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| publisher= Temple University Press
| publisher= Temple University Press
| id=ISBN 0-87722-053-0
| id=ISBN 0-87722-053-0
| pages=256 }} </ref> South Philadelphia's immigration, primarily from Italy and Ireland, lead to the neighborhood becoming almost all [[Roman Catholic]]. Monsignor James F. Connelly, the pastor of the Stella Maris Catholic Church and an editor of the 1976 work ''The History of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia'', stated in a 2005 ''[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' article that each parish church "offer the immigrants the faith they were familiar with."<ref name="MarthaWoodallCatholicSchools">Woodall, Martha. "[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=108F31FAB5971E42&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Unsteady times for neighborhood Catholic schools; Population changes have meant fewer elementaries and an unexpected merger]." ''[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]''. March 16, 2005.</ref>
| pages=256 }} </ref>


An increase in immigration has given South Philadelphia significant populations from [[Italy]], [[Vietnam]], [[Cambodia]], [[Thailand]], [[China]], [[Russia]], and [[Mexico]], as well as smaller populations from dozens of nations across the world. Many of South Philadelphia's communities are largely [[Italian American]], and many neighborhoods in South Philadelphia are known as "[[Little Italy]]s." The recent revitalization of [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City Philadelphia]] has led to [[gentrification]] in [[Fitler Square]], [[Southwest Center City|Graduate Hospital/Southwest Center City]], which led to skyrocketing prices of housing in [[Queen Village]], and [[Bella Vista, Philadelphia|Bella Vista]], and some other parts of South Philadelphia. Also, previously, for various reasons, many second and third generation South Philadelphians began moving en masse to [[South Jersey]] when the [[Walt Whitman Bridge]] was opened in the mid 20th century. These events have resulted in perhaps the largest change in South Philadelphia's culture in nearly a hundred years. Many of the clubs that make up the annual [[Mummers Parade]] every New Year's Day are from South Philadelphia. Many are located on the largely [[Irish American]] 2nd street ([[Two Street]]).<ref name="strut">{{cite video | people = Max L. Raab | title = Strut! The Movie | medium = DVD | publisher = Max L. Raab Productions | location = Philadelphia | URL = http://www.strutthemovie.com/synopsis.php | date = 2001}}</ref><ref name="folklore">{{cite journal | last = Welch, Jr.| first = Charles E. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = "Oh, Dem Golden Slippers": The Philadelphia Mummers Parade| journal = The Journal of American Folklore | volume = 79| issue = 314 | pages = 523–536 | publisher = | location = | date = Oct. - Dec., 1966 | url = | doi =10.2307/538218 | id = | accessdate = }}</ref><ref name="Dubin">{{cite book | last = Dubin | first = Murray | authorlink = | title = South Philadelphia; Mummers, memories, and the Melrose Diner | publisher = [[Temple University Press]] | date = June 1996 | location = | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = 1-56639-429-5}} </ref>
An increase in immigration has given South Philadelphia significant populations from [[Italy]], [[Vietnam]], [[Cambodia]], [[Thailand]], [[China]], [[Russia]], and [[Mexico]], as well as smaller populations from dozens of nations across the world. Many of South Philadelphia's communities are largely [[Italian American]], and many neighborhoods in South Philadelphia are known as "[[Little Italy]]s." The recent revitalization of [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City Philadelphia]] has led to [[gentrification]] in [[Fitler Square]], [[Southwest Center City|Graduate Hospital/Southwest Center City]], which led to skyrocketing prices of housing in [[Queen Village]], and [[Bella Vista, Philadelphia|Bella Vista]], and some other parts of South Philadelphia. Also, previously, for various reasons, many second and third generation South Philadelphians began moving en masse to [[South Jersey]] when the [[Walt Whitman Bridge]] was opened in the mid 20th century. These events have resulted in perhaps the largest change in South Philadelphia's culture in nearly a hundred years. Many of the clubs that make up the annual [[Mummers Parade]] every New Year's Day are from South Philadelphia. Many are located on the largely [[Irish American]] 2nd street ([[Two Street]]).<ref name="strut">{{cite video | people = Max L. Raab | title = Strut! The Movie | medium = DVD | publisher = Max L. Raab Productions | location = Philadelphia | URL = http://www.strutthemovie.com/synopsis.php | date = 2001}}</ref><ref name="folklore">{{cite journal | last = Welch, Jr.| first = Charles E. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = "Oh, Dem Golden Slippers": The Philadelphia Mummers Parade| journal = The Journal of American Folklore | volume = 79| issue = 314 | pages = 523–536 | publisher = | location = | date = Oct. - Dec., 1966 | url = | doi =10.2307/538218 | id = | accessdate = }}</ref><ref name="Dubin">{{cite book | last = Dubin | first = Murray | authorlink = | title = South Philadelphia; Mummers, memories, and the Melrose Diner | publisher = [[Temple University Press]] | date = June 1996 | location = | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = 1-56639-429-5}} </ref>
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Residents are zoned to the [[School District of Philadelphia]]. [[South Philadelphia High School]] serves the area.
Residents are zoned to the [[School District of Philadelphia]]. [[South Philadelphia High School]] serves the area.


The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia]] operates Roman Catholic private schools in the area. Catholic elementary and middle schools include Annunciation BVM, St. Casimir, Epiphany of Our Lord, Holy Spirit, St. Monica, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Our Lady of Angels, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Richard School, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Stella Maris, and St. Thomas Aquinas.<ref>"[http://www.southphillyreview.com/pdf/comm_guide/CatholicSchWeek.pdf Catholic Schools of South Philadelphia]." ''[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia]]''. Accessed November 6, 2008.</ref> [[Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School]] is in South Philadelphia. The school is a 2004 consolidation of the male St. John Neumann School, established in [[1934]], and the all-female Saint Maria Goretti High School, established in [[1955]].<ref name="School Website">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweekshowcase.com/private-schools/neumann-goretti|title=Ss. John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School|accessdate=2007-05-11|publisher=Newsweek website}}</ref> Martha Woodall of the ''[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' said "for generations, South Philadelphia was the heart of Roman Catholic education in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia." In the early 1970s thirty South Philadelphia area elementary and middle schools had a combined population of 19,000 students. By the 2000s many Catholic families moved to [[South Jersey]], [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania]], and other areas, leading to the closure of several Roman Catholic elementary schools and the merger of Neumann and Goretti. In 2005 4,300 students combined attended 13 parish elementary and middle schools in South Philadelphia.<ref>Woodall, Martha. "[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=108F31FAB5971E42&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Unsteady times for neighborhood Catholic schools; Population changes have meant fewer elementaries and an unexpected merger]." ''[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]''. March 16, 2005.</ref>
The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia]] operates Roman Catholic private schools in the area. Catholic elementary and middle schools include Annunciation BVM, St. Casimir, Epiphany of Our Lord, Holy Spirit, St. Monica, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Our Lady of Angels, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Richard School, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Stella Maris, and St. Thomas Aquinas.<ref>"[http://www.southphillyreview.com/pdf/comm_guide/CatholicSchWeek.pdf Catholic Schools of South Philadelphia]." ''[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia]]''. Accessed November 6, 2008.</ref> [[Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School]] is in South Philadelphia. The school is a 2004 consolidation of the male St. John Neumann School, established in [[1934]], and the all-female Saint Maria Goretti High School, established in [[1955]].<ref name="School Website">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweekshowcase.com/private-schools/neumann-goretti|title=Ss. John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School|accessdate=2007-05-11|publisher=Newsweek website}}</ref> Martha Woodall of the ''[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' said "for generations, South Philadelphia was the heart of Roman Catholic education in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia." In the early 1970s thirty South Philadelphia area elementary and middle schools had a combined population of 19,000 students. By the 2000s many Catholic families moved to [[South Jersey]], [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania]], and other areas, leading to the closure of several Roman Catholic elementary schools and the merger of Neumann and Goretti. In 2005 4,300 students combined attended 13 parish elementary and middle schools in South Philadelphia.<ref name="MarthaWoodallCatholicSchools"/>


===Public libraries===
===Public libraries===
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[[New Alhambra Arena]] at the corner of Swanson Street and Ritner Street is a venue known for hosting boxing and professional wrestling events.
[[New Alhambra Arena]] at the corner of Swanson Street and Ritner Street is a venue known for hosting boxing and professional wrestling events.


== Famous residents ==

*[[Al Alberts]], singer and composer<ref name=pioneers>Broadcast Pioneers. [http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/alalberts.html Al Alberts, Broadcast Pioneer]". Accessed 6 November 2008.</ref>
*[[Marian Anderson]], opera singers and [[Congressional Gold Medal]] recipient<ref name=pioneers/><ref name="MarianAndersonPennCollections">{{cite web |url= http://www.library.upenn.edu/collections/rbm/mss/anderson/anderson_m4.html |title= Marian Anderson Biography |author= |work= [[University of Pennsylvania]] Library Special Collections-MA Register 4 ([http://www.library.upenn.edu/collections/rbm/mss/anderson/anderson_m3.html Scope and Content Note]) |date= Last update: [[31 January]] [[2003]]}}</ref>
*[[Frankie Avalon]], actor, singer, teen idol<ref name=pioneers/>
*[[Joey Bishop]], actor, comedian, member of the "[[Rat Pack]]"<ref name=pioneers/><ref>{{cite news|last=McLellan|first=Dennis|coauthors=|title=Joey Bishop, 89; comedian was last surviving member of Rat Pack|pages=|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2007-10-18|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-me-bishop19oct19,1,5721549.story?coll=la-celebrity-news|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref>
*[[Danny Cedrone]], bandleader, guitarist for "[[Rock Around the Clock]]"<ref>Dawson, Jim ''Rock Around the Clock: The Record That Started the Rock Revolution'', Backbeat Books, 2005.</ref><ref>Rockabilly Hall of Fame. "[http://www.rockabillyhall.com/DannyCedrone.html Danny Cedrone]". Accessed 6 November 2008.</ref>
*[[Chubby Checker]], singer of [[The Twist (song)|The Twist]]<ref name=pioneers/><ref>Chubbychecker.com[http://www.chubbychecker.com/bio.asp Biography]. Accessed 6 November 2008.</ref>
*[[Stanley Cowell]], jazz pianist, founder of [[Strata-East Records]], member of the [[Heath Brothers]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Joey DeFrancesco]], jazz organist, trumpeter, vocalist<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Buddy DeFranco]], jazz clarinet player<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[James DePreist]], conductor of the [[Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra]], director at the [[Juilliard School]], laureate music director of the [[Oregon Symphony]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Fred Diodati]], lead singer of [[The Four Aces]]<ref name=Mummers/><ref>South Philadelphia High School Alumni Association. "[http://www.sphsalumni.com/hall.htm SPHS Hall of Fame]". Accessed 6 November 2008.</ref>
*[[Charles Earland]], jazz composer, organist, saxophonist<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Fabian (entertainer)|Fabian]] 1950s teen idol<ref name=Mummers/><ref name=pioneers/>
*[[Wilhelmenia Fernandez]], soprano, star of the film [[Diva (film)|Diva]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Larry Fine]], member of the comedy act [[The Three Stooges]]<ref>Jon's Bar and Grille. "[http://www.jonsbarandgrille.com/about.htm About Larry]". Accessed 6 November 2008.</ref><ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Linda Fiorentino]], actress (''[[Dogma (film)|Dogma]]'', ''[[Men in Black (film)|Men in Black]]'', ''[[The Last Seduction]]'')
<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Al Fisher]], guard for the [[Kent State Golden Flashes]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Eddie Fisher (singer)|Eddie Fisher]], singer, entertainer<ref name=pioneers/>
*[[Edwin Forrest]], 19th century stage actor<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Kenny Gamble]], [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] songwriting and record production team [[Gamble and Huff]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Dusolina Giannini]], soprano ([[Metropolitan Opera]])<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Vittorio Giannini]], composer of operas, symphonies, and band music<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Charlie Gracie]], rock pioneer and singer<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Isadore Granoff]], founder of the [[Granoff School of Music]]<ref>Porter, Lewis. ''John Coltrane: His Life and Music'', University of Michigan Press, 1999.
ISBN 047208643X, 9780472086436.</ref>
*[[Buddy Greco]], singer ("[[The Lady is a Tramp]]") and pianist<ref name=pioneers/><ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Frank Guarrera]], baritone ([[Metropolitan Opera]])<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Tootie Heath|Albert "Tootie" Heath]] jazz drummer, member of the [[Heath Brothers]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Jimmy Heath]] jazz tenor saxophonist, member of the [[Heath Brothers]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Percy Heath]] double bass player for the [[Modern Jazz Quartet]], member of the [[Heath Brothers]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Sherman Hemsley]], actor (''[[All in the Family]]'', ''[[The Jeffersons]]'', ''[[Amen (TV series)|Amen]]'')<ref>The Museum of Broadcast Communications. "[http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/H/htmlH/hemsleysher/hemsleysher.htm HEMSLEY, SHERMAN]". Accessed 6 November 2008.</ref>
*[[Dom Ierra]], comedian<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Albert Innaurato]], playwright, theatre director, and writer<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Jerry Jaye]], country/rockabilly singer ("My Girl Josephine")<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Kitty Kallen]], singer ("[[Little Things Mean a Lot]]")<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Irvin Kershner]], director (''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back]]'', ''[[RoboCop 2]]'')<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Jack Klugman]], actor(''[[The Odd Couple (TV series)|The Odd Couple]]'', [[Quincy, M.E.]], ''[[Twelve Angry Men]]'')<ref name=pioneers/><ref name=Mummers>Dubin, Murray. ''South Philadelphia: Mummers, Memories, and the Melrose Diner''. Temple University Press, 1996. ISBN 1566394295, 9781566394291</ref>
*[[Joseph Kramm]], playwright ([[Pulitzer Prize]] for ''[[The Shrike (play)|The Shrike]]''), actor, and director<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Eddie Lang]], jazz guitarist<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Mario Lanza]], tenor and actor (''[[The Great Caruso]]'')<ref name=pioneers/><ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Hy Lit]], Philadelphia-area DJ from the 1950s until 2005<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[George Litto]], film producer (''[[Thieves Like Us (film)|Thieves Like Us]]'', ''[[Dressed to Kill (1980 film)|Dressed to Kill]]'' and ''[[Blow Out]]'')<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Bernie Lowe]], songwriter, producer, arranger, founder of [[Cameo Records]], launched careers of [[Chubby Checker]], [[Charlie Gracie]], [[Dee Dee Sharp]], [[Bobby Rydell]], [[The Orlons]]<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Man Ray]], modernist/Dada/Surrealist artist<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Gloria Mann]], pop singer ("[[Earth Angel]]")<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Guy Marks]], actor, singer, comedian and impressionist<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Al Martino]], singer ("[[Here In My Heart]]", "[[Volare (song)|Volare]]") and actor(''[[The Godfather]]'', ''[[The Godfather Part III]]'')<ref name=pioneers/><ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Pat Martino]], jazz guitarist and composer<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[N. Richard Nash]], writer and dramatist (''[[The Rainmaker (play)|The Rainmaker]]'')<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Fayard Nicholas]], dancer ([[Nicholas Brothers]])<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Harold Nicholas]], dancer ([[Nicholas Brothers]])<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Harry Olivieri]], co-inventor of the [[cheesesteak]]<ref name=Olivieri>{{Citation
| last =Sims
| first =Gayle Ronan
| author-link =
| last2 =
| first2 =
| author2-link =
| title =Obituary: Harry M. Olivieri / Philadelphia cheesesteak's co-creator
| journal =Philadelphia Inquirer
| volume =
| issue =
| pages =
| date =July 22, 2006
| year =2006
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}</ref>
*[[Pat Olivieri]], co-inventor of the [[cheesesteak]]<ref name=Olivieri/>
*[[Frank Palumbo]], restaurateur, humanitarian and power broker; owner of [[Palumbo's]]"<ref>Kane, Larry. ''Larry Kane's Philadelphia'', 2000. Temple University Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ISBN 1566398061.</ref><ref>[http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/view.php?id=10398 "MEMOIR: Me and Frank"] ''[[Philadelphia Weekly]]'', September 2005</ref>
*[[Lisa Peluso]], actress (''[[Saturday Night Fever]]'', ''[[Search for Tomorrow]]'', ''[[Loving]]'', ''[[Another World]]'', ''[[One Life to Live]]'')<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Vincent Persichetti]], composer, pianist, teacher at the [[Juilliard School]] (students included [[Philip Glass]], [[Hall Overton]], [[Kenneth Fuchs]] and [[Thelonious Monk]])<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Florence Quivar]], mezzo-soprano ([[Metropolitan Opera]], [[Grammy Award]] for ''[[Porgy and Bess]]'')<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Peter Mark Richman]], actor (''[[Santa Barbara (TV series)|Santa Barbara]]'', ''[[Dynasty (TV series)|Dynasty]]'', ''[[Three's Company]]'', ''[[Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan]]'')<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Frank Rizzo]], mayor of Philadelphia (1972-1980)<ref>Dilulio, John J. Jr. ''[[Washington Monthly]]'', July-August, 1993. "[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1316/is_n7-8_v25/ai_14070746/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1 Frank Rizzo, The Last Big Man in Big City America pt. 1]"</ref>
*[[LaVaughn Robinson]], tap dancer, choreographer (a [[National Endowment of the Arts]] "Living National Treasure" and [[NEA]] [[National Heritage Fellowship]] award)<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Bobby Rydell]], singer ("Wild One", "[[Volare (song)]]"), actor (''[[Bye Bye Birdie (film)|Bye Bye Birdie]]''), teen idol<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Jodie Sands]], singer("[[With All My Heart]]", "[[Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You)]]") <ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Dee Dee Sharp]], singer ("Slow Twistin'" (with Chubby Checker), "[[Mashed Potato Time]]")<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Beanie Siegel]], rapper <ref>''[[USA Today]]''. 26 September 2005, "[http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-09-26-beanie_x.htm Philadelphia rapper Beanie Sigel cleared]". Accessed 6 November 2008.</ref>
*[[Sylvester Stallone]] (briefly), actor ([[Rocky]] and [[Rambo]] franchises)<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Joseph Stefano]], [[Edgar Award]] winning screenwriter (''[[Psycho]]'')<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[George Tunnell]], vocalist ([[Jan Savitt and the Top Hatters]])<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Charlie Ventura]], tenor saxophonist and bandleader<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Joe Venuti]]<ref name=Mummers/>, the father of jazz violin
*[[Stanley Weintraub]], professor, historian, and biographer<ref name=Mummers/>
*[[Ed Wynn]], [[Emmy Award]] winning (''[[The Ed Wynn Show]]'') and [[Academy Award]] nominated (''[[The Diary of Anne Frank (film)|The Diary of Anne Frank]]'') actor ([[Ziegfeld Follies]], ''[[The Great Man]]'', ''[[Mary Poppins (film)|Mary Poppins]]'')


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{portalpar|Philadelphia|Libertybell alone small.jpg}}
{{portalpar|Philadelphia|Libertybell alone small.jpg}}
* [[Aquarama Aquarium Theater of the Sea]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Bridge]]
* [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park]]
* [[Sesquicentennial Exposition]]
* [[South Philadelphia High School]]
* [[South Philadelphia Sports Complex]]
* [[South Philadelphia Sports Complex]]
** [[Citizens Bank Park]]
** [[John F. Kennedy Stadium]]
** [[Lincoln Financial Field]]
** [[Veterans Stadium]]
** [[Wachovia Center]]
** [[Wachovia Spectrum]]


== References ==
== References ==
<div class="references-small">{{reflist}}</div>
{{reflist|2}}

{{SPhila}}
{{SPhila}}
[[Category:Neighborhoods in Philadelphia| ]]
[[Category:Neighborhoods in Philadelphia| ]]

Revision as of 21:26, 6 November 2008

South Philadelphia district, highlighted on map of Philadelphia County.

South Philadelphia, nicknamed "South Philly," is the section of Philadelphia bounded by South Street to the north, the Delaware River to the east and south, and the Schuylkill River to the west. In 2000, the area's population was 162,683. It is home to a diverse population of Italian Americans, Irish Americans, and African Americans, as well as many newer immigrants. Many residents have lived in the neighborhood for decades. Many family-owned businesses are found in South Philadelphia.

History

South Philadelphia began as a satellite town of Philadelphia, with small townships such as Moyamensing and Southwark. During the Industrial Revolution, the area saw rapid growth, in part due to mass immigration from Ireland, and eventually saw its urbanization border that of Philadelphia. This led to its incorporation into Philadelphia in 1854. The area continued to grow, becoming a vital part of Philadelphia's large industrial base and attracting immigrants from Italy, Ireland, Poland, and many other countries, as well as Black American migrants from the southern United States, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants became the basis of South Philadelphia's unique and vibrant culture that would develop over the next several decades. Even with this dramatic growth in population, the low funding of education by the city resulted in the first high school not being formed in South Philadelphia until 1934.[1] South Philadelphia's immigration, primarily from Italy and Ireland, lead to the neighborhood becoming almost all Roman Catholic. Monsignor James F. Connelly, the pastor of the Stella Maris Catholic Church and an editor of the 1976 work The History of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, stated in a 2005 Philadelphia Inquirer article that each parish church "offer the immigrants the faith they were familiar with."[2]

An increase in immigration has given South Philadelphia significant populations from Italy, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Russia, and Mexico, as well as smaller populations from dozens of nations across the world. Many of South Philadelphia's communities are largely Italian American, and many neighborhoods in South Philadelphia are known as "Little Italys." The recent revitalization of Center City Philadelphia has led to gentrification in Fitler Square, Graduate Hospital/Southwest Center City, which led to skyrocketing prices of housing in Queen Village, and Bella Vista, and some other parts of South Philadelphia. Also, previously, for various reasons, many second and third generation South Philadelphians began moving en masse to South Jersey when the Walt Whitman Bridge was opened in the mid 20th century. These events have resulted in perhaps the largest change in South Philadelphia's culture in nearly a hundred years. Many of the clubs that make up the annual Mummers Parade every New Year's Day are from South Philadelphia. Many are located on the largely Irish American 2nd street (Two Street).[3][4][5]

Government

South Philadelphia is represented in Philadelphia City Council by Council President Anna C. Verna and Councilman Frank DiCicco. At-Large Councilman Jim Kenney is a South Philadelphia resident.

South Philadelphia is traditionally working-class and highly unionized. This has resulted in a heavily Democratic populace.

Geography

South Philadelphia is located at 39°55′23″N 75°10′31″W / 39.9231°N 75.1753°W / 39.9231; -75.1753.

According to the United States Census Bureau, South Philadelphia has an area of 9.7 sq. miles, of which none is water.

Demographics

As of the 2000 Census, there are 162,683 people in 78,440 housing units. The population density is 16,771 people per square mile. 46.6% of the population is male, and 53.4% is female.

Transportation

I-95 runs north and south through South Philadelphia and, in this area, provides commuters with access to Philadelphia International Airport, I-76, the sports complex, and the Walt Whitman Bridge. The Girard Point Bridge section of I-95 crosses over the mouth of the Schuylkill River, where it merges with the Delaware River.

I-76 becomes the Schuylkill Expressway at Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia and allows access between this section of the city and University City, Center City Philadelphia, 30th Street Station, and the western suburbs.

In addition, PA Route 291 serves as a major artery between the area and Delaware County, crossing the Schuylkill River via the Platt Bridge (named for Medal of Honor recipient George C. Platt). Broad Street (Philadelphia's equivalent of 14th St.) is also known as PA Route 611.

A number of SEPTA bus routes serve South Philadelphia, ferrying commuters to and from Center City Philadelphia and its immediate suburbs, mostly those in Delaware County. In addition, the transit system's Broad Street Line gives subway riders quick access to downtown and North Philadelphia destinations.

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Residents are zoned to the School District of Philadelphia. South Philadelphia High School serves the area.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia operates Roman Catholic private schools in the area. Catholic elementary and middle schools include Annunciation BVM, St. Casimir, Epiphany of Our Lord, Holy Spirit, St. Monica, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Our Lady of Angels, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Richard School, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Stella Maris, and St. Thomas Aquinas.[6] Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School is in South Philadelphia. The school is a 2004 consolidation of the male St. John Neumann School, established in 1934, and the all-female Saint Maria Goretti High School, established in 1955.[7] Martha Woodall of the Philadelphia Inquirer said "for generations, South Philadelphia was the heart of Roman Catholic education in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia." In the early 1970s thirty South Philadelphia area elementary and middle schools had a combined population of 19,000 students. By the 2000s many Catholic families moved to South Jersey, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and other areas, leading to the closure of several Roman Catholic elementary schools and the merger of Neumann and Goretti. In 2005 4,300 students combined attended 13 parish elementary and middle schools in South Philadelphia.[2]

Public libraries

Free Library of Philadelphia operates six branches in South Philadelphia: Charles Santore, Fumo Family, Queen Memorial, South Philadelphia, Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. and Whitman.[1]

Places of Note

Clockwise from top right: Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, Wachovia Center, Wachovia Spectrum and Veterans Stadium

Perhaps the most famous landmark in South Philadelphia is the South Philadelphia Sports Complex at the corner of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. Here, the Philadelphia Eagles (professional football), Philadelphia Phillies (professional baseball), Philadelphia 76ers (professional basketball), Philadelphia Flyers (professional hockey), Philadelphia Phantoms (minor league hockey), Philadelphia Kixx (indoor soccer), Philadelphia Wings (lacrosse), Philadelphia Soul (arena football), Temple Owls (NCAA football) and the annual Wing Bowl (an event sponsored by the sports talk radio station, 610-WIP) make their home in the massive state-of-the-art sports arenas surrounding the well-known intersection: Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, the Wachovia Spectrum, and the Wachovia Center.

The sports complex was once home to Veterans Stadium (The Vet) which stood from 1971 to 2004, and JFK Stadium which stood from 1925 to 1992. The NovaCare Complex, located on Pattison Avenue just west of the stadium area, serves as the practice facility of the Philadelphia Eagles. They now play at Lincoln Financial Field.

The intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue is home to the regionally famous Geno's Steaks and Pat's King of Steaks cheesesteak shops, fierce competitors in the local delicacy market for decades. Also, nearby is the city's open-air Italian Market, specializing in fresh produce, meats, and other foods, which is known from several famous scenes from the film Rocky and its sequels.

South Street, serving as a border between South Philadelphia proper and Center City Philadelphia, runs east and west (although traffic is forced to travel east one-way). Many bars, nightspots, shops, tattoo parlors, and restaurants are located along this neon-lit hotspot, with occasional live music venues (including the the TLA) hidden along the way.

The American Swedish Historical Museum is located in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park.

The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, location of the alleged Philadelphia Experiment, is located in this section of town along the Delaware River.

The Sunoco oil corporation bases its headquarters along South Philadelphia's Passyunk Avenue, located a short drive from the wide collection of car dealerships known as the "Philadelphia Auto Mall".

A refurbished area of South Philadelphia alongside Columbus Boulevard/Delaware Avenue (near the Walt Whitman Bridge) provides shopping at brand new Best Buy, and Ikea stores for thousands of shoppers. There are also many new chain restaurants and fast food establishments along this stretch including Longhorn Steakhouse, Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que Pit, and Chick-Fil-A just to name a few. This new shopping area goes by the name Columbus Commons.

Washington Avenue, between 16th St. on the West and Front St. on the east, is home to many Asian businesses, including Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean. Among these are restaurants of all types, two large Asian supermarkets, jewelers and a wide variety of specialty shops. Shoppers of all ethnic backgrounds can be seen patronizing these stores.

Passyunk Avenue, running on a diagonal from Broad Street to South Street, is a formerly thriving consumer district currently undergoing revitalization efforts. Within the past few years, several coffeeshops, restaurants and bars have opened appealing to the young population begin in inhabit the area around 11th and Passyunk.

New Alhambra Arena at the corner of Swanson Street and Ritner Street is a venue known for hosting boxing and professional wrestling events.

Famous residents

[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ The Peoples of Philadelphia: A History of Ethnic Groups and Lower-Class Life, 1790--1940. Temple University Press. 1973. p. 256. ISBN 0-87722-053-0. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b Woodall, Martha. "Unsteady times for neighborhood Catholic schools; Population changes have meant fewer elementaries and an unexpected merger." Philadelphia Inquirer. March 16, 2005.
  3. ^ Max L. Raab (2001). Strut! The Movie (DVD). Philadelphia: Max L. Raab Productions.
  4. ^ Welch, Jr., Charles E. (Oct. - Dec., 1966). ""Oh, Dem Golden Slippers": The Philadelphia Mummers Parade". The Journal of American Folklore. 79 (314): 523–536. doi:10.2307/538218. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  5. ^ Dubin, Murray (June 1996). South Philadelphia; Mummers, memories, and the Melrose Diner. Temple University Press. ISBN 1-56639-429-5.
  6. ^ "Catholic Schools of South Philadelphia." Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Accessed November 6, 2008.
  7. ^ "Ss. John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School". Newsweek website. Retrieved 2007-05-11.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Broadcast Pioneers. Al Alberts, Broadcast Pioneer". Accessed 6 November 2008.
  9. ^ "Marian Anderson Biography". University of Pennsylvania Library Special Collections-MA Register 4 (Scope and Content Note). Last update: 31 January 2003. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); External link in |work= (help)
  10. ^ McLellan, Dennis (2007-10-18). "Joey Bishop, 89; comedian was last surviving member of Rat Pack". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-10-20. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  11. ^ Dawson, Jim Rock Around the Clock: The Record That Started the Rock Revolution, Backbeat Books, 2005.
  12. ^ Rockabilly Hall of Fame. "Danny Cedrone". Accessed 6 November 2008.
  13. ^ Chubbychecker.comBiography. Accessed 6 November 2008.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc Dubin, Murray. South Philadelphia: Mummers, Memories, and the Melrose Diner. Temple University Press, 1996. ISBN 1566394295, 9781566394291
  15. ^ South Philadelphia High School Alumni Association. "SPHS Hall of Fame". Accessed 6 November 2008.
  16. ^ Jon's Bar and Grille. "About Larry". Accessed 6 November 2008.
  17. ^ Porter, Lewis. John Coltrane: His Life and Music, University of Michigan Press, 1999. ISBN 047208643X, 9780472086436.
  18. ^ The Museum of Broadcast Communications. "HEMSLEY, SHERMAN". Accessed 6 November 2008.
  19. ^ a b Sims, Gayle Ronan (July 22, 2006), "Obituary: Harry M. Olivieri / Philadelphia cheesesteak's co-creator", Philadelphia Inquirer{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  20. ^ Kane, Larry. Larry Kane's Philadelphia, 2000. Temple University Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ISBN 1566398061.
  21. ^ "MEMOIR: Me and Frank" Philadelphia Weekly, September 2005
  22. ^ Dilulio, John J. Jr. Washington Monthly, July-August, 1993. "Frank Rizzo, The Last Big Man in Big City America pt. 1"
  23. ^ USA Today. 26 September 2005, "Philadelphia rapper Beanie Sigel cleared". Accessed 6 November 2008.
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