at maybe someday we can get together I ran three reunions for howard and cambria a few years ago i have a lot of names and addresses

Vicki: 12th Feb 2008 - 00:58 GMT

I grew up in Kensington (Coral and Clearfield) or Coral and Elkhart...block down from Frankford Ave. I went to Mastbaum for HS, Conwell for Middle and Williard for Elementary. I have many great memories of that area. Very family like community atmosphere. Yes, there were fights and some broken windows and soaped up cars on mishcief night but for the most part it was a great place to grow up. Very diverse. Very friendly. Very clean. Very...everything you could want or need as a kid. Some of my family still lives there and are struggling with today's environment versus "the old days". There are still a lot of great people in that area, even those who are not life long residents. My perception of the problem is there is very little sense of community and very few people have ownership pride. For those newcomers who think their recently redeveloped part of Kensington represents the massive neighborhood recognized as Kensington, you really need to get out more and see all of Kensington. It is struggling. Only a very small part of Kensington has seen improvement and that part never really was the part struggling the most. As for someone wondering why we don't go back and help. Believe me, I tried. I was assaulted, I was robbed, my car was stolen...

For the native Kensingtonians...do you remember hearing the pretzel boy/girl singing "fer-resh pret-zels..."? What about Geiger's bakery on Frankford Ave, Chicken Delight, Jomana's Pizza, The Price is Right on Kensington Ave, Ostroff's, Hornberger's Bakery at Frankford and Orleans, Gus' hardware, Nate's drug store, The Yellow Front, Kelly's Corner, Kellis', Salvo (the Salvation Army) rec center on Allegheny Ave, Franklin playground, Cohox, Cione...

David: 17th Feb 2008 - 15:46 GMT

I lived at G & Tioga with my Grandparents in the early 60's. They had a corner drugstore (Ben's) over which teh house was built and I would serve soda's and sandwiches when old enough. Although I only lived there for 6 years, I remember playing alley ball, the friendliness of passing neighbors and carefree feeling of living in a nice place. Another strong memory is climbing the steps up to catch EL downtown.

jim: 19th Feb 2008 - 19:18 GMT

I grew up in the Bridge,and pratt area when you could go to the store and not have to lock your doors.Now you have to armed to the teeth just to walk down the street.
That's pretty bad for the CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE...

DannyHaze: 25th Feb 2008 - 00:31 GMT

So far I love reading the blog here. I'm from the Jasper & Huntingdon area (The Lot). A lot of good discussion has been covered here, but one thing we can all agree on, "Whatever doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger". I pride myself on leadership, and those Kenso's of today will make some of the best leaders of tomorrow; in one word "adversity". We've learned some much at an early age that provides us one of the 'hardest' to acheive traits of a good leader; adversity. The Kenso youth of yesterday, today, and tomorrow will ALWAYs have an early advantage over their suburban counterparts, "if they choose the right direction".

I love where I came from, it made me the person I am today. Successful military leader, and local business owner (who is proud to provide my services to me fellow Kenso's). www.CanDoMechanical.com

RAY: 25th Feb 2008 - 19:47 GMT

Hey Hairsy, They ever catch your son yet? I read about him in the Northeast Times

hairsy: 29th Feb 2008 - 17:12 GMT

i don't know i have'nt talked to him in 4 years and don't care to

Bonnie: 2nd Mar 2008 - 14:59 GMT

My sister emailed me about this site. We were born and raised in Kensington, 2504 Front St. We lived there from 1949 until we left in the 70's. My parents lived there until 1984. It was a great area in which to live until it started to change in the late 60'. We went to Hunter Elementary, John Paul Jones Jr HIgh and then to Frankford High. We were fortunate to be in the Frankford Ambassadors of Song under Robert Hamilton Zasalow's Drugstore was catty corner to us and Shervins-remember Milty- was next door. I remember the Loftus bike store, Shoaps hardware, the Devidians, and the Dedarians. It was a great nightborhood where everyone kept the homes clean. The kids would play on the pavement from sunrise until dark. My mom would buy dairy at the butter and egg store, meats from Pressers-were Mrs Presser made great fish cakes on Friday, amd cosmetics from the Popalows on Kensngton. My dress for "graduation" was from JP Jones was from Kelly' Corner. On Sundays, my uncle Elmer Garis (Emerald Street) took us to church, first at St Lukes, then Good Shepherd. Both churches are closed now. I left Kensington in 1971 after graduating from the Univ of Pennsylvania and joining the Army as a nurse. I have lived in Texas since 1974. I would visit my parents until they died and my uncle until he died 4 years ago. I watched the neighborhood decay over the years. The last time I was there I saw that Shervins was torn down but it looked like someone was fixing up our old house. I hope the the renovation of the neighborhood continues. Urban renewal has been successful in Dallas and Fort Worth.

hairsy: 3rd Mar 2008 - 02:38 GMT

welcome to the site and it was uncle milty and his brother they had the best shakes in town. my sister and her husband used to hang out there. pinballs in the back room. i was a bulletin paper boy in the early to mid 60's across from shervins above cumberland st then we moved around the corner i think swanson st do you remember sam hot dogs on front st and the clothes store down the street free library around the corner by hope st. welcome back to kensington.

Philly Phil: 3rd Mar 2008 - 22:05 GMT

I was glad to find this blog I was born & raised in Kensington 2800 N Hurley a block from the Hissy Playground I got out in 72 I have been a filmmaker since 84 I have had my own production company for over 25yrs I wrote a screen play that takes place in the area but is in so much dismay that it would be hard to film there, so I am going to produce a film that will show Kensington Before, Now, & what it could be again, to air on PBS Hopefully If the right people see my Idea the place can be restored to Her old Glory days, I am gathering old Pics & movies 8mm, super 8mm or any content I can get to start this extensive project. I also have many great... & not so great memory's of the people places and history of Kensington

Kensington H.S. Vice President: 9th Mar 2008 - 03:18 GMT

Hello to all Kensingtonites.I lived at 5th & Leigh Ave and attended Kensington High School for Girls from 1958-1961.
Even though I have not been to Philly for many years, does anyone have suggestions of how to get in touch with old classmates. It is especially difficult since the girls typically marry and take on their husband's surnames. Would anyone know how I would be able to get a copy of the names of the 1961 Graduating Class.
My fondest memory of Philly would be going to dances on Friday and Saturday nights at St. Ann's.and the Starlite Ballroom. This would be the times I could meet the opposite sex.
Since my family valued education and raised us (three children) to study and be good students, we were able to attend college and better our financial standing. But regardless where one goes to live, they always remember their childhood and where they lived growing up. Hope to get some feedback on Kensington High School, and I wish everyone well.

Kensigton H,S, Vice President: 9th Mar 2008 - 03:21 GMT

Sorry for the previous double posting.

Bonnie: 10th Mar 2008 - 00:09 GMT

Is Kensington High School still around? Perhaps you can contact the schools alumni association. They may even have a directory.
I have a question about the Episcopal Hospital. Is it true that it is no longer a general hospital but a psychiatric and abuse rehabilitation hospital? Is ther any hospital serving Kensington?

Bonnie: 10th Mar 2008 - 00:10 GMT

Is Kensington High School still around? Perhaps you can contact the schools alumni association. They may even have a directory.
I have a question about the Episcopal Hospital. Is it true that it is no longer a general hospital but a psychiatric and abuse rehabilitation hospital? Is ther any hospital serving Kensington?

hairsy: 10th Mar 2008 - 00:53 GMT

episcopal hospital still there it is everything you heard it is and sex crimes also kensington high still there and it's a boy and girl school I'll check with my sister about alumni she went to kensington high around mid 50's

Lance Sterling: 14th Mar 2008 - 20:09 GMT

Played ball for Harrowgate RC on the field behind Richardson Mints. Is that still there?

.........and how about Hembergers Funeral Home?

My old house on Allegheny Avenue looks like a bombed out city from WWII.

With all of that, I still miss K & A!

mary graham: 17th Mar 2008 - 19:11 GMT

grew up in kensington, went to st. hughs parish elementary school, then attended little flower highschool for girls, enjoyed Wagners ballroom. graduated 1970, then moved away. i remember the magic of christmas in kensington, christmas tree stands on corners. i remember how every home was decorated and lighted up for christmas.i lived on 3537 n. kip st. near the old Philco factory. the elevated was always fun to take into center city. we usto play on the hill behind our house. it was called B hill. shame what happened to kensington.

michele bangs: 18th Mar 2008 - 23:02 GMT

i'm so glad i found this site! i was born in kensington and raised in kensington.Married in visitation church, raised my three son's there.i divorced 20 years ago, and went back to my maiden name. sadly my youngest son died in 2005 from an overdose. we found him on boudinot st. the last place i lived was jasper and albert. i moved in 1998. we moved alot when we were young, therefore i went to different schools. the first was shepard, then h.a. brown,hacket,back to h.a.brown,stetson jr. high.would love to find some old friends.. anyone remember the peacock? was a bar then made into a hangout for kids.. loved that place. my mom worked in martin's deli(good # 5's)i hung out in the k.o at kensington & somerset.some
places i remember.. kelly's korner-bobman's-kent movie - midway movie - 1&1/2 bar,silver lounge -2936 bar- jolly's pizza, hymies,levins,. the bike shop on kens. ave right before you went under the lehigh ave. bridge.actually shoved billy peters thru the window there...lol . we lived behind visitation school on potter st, stouton st.b & huntington st, palethorp st.jasper st. i would love to find.. greg fields(my first love) we hung out at A&S-cathy gator -maryann shroth. anyone who knows where they are.. please contact me at mickeyb51255@aol.com. i am proud of where i came from!!!!
KENSINGTON GIRLS

sarah b: 20th Mar 2008 - 01:39 GMT

I grew up at sergeant and emerald in kensington, lived there from 82 to 96. i loved growing up there!! i went to HA brown and conwell, my brother went to kensington high. i thought that i had a great childhood. we were able to hangout and have fun and everybody knew our parents. i always felt safe there. i still go back a few times a year to shannon's to meet up with friends. i don't ever regret my time there. i've made great friends there!! and it's been my dream to one day own my childhood home...

sonnet: 20th Mar 2008 - 03:04 GMT

I grew up on Cambria St near Emerald in the 1940's and went to Willard School. My grandparents had a store on Kensington Ave and lived above the store. The el roared by their bedroom window. When my grandfather finally retired and sold the store, he moved to Logan and said he couldn't sleep nights beause there was no el. Some memories from the 40's: the huckster with a horsedrawn wagon, the pretzel man coming by selling fresh soft pretzels, in windows or on doors--stars sewn to patriotic banners indicating blue star,silver star, and gold star mothers, keeping the Christmas tree up til Easter waiting for the boys to come home from the war. The beautiful library in McPherson Sq...my mom took us there every week. Sitting on the steps in hot weather with "Kensington air conditioning".a.k.a. a cardboard fan! Does any one know how to play a game the girls played on the step that had something to do with "apples, peaches, plums....you said or did something and you got to move up a step...oh yes: the teachers at Willard telling us to say the SINK not the ZINK and not to say "AIN"T. Do you native kenzos still say the "zinc"? or did it go out with the horsedrawn hucker wagon?

mary: 22nd Mar 2008 - 02:41 GMT

My grandparents lived at 3134 Emerald St. My mother Agnes Reichenbach married and moved to DC. When I was young and introduced to the area, I was in awe. I had never experienced a house so small with AC and radiators. But I also never experienced the love of family,friends and neighbors.This part of Phila is where my grandparents lived,loved,and brought up their 5 daughters. Yes they had lots of trying times but got through it as I really hope this area can do once again. Just the sound of the el, the wonderful smell in the bakeries. Dot's, was the corner candy store and at the other was a bar. I believe my grandad worked at Lupton's. I hope the people that live in this area now understands that no matter how bad you have it you can get through it, just (as my mom would say) work.....don't give up. Three of the daughters spoke from experience from living in the area and being deaf. Oh,yes, the accent. Even though I was brought up in DC everyone tells me that I'm from Philly. I tell people that I was not brought up there but I'm very proud to tell everyone that my family lived in the K&A Philly area. I have not washed marble front stairs since then.......and miss it.

mary: 22nd Mar 2008 - 02:41 GMT

My grandparents lived at 3134 Emerald St. My mother Agnes Reichenbach married and moved to DC. When I was young and introduced to the area, I was in awe. I had never experienced a house so small with AC and radiators. But I also never experienced the love of family,friends and neighbors.This part of Phila is where my grandparents lived,loved,and brought up their 5 daughters. Yes they had lots of trying times but got through it as I really hope this area can do once again. Just the sound of the el, the wonderful smell in the bakeries. Dot's, was the corner candy store and at the other was a bar. I believe my grandad worked at Lupton's. I hope the people that live in this area now understands that no matter how bad you have it you can get through it, just (as my mom would say) work.....don't give up. Three of the daughters spoke from experience from living in the area and being deaf. Oh,yes, the accent. Even though I was brought up in DC everyone tells me that I'm from Philly. I tell people that I was not brought up there but I'm very proud to tell everyone that my family lived in the K&A Philly area. I have not washed marble front stairs since then.......and miss it.

hairsy: 22nd Mar 2008 - 16:51 GMT

does any one remember the HOWARD movie on front st

Justin: 24th Mar 2008 - 20:27 GMT

If you think this place is hell, come to Highland Park, Detroit. (Six-mile and Woodward) The Kensington area is very dangerous, but Highland Park Detroit is unforgiving.

Joe: 26th Mar 2008 - 19:35 GMT

It is interesting to see so many postings from current/past Kensigtion folks (and others that give an address that has nothing to do with the neighborhood). I grew up there from 1957 throghh 1972, and have many of the fond memeories described by others. I suspect that it wasn't as ideal as the memories seem to suggest, but it surely had some endearing qualitites. My school was St.Hugh's and for this I am eternally grateful to the St. Joe's nuns for providing the tools needed to get the hell out, but have no regrets about the experience and proudly describe experience there. Crime was not a problem till about 1970, but went it went bad it went all the way, especially with the drug problem ( part of the many liberating revolutions of the 60's). To those still living there; can't you find a way out? I have been out of the state for about 25 years and now live several hundred miles away. I drive through the area when up for visits. It is shocking to see the culture of the area and I am always reminded that it is shame when one cannot safely walk through the neighborhood in which they grew up, epecially in a country that has such wealth and resources. I believe that the conditions are a great argument to allow such parts of a major city to decline to the point where is is eliminated, to be replaced by somrehing new/better at a later date. I will visit this site in the future to view the most recent postings.I sure miss Mike Fiolo, Mike Stever and Danny K, Debbie Schneider and many others. HEY MARY GRAHAM, did you know Carol McClean of Kip Street? Does anyone remember the Wishart Movie at Front and Allegheny?

db66: 30th Mar 2008 - 23:36 GMT

i grew up at Sergeant and Coral street....went to HA Brown....Jones Jr. High and then to Frankford class of 1984. Hung out at "The Lot" and loved every minute of growing up there!!!!! I remember playing buck/buck...freedome...halfies, fresh pretzels, stick ball, homicide/suicide, box ball, kill the man..Ass Ball...kelleys korner..Jollys..W-O bar..quarts of bud on the corner...old sneakers on the wire...street fights...great people...lots of love....it had everything good and bad but it was AMAZING to grow up there.Oh, one more thing...just about EVERYONE had a nickname...here are a few you might know!? Cj..Bad..chim chim...brutus...toot... banjo eyes....physco....snicker bro...tiny..derwood...Mo just to name a few.

anon (64.122.171.154): 31st Mar 2008 - 09:41 GMT

i lived in kensington from 62 till 82,went to ascention school,bought my chuck taylors at bobmans,and played stickball and halfies at mcpherson square,graduated from st gabriels hall!anyone go there? it was a great place to live and i have many good and funny memeries of living there,my folks did not have a car so i spent all my time there,i had many great neighbors there,my folks did not move off hartville st until 2001,only because of there health,i often wonder what happened to many of my old friends,i hope there well...

sonnet: 31st Mar 2008 - 23:02 GMT

When I hear parents talking today about arrangeing "play-dates" for their children, it makes me laugh as I think back to a real Kensington childhood. We just all played outside on the sidewalk (or the middle of the street) every spare moment after school til dark and all day on weekends. Nothing was arranged by anyone. I am not sure I went inside other kids' houses or that they came inside mine very often. Everything took place on the street...double dutch and other jump rope games...especially a jump rope game called "one on" where you jumped in and them immediately out and the next jumper came right in without missing a beat. It needed to be played with at least five girls beause you had to run around the turner and get ready for your turn again. I remember playing it with about 8 or 12 girls at a time. From the other postings I can gather that we all played girls with girls and guys with guys...but we moved before high school when the boy/girl patterns probably change. The houses jammed so close together just gave us what suburban kids have lost...always someone right out in front of your house to hang out with.

Bones: 2nd Apr 2008 - 03:40 GMT

It's a shame to say this but I remember when I was teenager in the late 80's and early 90's me and a bunch kids would drive up there every weekend for drugs. I remember going to 5th & Indiana and also Lee Street all the time. I look back now and think how crazy we were for even puting our lives in jepordy like that. We were all kids from the South Jersey burbs. It's an experience I will never forget. Oh yah, Hairsy did you know anyone from the old K & A Gang. My fathers friend was part of that. Let me know, Bones.

hairsy: 7th Apr 2008 - 01:15 GMT

there was a group that sang there i dont remember the last names 2 john a bob antony afew guys i work with at at 2nd and girard and some i would go to blvd. dance with concord on frankford ave kensington and lehigh ave member ron diamond

Kensington H,S, Vice President: 10th Apr 2008 - 23:43 GMT

Anyone know someone who graduated in 1961 from Kensington High School for Girls?

Please ask them to leave their name at this site.

A group of us are planning a reunion. Thanks

Bonnie: 12th Apr 2008 - 14:27 GMT

Did any of you watch Cold Case last week? Am I mistaken or did Lilly Rush infer she was a Kensington girl? My sister got the same impression and she watched it in California, independent of me. It is the sory where a girl is keep prisoner by a sicko. The clue was the bells of the Assumption Church.

Kensington H,S, Vice President: 13th Apr 2008 - 13:32 GMT

Cold Case does take place in Philadelphia. And the main girl detective (blond haired - is that Lilly Rush ?) is suppose to come from Fishtown.

Linda: 13th Apr 2008 - 18:28 GMT

I live in Kensington I have been here all my life and now i want OUT.Its worse then ever and i hate it that i had to brig up my children in this part of the HOOD ...as they all call it.Its a damm shame what people can do to a neighborhood so fast,and the police they r no help.I cant wait till i sell my home and get out.

Joe: 16th Apr 2008 - 13:12 GMT

In response to LINDA from 4/13/2008. I left 29 years ago and also felt at that time that I had to GET OUT of Kensington. I had just purchased a home there (my wife wanted to return to Kensigton to be close to her family) and was married at the time. About 1 year later my marrige ended and I was stuck with the house, but had to get out to survive. I simply locked down for 2 years and worked as many hours as I could get and gave up just about all outside activities (because these have a $ cost). I saved every penny possible. At the end of this time I bought my house with cash and sold it for about 65% of the price I paid to buy it a few years earlier (sounds like a bad deal, but I did meet my objective). I took out a $5,000 loan just so I could have some money in the bank and bought a house in Juniata Park for $29,000, lived there for 3.5 years and never looked back. I now live more than 600 miles away in an area that is described locally as "God's country." I just wanted to share my experience of the need to leave the neighborhood at almost any price. It did cost me some valuable years at a young age, but it provided the opportunity for me to pursue a better life. I can't say that all has been perfect since I moved on, but as I said earlier, I did meet my objective, and by just about any measure, have greatly exceeded it. Remember, the Americam heritage is to move on to better opportunities (that is how all of us non-native americans came to be American). DON'T WAIT! ACT NOW! Just remember that there is a better environment for you out there and that the improvements that you will enjoy will come in small incremental steps and that you need to take that first big step.

hairsy: 20th Apr 2008 - 22:09 GMT

like everything you leave kensington and you leave the web site

Joe: 21st Apr 2008 - 13:23 GMT

To hairsy. I thought I would add clarity to my message from April 16th. The only thing that I left was Kensigton. My first marrige ended when my wife left me and this opened the door to split from that death trap neighborhood (she loved Kensigton, but later found her way out and went on to great success). I have been married to my second wife for for 27 years ( I would never have met her if I had remained in your beloved war zone). We also have great kids that are at the top of their peer groups. I regret nothing related to my escape from Philly. As I look back it is easy to understand that the Kensington that I knew while growing up left me. All things change and not always for the better... perhaps you have become one with the life that immediately surrounds you and you wish to wallow in it. To those with the vision and energy to pursue the american dream, especially those with young children, leave the nightmare and get out while you still can. For those of you that are 100% convinced that there is no way out for you, rise above the surroundings and try not contribute to the worst of human behavior that is evident every day in Kensington. As for leaving the website, no chance.

CB : 21st Apr 2008 - 17:29 GMT

It is easy for anyone to put down our inner city areas and declare them a war zone. But the truth of the matter is that if we had more people involved to make change then we wouldn't have to runaway from the now growing problems of drugs prostitution etc.. I am a single parent and when I moved in the heart of North Philly, around Dec. 1993 it was an area where I seen the potential for growth and to someday get better. The resources in this area are phenomenal for those who know how to use your community to the better of your advantage. When I moved here my three daughters were young and now that they are grown two is on their way to college(Saved Christians, drug free, and virgins. I gave them the character to make it no matter where your from with God. And I will be completing my first B.S.degree; It is a reality that the drugs, prostitution and what I call; kids with no direction has seemed to be uncontrollable, but IT didn't start with our neighborhoods. Look at our government who time after time assasination after assasination of good leaders, almost entire races(native americans)slavery, genocide are getting rich off of our backs. A dream deferred written by langston Hughes says hold face to dream becuase if they die... where will we be.. We need to wake up in american and get back to the basic of taking responsibility in our own communities, and with our churches, children and neighborhoods. I pray that Obama wins because atleast than we will see a change for minorities all alike. What will it take us to stop voting the wrong people in office and stand up for the Bill OF Rights created for the people, by the people. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. What ever happened to places like kelley's corner, 5& 10 stores... (Where is our communities) Society has been so focused on the quick gratification generation that they have dam near brain washed almost everyone in believing that you don't have to fight for what you want. (Just e-mail your response)and you'll get a quick answer.

Sincerely, CB Dare to do the impossible-even if no one is expecting it!

Joe: 21st Apr 2008 - 19:17 GMT

Hello CB Dare,
Sounds like you have very important things to say and the courage to go with it. I can only explain my experience with my early years in Kensigton. There is somethimg to be said for the "stand and fight" attitude and for making the argument that all should "take responsibility" for their actions. If the majority would take personal responsibility, we would not need to have this debate and I could return to the neighborhood of my youth without concern for my physical well being and most there could pursue there lives without fear or ignorance. When the majority does not take responsibility it seems more promising to seek another location where the desired common values are more evident (i.e., good/safe schools). It does seem that the only way to turn the neighborhood around is from the grass roots (stnad and fight) or by gentrification. Perhaps someone like Obama, with his inner city skills can add some fuel to the turn around efforts, but keep in mind that he was not raised in the culture of the city, but developed his skills through education and planted himself in the city to devalop and practice his technical and political skills. My only point is that everyone owes themselves and their children the best opportunity for a good life and I know that there are no guarantees. Good government can add supportive elements, but can never offer a full solution. If you can find it in Kensington, then do it and have the best success possible...but the odds are much longer and the energy required much greater than in a more neutral setting, especially for the young and impressionable. I wish you, 'CB Dare", the best.

mburgos: 22nd Apr 2008 - 19:46 GMT

omg... i wonder how many of you i know... i grew up all over kensington... and still kinda am ... the steak house wanderer was staliking about was billy's steak house... they robbed and killed him years ago. and i remember viola bar. front and cambria.. i lived at 2859 front, right across the street. hope and clearfield st'.. front and alleghney.. 2nd and tioga... wow such memories.. i went to sheppard school, from kinder garden , and graduated the 6th grade.. .. i was shopping the other day at front and york, and as i stood around , i remember mr jingles we have pictures, well my mom did.. he was always under the el.lol... again wow.... my name is margie.. and i practically knew everyone. i read somewhere where someone was talking about a reunion, would be nice.. my name (maiden } margie sherman.. any one want to reunite please leave name on this site..well i really enjoyed this , so many memories...

Joe: 23rd Apr 2008 - 16:00 GMT

As others have stated, the good memories exceed those that were bad: Joe the pretzel guy at Front & Allegheny, Christmas and the stores on the 3200 block of front St., local bakery shops and spending my Inquirer $ collections there on the way home from my morning paper route, snow and the day off to play in it, 6Th grade at St. Hugh's and Sister Nickolas Helene, Diane Snyer, as Mary in the Christmas play, the Mister Softee ice cream truck, Deddie S., under the fireplug on hot days and nights, sitting on the front steps all night talking with Mike Fiolo, Mike Stever and Danny K., Seeing JFK as a candidate riding through Front & Allegheny (a necessary political stop at that time for the Irish/Catholic vote and my family is both), Emils TV shop on Front St.to buy 45's, the candy store on Front St. near Ontario St., PAL basketball, all sports at the Lighthouse club and being on the street at 7 AM during the summer waiting for my friends to come out to play any kind of ball (ball from the sewer or factory if necessary). It would be nice to go back for a while and show the neighborhood to my kids.

bob taylor ( aka) ottis: 26th Apr 2008 - 15:47 GMT

born and raised on the 3000 blk of hartville st
remember mc pherson square aka needle park some great memeries there exspecially in the winter when it snowed the FIRE HILL one thing about k=a christmas time the decorations one the ave from ontario st to indianna st still work in the area don,t reconize it any more not the same area i grew up in

jj: 28th Apr 2008 - 01:35 GMT

does anyone remember tillys store at tulip and cambria st.? also how is tulip street which includes 2 side streets, auburn and william streets? is jones junior high still just jones junior high? and when did kensington high become boy/girl?

Richard Barron: 30th Apr 2008 - 21:27 GMT

What memories! My father was bar tender at Bob Renzies, 'I'and Russell Sts.Then at Lafferty's,Kensington Ave. and Madison. That was in the 50's. We lived at 'F'and Allegheny Ave.in the 60's. I went to Frankford High. I probably still have family there? Remember the Automat on Allegheny Ave,and the Midway and Iris Movies? My uncle Dan was ticket collector. The air raid siren under the El at 'K and A'? Lots of Irish families everywhere. Kensington is a long way from me now! We serve the Lord in Christian missionary work in ROMANIA! Maybe someday we may need to do that there?

Eric from Port Richmond: 1st May 2008 - 02:35 GMT

A Richmond boy with a few comments.
Its NOT just Kensignton that took a turn for the worst in the area.
I grew up in the late 70s and 80s in Port Richmond. The neighbors would sit out and have nice talks while the children all played OUTSIDE , and TOGETHER.
Kick the can, Homoside,Red Rover,King, Wall Ball, Halfies, Fasties, WireBall... You name it. Anyway- It was just different.
EVERYONE would sweep thier sidewalks, wash thier windows and steps.
There was a pride in the city then.
I remember in 76 the city painting EVERYTHING RED WHITE AND BLUE.
Firplugs, gutters, sign poles, Bells and Stars in the center of the streets every 10 feet or so. It seemed the more those colors faded, the worse things got.
After Penn State in 94 I headed to Northern New Jersey, where I still live.
My parents are in the same house, and WOW has it fallen apart.

I was no Angel, but last time I was down I had 2 drunken 12 year old girls squatting behind my truck talking a leak, and when I said something, they went off on me, and continued smoking and drinking on a neighbors step.

MAN, If I did something like that growing up, my parents would know about it before I got home. Do you know the respect I have for my neighbors?
Not the kids today!

I took my wife under the El, where they filmed some Rocky Scenes, and all she could think was - PLEASE GET US OUT OF HERE!!! BEFORE WE DIE!

Couldnt blame her either.

Well with the rising prices of houses in the area, there may be a change over soon of the neighbor hoods in the Richmond Fishtown and Kensihngton area....

Lets hope so....

Joe: 1st May 2008 - 12:49 GMT

I still wonder if my fond memories of growing up in Kensington are real or simply a product of youth. It is striking that most people I encounter have such a favorable memory of their early years regardless of the circumstances. I would expect that kids in these situations would only know the environment with which they were familiar and not know the difficulty of their circumstances, but that was not the case with me. I spent nearly every Sunday in suburban N.J. with folks that had a single home, big backyard, new cars and swimming pool. These are all luxeries that I did not notice at the time...I simply visited for the day, had fun and returned to Kensington in the evening. As I look back now I am startled by contrast of the two very different settings. The neighborhood did not seriously decline until the late 60's, so I guess that I was fairly safe in the Kensigton culture. All of this seems to suggest that it is very possible protect and support very young children that are being raised in tough surroundings. They require strong parents, role models and early intervention (not just for the 7 hours per day of public school)as needed to carry them through the years where they can turn to the good or bad side of life. I know that describing it as good/bad may seem to be an over-simplication of the the situation, but I really do believe this to be the case (good is the decision that will offer the best opportunity for LONG TERM well being for the individual and family unit). The bottom line is that Kensigton is still producing youngsters that are in a very difficult surrounding, but all can do well with a strong family and support network...that should be the goal of all in the cummunity of today (as with all communities). Keep the good memories alive and make new ones!

Mystery History of Kensington Phila.: 1st May 2008 - 20:25 GMT

To Richard Barron.
The automat was Horn and Hardart. I remember the Midway movie house. Do you remember the Wishart near Front & Allegheny? We need morer related historic information from all past - current residents and all other sources!

anon (64.122.171.154): 3rd May 2008 - 01:13 GMT

to OTIS TAYLOR,hope all is well,its been a long time!.....john S (3055)

s

Packer: 3rd May 2008 - 04:11 GMT

I lived in Kensington for a number of years with my Dad when my parents split in the early 90's I lived back a coupple blocks from frankford and sommerset on Rush St. many people dont know it cause it lasts no more than half a block. I left in my late teens but I liked it. Yes it is a hard area but there is always something going on, something to be had. There is a feeling in the air that I really cannot put my finger on, you never know what's going to happen. It truly is a concrete jungle. I love it and go back whenever I can, even if it is just to drive through.

Angie: 3rd May 2008 - 13:02 GMT

I currently live in North Philadelphia, (upper Kensington area) and you people make it seem like its hell compared to people who live in poorer countries than here.. I LOVE Philly and will always do... Its all about living and understanding not what conditions is out there..but we can make a change.... To all the so called Philly natives that say they lived here, you should appreciate and never forget where you came from...

Kathy Hulse: 4th May 2008 - 22:44 GMT

To: Ginny Orr

In case you didn't get your answer of where the Apha Baptist Church was located, it was Hancock and York Streets. 2300 N. Hancock. I was born and raised on the 2500 block of Hancock back in the good old days of the 50's, and 60's. Back then it was a great neighborhood! It started to go bad when the riots of the late 60's took place, people got scared and started moving out! It was really sad to see such a beautiful neighborhood go down.

hairsy: 6th May 2008 - 01:53 GMT

hi kathy my sister married paul heiler from 25 or 2400 blk. of hancock st his nickname was allstar

kgraham: 6th May 2008 - 15:30 GMT

Does anyone in Harrowgate Remenber The Kensington Roller Ring Or Middway Theater, iris Theater,Kent Movie,Belgrade TheaterOr Adriatic Theater. Born And Raised Frankford & Castor Aves. Love The Neighboor Hood And Still Ride Past 2000 Block Of Albright Street. That Block Is Shot Also.

Kathy Hulse: 6th May 2008 - 22:25 GMT

hairsy, The name Heiler is familiar, but must have been after my time. I left there in '70. I remember my grandmother and mother talking about the heiler family. We had the Heil family that lived across the street from us, also the Hood family, Welch, Deitzel and Gizzi's.

Bob Sisko: 7th May 2008 - 12:23 GMT

Does anyone remember the pizza truck that drove around @midnight. I grew up on Sergeant & Emerald in the 60's-70's and have not visited but twice. I am going back next week to drive through and remind myself of where I grew up. Remember Kelly's Corner on Kensington Ave? Schmidts? Kent Self Service?
When I visited a few years back I actually thought it looked cleaner than when I grew up. Less glass and trash. HA Brown school was gated it was a place for drugs and whatnot back in the day.
I think my Dad sold his house for nothing when he moved out. Looks as if that has inproved a bit.
Glad I in Florida though, seems as if for some people getting out is only a dream when all you have to do is walk away.

Joe: 7th May 2008 - 20:36 GMT

As I review most of the comments posted it seems that there are many faded memories of a better time for Kensington (including many of my comments and memories). I do love history and therefore I normally respect the values of reviewing and noting the past, but it is not the same for the old neighborhood. It hurts that the area has virtually no resemblence to the one I left 30 years ago and it is very troubling that one cannot simply go back for a visit and walk the streets as when we were kids. There is a part of me that wants to return to city life and the many influences that surround you in this kind of environment. But not in Philadelphia, and certainly not Kensington. We have been considering a return to that region and I have inquired with frinds about their opinion of some areas of Philadelphia that may be pleasant to settle in and the unanimous advice is to avoid all areas of the city. Even friends that still live there do so only because they are required to do so by their employer, the city of Philadelphia (the city must be scaring off a lot of potential talent). I sure would like to see Kensigton and other neighborhoods begin to rise again and perhaps this will happen sometime in the future, but for now I guess the old saying, "you can't go home again," is true...very true. I look forward to more comments by others and hope to make contact with some old friends. Go Flyers (beat the Pens like a drum) and first place Phils!

jj: 9th May 2008 - 02:17 GMT

can anyone find kensington high 1961 yearbooks? and when and where is the 1961 reunion going to be held? is there a site where you can leave your name for the class reunion? if so, where?