Oral Histories - Page 1

Born in 1925, Mary moved to Eveline Street in East Falls in 1947 and never moved. Interview focuses on St. Bridget Church, stores along Ridge and Midvale Avenues. 

Interview with John Costello and his wife Freddie,  John was an  American triple Olympic Gold Medal winner in 

rowing, who grew up in East Falls and rowed with his cousin John B. Kelly, Sr.

Born in 1893 in East Falls, Ella gives vivid descriptions of stores, institutions, medical care, and people of of East Falls past, including the Dobsons, Kellys, and Hohenadels

 Mary describes working at Dobson  Mills, talks of the Dobson family, and shares memories of Forest School,  doctors, and life in East Falls. 

Mae gives memories of Falls Presbyterian Church, her involvement with Old Academy Players, and the Stetson Hat Factory.

Entertaining interview with the sisters of Grace Kelly reminiscing about their growing up in East Falls. 

These animated Nancys talk about growing up on West Queen Lane - playing, shopping, exploring, school.

Nancy Berman shares memories of her grandfather's business - Turner Funeral Home at Ridge and Midvale.

 Born on Calumet Street, Robert lived in four East Falls locations.

This unique “interview” contains six years of email correspondence in 

which Robert writes vivid, detailed reminiscences of Woodside Park (where his father worked), the Bathey, Breck School, Falls Library, Dutch Hollow, Fourth of July, stores, recreation, and more.

Born in 1923, Theresa grew up and raised her family in East Falls. Highlights of her interview include: Stanton Street, St. Bridget, the Depression, Irish and Italian immigrants 

 Memories of two sisters growing up in East Falls, including their recollections of Dobson Mills. 

Ruth  recalls, with humor, coming to East  Falls as a bride in 1926 and details a typical day for a  housewife, Prohibition years, hucksters, and her involvement with Old Academy Players - especially her memories of Grace Kelly. 

Tom Williams and Keith Shively give the background of the 

installation of the Five Fishes sculpture, located along the Schuylkill River in East Falls.

 Lifetime residents of East Falls, these sisters share memories of St. Bridget Church, local stores, WWII rationing, and more. 

 Robert shares his memories of Old Academy Players. 

Daniel’s descriptive memories of growing up in East Falls focus on recreation, sports – especially rowing, and church picnics 

 Stan Gorski, Director, Paul J. Gutman Library at Philadelphia University (now Jefferson University), gives the history of the significant buildings on 

the campus.

Interview focuses on Edith’s involvement with Old Academy Players and the Falls Presbyterian Church. 

She received an honorary plaque from Old Academy in 2014  

Interviewed at age 99 in 1981, Louise shares her memories of 

working in Dobson Mills, attending Forest School (photo), and reminiscing about 

her father, who was a lamplighter.

  Herb talks about growing up in East Falls during WWII – rationing, etc. He also gives an absorbing account of his business -Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co (“Penn Reels”).

  This great-great grandchild of John Dobson gives her perspective of the extended Dobson family as well as Dobson Mills and its English roots. 

 These two interviews focus on Mr. Levy’s career and family, his uncle, William S. Paley (founder of CBS), his father Leon Levy, Frank Sinatra’s wedding to Ava Gardner, his friendship with the Kelly family, and how the Levy/Paley mansions became

part of Jefferson University.

Bob Dagney, a third generation Fallser, reminisces about his family, St. Bridget's, the old neighborhood, and his experiences in Viet Nam 

Godfrey "Fred" Ford is the grandson of Godfrey Ford ("Fordie"), chauffeur for the Kelly family for many years. Fred would often help his grandfather in the Kelly household. In this interview, Ford shares anecdotes of the Kellys and reflects on the impact his grandfather, and the Kellys, had on him.

 Catherine, a third generation Fallser, talks about St. Bridget, playing on Netherfield, and local stores. 

In 1953, Lorraine and her family moved to Abbottsford Homes, federally built housing in East Falls primarily for military employees and veterans.

Lorraine describes the camaraderie of the residents and her memories of Abbottsford's transition to low income public housing.

Born in 1920 on Cresson Street, Jean also lived on Indian Queen, New Queen, Netherfield and Vaux Streets.

Jean shares memories of her youth in East Falls, the Falls Methodist Church, and her role as a local air raid warden in WWII.

 A lifetime resident of East Falls, Dave’s interview focuses on Falls Presbyterian Church and Mifflin School

 Bob reminisces about his childhood activities in East Falls, Mifflin School, and Falls Presbyterian Church

Alexis Franklin, founder of the Friends of McMichael Park, talks  about the formation of the Friends and activities and maintenance in the park. 

 Raised in East Falls and a postman here, Jack shares memories of sports, D-Day, local stores and factories, the Beneficial Club, golf, and more. 

Born in England in 1923, Eileen recalls crossing to Canada during WWII and moving to East Falls after marrying attorney Joe Furlong. She describes her life here, from owning a Midvale doughnut shop to becoming a legal secretary.  

 A lifelong Fallser, Joe entertains with lively anecdotes of wild childhood antics, descriptions of everything Falls, neighborhood changes, and his career with the Philadelphia Housing Authority. He knew the neighborhood intimately. 

Jerry Porto, born on Calumet Street in East Falls, talks about his life in East Falls – St. Bridget, Ridge Avenue, making wine at home.

Detailed, humorous memories by Big Band singer and Falls resident Harry Prime. Includes Kelly for Brickwork, Grace Kelly, John B. Kelly, Sr., holidays, Bathey, Clayton’s Market, more.

Photo: Harry at 95

After his failed attempt to be a baseball player, Harry Prime pursued a singing career. Read about his musical influences and career path - the Jimmy Dorsey Band, the Chesterfield Radio Show, the Palladium - and the impact on his person

Alice has lived on Ridge Avenue since 1948, witnessing changes in the shopping and housing (Schuylkill Falls). She also talks of her involvement with Inn Yard Park, Tree Tenders, and Arbor Day.