A visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1923


Walk with me. Today we will be visiting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1923. Specifically, Broad Street. The address on the photo is 1900 N. Broad, but I looked at Google street view and didn't see anything that I recognized. I'm not familiar with Philadelphia, so if you can tell which way this photo is looking I'd appreciate it.

But it really doesn't matter to me, I'm not going anywhere, I'm just walking. I've always loved to walk and think, and sometimes I just walk. By the way, in case you're wondering, I found this photo on the Duke University site. Their interest is history, mine is just walking.


It's March in Philly, so it's still cold. I'm going to pull my collar up. There are cars going by, but I really don't hear them. Luckily, traffic is light, so I can cross the street anytime I want to. But for now I'm just walking, listening to the sound of the wind in my ears. Everyone seems to have a place to go, something to do.


There are billboards over there by the Broad Garage. Looks like there's a new Gloria Swanson picture. Maybe I'll go over to the Strand and check it out. I wonder what those things are there on the sidewalk? Air hoses?

These sure are some nice wide sidewalks! I wonder where everyone is? It may be too early in the morning, or maybe it's afternoon. I really have no idea what time it is. No, I'm not sad, I'm just thoughtful. I like the quiet. Thank you for visiting Philadelphia in 1923 with me!


I was bruised and battered,
I couldn't tell what I felt.
I was unrecognizable to myself.
Saw my reflection in a window,
And didn't know my own face.
Oh brother are you gonna leave me wasting away
On the streets of Philadelphia?
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