Philly Tales Blog

Since May 14 was Mother’s Day and Father’s Day is June 16th this year, I thought it was a good time to post this article. This story is one of 46 f...

When you see a flying roach, what do you do? If you grew up in rural America, you’re used to seeing and interacting with a great number of God’s ...

A while ago, I bought an illustrated map of Kensington created by Jessie Husband. It’s a beautiful visual depiction of the area where I grew up...

It was a fantastic day. Puffy white clouds slowly drifted across the bright blue skies, and it was warm, but the breeze was cool. It was the kind...

Note: I chose some images that relate to this article. You can see the other 35 images, plus over 1200 other images of historic Philadelphia, at h...

By Harry HallmanAfter 78 years, you have a mixed bag of memories, and I try to draw on the one from my happy years of growing up in Philly. The oth...

It‘s hot, almost oppressively hot, in the crowded schoolroom. You wipe the sweat from your forehead as the teacher gives final information about ho...

Mommy, Maman, Mami, Anychi, Mamo, Mamai, Mammina, Me Oi, Mare, Mamman, Mamusia, Mamica. Whatever language you use, the word mommy can put a smile ...

Easter is almost here (April 17, 2022,) and you are no doubt being tempted to buy jellybeans, chocolate bunnies, and coconut cream eggs early so yo...

When I grew up in Philly during the 1940s and 1950s, my family was not particularly religious. My dad was a nonpracticing Catholic, and my mom was ...

Originally posted on The Kensington Neighborhood Alumni Group on Facebook.

All images are from 1930 to 1980 and have been colorized.