Philadelphia

We drove south to Philadelphia; well, Jerry drove and Anna Lee slept.  Our prime purpose was to visit with Anna Lee’s cousins Barbara and Bob, secondarily to visit a city that has an endless supply of wonderful things to see and do.  Our first evening’s weather was perfect and we enjoyed a delicious dinner while catching up on each other’s lives.

We did learn an important lesson at the 100-year old inn where we stayed.  We are no longer built to stay on the third-floor of an old inn.  Not matter how delightful the breakfast conversation, the shlep up the stairs is not worth it.

After a good lunch (all the eating in Philadelphia was good), followed by a shared massive cookie,

we went to the National Constitution Center.  We had been here before, but as we studied the exhibits, we were reminded that it is vital to continually learn about and be aware of the amazing basis for this county.

The museum’s emphasis is that we, as American’s, are responsible for controlling our destiny.  Freedom Rising is  “360-degree live theatrical production that tells the story of the U.S. Constitution and the American quest for freedom.”   The program, "We the People"  demonstrates how the people have changed the country over the past two centuries. 

In Signers’ Hall the most photographed statue is of Alexander Hamilton.  With one exception, each signatories’ statue is based upon a real painting or portrait created during their life.

Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality is newly opened.  The exhibit tells both of the wonderful goals and the horrible reactions following the Civil War.

Among the artifacts is this remnant from the flag that draped Lincoln’s coffin as it travel from DC to Springfield, IL

In 1864 forty-eight signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation were offered for $10 each as a fundraiser to help Union soldiers.  Not all the them were purchased.  Recently, one sold for more than $2 million.

With no hint as to where we were going, Bob and Barbara took us to the Curtis Building where Bob had worked.  Upon entering we saw this overwhelming 15 x 49 foot glass mosaic.  Designed by Maxfield Parrish and created with 100,000 pieces of “favrile” glass by the Tiffany studios, the Dream Garden was unveiled in 1916.  But it was almost lost forever.  At one point in its history, owners of the building ordered the wall demolished.  On seeing the mosaic, which was hidden behind some drywall, the contractor asked if the owners were sure they wanted to demolish it.  Instead, a collection of trusts and benefactors purchased it and donated it to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts to remain forever on display in its original home.

We dined at McNally’s where the Schmitter, a kaiser roll smothered with beef, salami, cheese, onions and more, is their specialty.  Jerry loved it, Anna Lee made a different choice.

Food is always part of our wonderful visits to Philly but the favorite is the Night Kitchen, an outstanding bakery where Barbara and Bob have ordered Bennett’s birthday cakes.  We bought a brownie for our flight home.  Mmmmm.

We had such a lovely time that we have made plans to return later in the year to continue conversations and visits, but we will stay in a more appropriate place.