Word on the Block: Conversation with A University City Resident

The following was put together by PhiladelphiaRealEstateHub.Com Contributor “Neighborhood” Todd Nitschelm.

On a recent walking tour of the main streets and back roads of University City, I happened upon an exceptionally friendly woman strolling her block in the Cedar Park locality. We got to chatting and enjoyed a very pleasant conversation. When we were briefly interrupted by the delivery of a cucumber, grown by a neighbor at a nearby community garden, I knew I had found someone who understood the value of neighborhood. She graciously agreed to an interview and, when I met with her the following day, I was not disappointed.

A Personal History

Nancy Fore moved to her current residence on the 4800 block of Windsor in 1969. Her move was not great in distance, she had grown up a few blocks away and lived in the area her entire life, but it was of considerable significance. Nancy recollects walking to the St. Francis de Sales school as a young girl, carefully choosing a route that would lead her down the tree-lined block of Windsor she would one day call home. She remembers the day in 1967 when she heard a home on the block was for sale and how her husband said her face lit up with the discovery. That was that. They packed up and moved and never looked back.

By the time they settled in to their home, the trees she recalled from her childhood had mostly died and had to be removed. It was sad but, to Nancy, it was also an opportunity. She, her husband, and a band of children from the block, planted the first new tree on Windsor, an occasion they would celebrate annually on its “birthday.” It was an event that would shape her neighborhood as it began a tradition of togetherness on Windsor that, mirroring her tree, is healthier today than ever.

Best Part About Living In University City

I asked Nancy to talk about the best part of living in her neighborhood. She began with the block itself and imparted an overwhelming sense of community. “On Windsor,” she said, “we do things together.” This is perhaps best observed around the holidays including Halloween and the 4th of July, when no one on the block makes plans but to enjoy food, fun, and family in the neighborhood. Further celebrations are held such as “Blocktoberfest” and a Mardi Gras party with, no kidding, a parade complete with multiple competitive floats that are judged by the people. A recent big hit, “RoadKill Restaurant” was a car decorated in recently deceased stuffed animals and recipes thrown from the windows. After a comic reading of the comment cards, a winner is awarded the “Windsor Crown,” an accessory to be worn to every block event during the champions reign.

With a broader view of the neighborhood, Nancy believes the best thing about her part of U City may be its convenience. Public transportation in this area is ubiquitous. She rides the trolleys in the old Streetcar Suburb to go downtown for a play at the Arden Theater or to hear music at the Kimmel Center. She uses her car to zip out to her curling club in Paoli, PA, but loves the “proximity to Center City and the Art Museum that the trolley makes possible.” The diversity of the people, businesses, and landscape rank high on her list as well. Her block is home to a carpenter, photographer, banker, and UPenn, Drexel, and University of the Sciences professors with backgrounds as distinct as their work.

Downside to Living in University City?

It was difficult to get this out of Nancy, or her neighbor and “other favorite thing about the block” Elizabeth, who stopped by during our chat. A coy smile and the comment, “I like everything about it,” could have ended that discussion had I not prodded for more. What they finally came up with were concerns regarding security. However they were quick to point out that these concerns were the same shared by the residents of any neighborhood in any city and admonished me not to dwell upon it.

Community Involvement

Nancy is a member of the Cedar Park Neighbors organization and attends services at St. Francis de Sales where she has also been involved in fundraising for the Organ Restoration Project, among other things. In this role she has found that the neighborhood businesses and restaurants, both large and small, have been generous when it comes to giving. Some of the favorite restaurants in University City include Dhalak, Abraccio, The Vietnam Cafe, Vientianne, Dock Street,the White Dog Cafe, and Nan. Other highlights mentioned were the Farmers Market at Clark Park and the fact that there are several local community gardens where people meet, foster their green thumbs, and grow their own fresh foods and flowers.

Closing Comments

It was my pleasure to spend the afternoon with Nancy Fore. I learned some very interesting history through anecdote and reminiscence. She understands the importance of community and neighborhood and has a vision of home-life that extends far beyond the walls of her residence. She has been a neighborhood fixture for 70 years, watching the area change through the years with one constant: This was her favorite block in Philadelphia as a young schoolgirl, and this is her favorite block in the city as a senior. If you are lucky enough to see her smiling face in the neighborhood, take a minute to stop and chat. And don’t forget to say hello for me.

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