This is a beautiful piece that brings a tear to my eye. My hometown is nearly unrecognizable and the adopted hometown where I have settled feels to be on the edge of a major transformation as climate refugees move to the area.
Change can be unsettling whether viewed as positive or not. Yes? My town struggles with its image and some of the changes are good like run new paint on down houses, yards cleaned up of weeds and brush, and junk removed...hopefully. What many of us find heartbreaking is when good farmland is developed. I'm grateful for the work of organizations here like https://northolympiclandtrust.org/.
I wish I, my whole family, and most of the old residents, could find some grace in what's happened but Manayunk, it's character, it's social fabric of people looking after each other, has been broken. Developers tear down whole blocks and put up cheap buildings that don't even begin to blend in, that damage the ecology and promote more flooding and erosion of the hillsides. The churches have emptied out of their parishioners and have either been torn down or converted into even more apartments. It's overcrowded and expensive, and people who move in are often disdainful of those who didn't leave. I know it's the way of the world and, yes, one way or another Manayunk was gong to change, but so much of what made it a good place to live has been shattered....as you can see, I have anger issues. ;)
Ahhhhhh, Manyunk!!
Great piece, P.
My memories are scattered, but Manyunk was always the place I would mention if anyone brought up Philly.
Love the snippet about your Dad....I have such a clear picture in my memory from a photo I have.
And don't forget walking up that long church aisle getting me to the damn alter!
This is a beautiful piece that brings a tear to my eye. My hometown is nearly unrecognizable and the adopted hometown where I have settled feels to be on the edge of a major transformation as climate refugees move to the area.
It's heartbreaking, isn't it? My dad's spitting mad from his grave!
Change can be unsettling whether viewed as positive or not. Yes? My town struggles with its image and some of the changes are good like run new paint on down houses, yards cleaned up of weeds and brush, and junk removed...hopefully. What many of us find heartbreaking is when good farmland is developed. I'm grateful for the work of organizations here like https://northolympiclandtrust.org/.
I wish I, my whole family, and most of the old residents, could find some grace in what's happened but Manayunk, it's character, it's social fabric of people looking after each other, has been broken. Developers tear down whole blocks and put up cheap buildings that don't even begin to blend in, that damage the ecology and promote more flooding and erosion of the hillsides. The churches have emptied out of their parishioners and have either been torn down or converted into even more apartments. It's overcrowded and expensive, and people who move in are often disdainful of those who didn't leave. I know it's the way of the world and, yes, one way or another Manayunk was gong to change, but so much of what made it a good place to live has been shattered....as you can see, I have anger issues. ;)
Time for a Kate and Pat chat.
yes, indeed! How's Friday?
Next week is better. Let's email and set up day and time.