Poplar: Ukrainians Still Return to Area to Attend Historic Cathedral
In 1907, Bishop Sotor Stephen Ortynsky, the first bishop of the Ukrainian Catholics, purchased the old Cathedral Church. More than 100 years later, Ukrainian Catholics flock to a new cathedral on the same land Ortynsky bought. “Ukrainians have a strong identity not only to their faith, but also to their ethnicity,” director of communications John […]
Center City: Philadelphia’s Irish Community Supports Civil Rights
People of Irish descent in Philadelphia have a history dating back to the pre-American Revolution era. According to the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA), Irish Americans make up the largest ethnic group in the Philadelphia area. The 2000 U.S. Census lists the population of people of Irish descent in Philadelphia as more than 206,000. However, this […]
Mayfair: Q&A with a Business Leader Fighting a Changing Neighborhood
Angela Vanni is a Philadelphia native and an owner of Giggles Gifts, a retail gift shop which specializes in candies, cards, seasonal decorations and other possible presents. Located at 7400 Frankford Ave., it was founded by the Veneziale family in 1983 and opened during an era when these types of businesses were a common sight in Mayfair. Now, the times have changed, […]
University City: New Irish-American Pub Finds Home On Walnut Street
While most Irish pubs throughout the country take pride in their vast beer selection, loud disposition and flamboyant pageantry, St. Declan’s Well, on the 3100 block of Walnut Street, focuses their charm in their modesty and authenticity. Almost everything in the bar from the furniture to their wide range of dishes prepared by a first […]
Mt. Airy: A Celebration of Irish Culture
In the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, known for its diversity, a group of citizens have organized an annual festival conserving one culture in particular. The Irish Traditional Music and Dance Festival is held annually by the nonprofit Philadelphia Ceili Group to preserve Irish music, dance and culture. Just like the centuries old Irish heritage, […]
South Philadelphia: Community Celebrates Growing Mexican Population
Mark al Simon has a simple request for his South Philadelphia community, which continues to change. “All I ask is we respect each other. From the beginning it was the Irish, then the Italians. Now we got the Asians coming in, Latinos, Mexicans,” he said. Living near the 900 block of Ellsworth Street in a […]