Mantua: Five Places You Need To Know

A condemned home remains across the street from the West Bethlehem Baptist Church. |Photo: Michael Wojcik

Just north of Drexel University’s campus sits a small, tightly knit community called Mantua. With bordering streets from Spring Garden Street to Mantua Avenue and 31st to 40th streets. A mainly residential neighborhood, Mantua has struggled in the past with drug-related crimes and deep poverty. The residents are predominantly working-class Philadelphians dedicated to keeping their community safe and developing with Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. A few businesses have been in Mantua for years, while others recently relocated to the West Philadelphia neighborhood. Here is a short list of places, new and old, that you should check out.

[Above: A condemned home remains across the street from the West Bethlehem Baptist Church. |Photo: Michael Wojcik]

1. James Dupree Studios

The studio of none other than James Dupree. Dupree has received various awards in the art world and also has works displayed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. | Photo: Michael Wojcik
The studio of none other than James Dupree. Dupree has received various awards in the art world and also has works displayed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. | Photo: Michael Wojcik

 

Along the 3600 block of Haverford Avenue lies a true Philadelphia gem. Legendary artist and Philadelphia native James Dupree has turned his former garage into a living piece of art. The mural on the front of the building is a polyphonic explosion of color completed by the artist himself. If you’re lucky, Mr. Dupree himself will give you a personal tour of his massive ten-room gallery. Later this year, he plans to hold open-house tours to the public.

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James Dupree in his studio hallway tells of the countless hours he has spent on his masterful works. | Photo: Michael Wojcik

 

2. Swift Music Works

Swift's one on one lessons are the key to reaching students on a personal level to help them learn at their own pace. |Photo: Michael Wojcik
Swift’s one-on-one lessons are the key to reaching students on a personal level to help them learn at their own pace. |Photo: Michael Wojcik

Ever wish you played the guitar? Guitar savant Rob Swift runs a recording studio that doubles as a guitar classroom on the corner of 37th and Spring Garden streets. With more than 15 years of experience combined with an easy-going and motivated attitude, Swift has been rightfully dubbed Philadelphia’s guitar instructor.  Swift also brings bands from around Philly and the region to perform at his house. Although Swift may be the brains of the operation he calls the “Nomad House,” the star of the show is his dog, Otis.

Rob Swift with his trustworthy dog, Otis. |Photo: Wojcik
Rob Swift with his trustworthy dog, Otis. |Photo: Wojcik

3. West Philadelphia Community Center

The gymnasium of the West Philadelphia Community Center is just one of many great facilities for the kids of Mantua to utilize. |Photo: Michael Wojcik
The gymnasium of the West Philadelphia Community Center is just one of many great facilities for the kids of Mantua to utilize. |Photo: Michael Wojcik

Located at 3512 Haverford Avenue, the West Philadelphia Community Center serves the residents of Mantua with after school programs for students ranging from pre-K to high school and even offering programs for seniors. With two floors and 40,000 square feet, the WPCC is full of facilities kids of all ages can enjoy: computer labs, a gym which is getting fully renovated in the next year and an Olympic-size pool. The WPCC has it all.

4. Thee Shop Plaza

Nafis Williams, the owner of Thee Shop Plaza, executes a perfect shape-up for all of his loyal customers. |Photo: Michael Wojcik
Nafis Williams, the owner of Thee Shop Plaza, executes a perfect shape-up for each of his loyal customers. |Photo: Michael Wojcik
A quiver of hair clippers beside Nafis Williams as he spends his afternoon cutting hair and catching up with customers. | Photo: Michael Wojcik
A quiver of hair clippers beside Nafis Williams as he spends his afternoon cutting hair and catching up with customers. | Photo: Michael Wojcik

There is nothing like a good old-fashioned haircut. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard knows this all too well. Any time The Big Piece needs a quick shape up, he trucks over to 33rd and Spring Garden and the boys of Thee Shop Plaza. One of the best barbershops in Philadelphia is located right at the edge of Mantua. Barber Nafis Williams keeps a relaxed atmosphere in the place, just like any great barber should . Other big name customers include Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers and former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Who knows? Maybe if you’re cool enough, you might get to sign their signature wall.

5. Black Star Supply Co.

An outside view of Joe and Pat Boyd's Black Star Supply Co. adjacent to Thee Shop Plaza on 33rd and Spring Garden Streets. |Photo: Michael Wojcik
An outside view of Joe and Pat Boyd’s Black Star Supply Co. adjacent to Thee Shop Plaza on 33rd and Spring Garden Streets. |Photo: Michael Wojcik

Throughout the years, big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have put the small mom-and-pop hardware stores out of business. Mr. Joe and Ms. Pat Boyd refuse to let the “big guys” put them down. Their Black Star Hardware and Supply Company is located right behind Thee Shop Plaza on 33rd street. The Boyds have not just sold the community home improvement supplies. Mr. Boyd serves on the Dornsife Center for Community Outreach’s board of trustees. Deeply involved in community development, Black Star Hardware even sold developers from Drexel the new windows for the renovation project at Dornsife. Stop by in the summer for the best water ice in the city and even better gossip from Ms. Pat.

Black Star Supply Co. has everything you need when it comes to home improvement. |Photo: Michael Wojcik
Black Star Supply Co. has everything you need when it comes to home improvement. |Photo: Michael Wojcik

– Text and images by Patrick McPeak and Michael Wojcik.

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