Oral Histories - Page 2

 Dick Webb was interviewed at age 100. Though his memory and hearing loss affected the interview, Dick recollects Falls Presbyterian Church, working for Bucky Harris at Philadelphia College of Textiles,  and working for James Buckley, President of Philco, who resided on Netherfield Road. 

Engrossing memories of growing up on Queen Lane and Penn Street: stickball, polio scare, writing a neighborhood newspaper, WWII, John B, Kelly, Sr. 

Anne Arfaa grew up on Timber Lane in the house originally owned by John Wagner (1824 - 1902), whose son, Anne's great great uncle, founded the Wagner Free Institute. Anne shares memories of the Wagner family history, Ravenhill, and her Timber Lane neighbors.

 Former Principal of Ravenhill Academy, Sister Frances Joseph talks about her religious vocation in Japan, the Philippines, and Philadelphia, sharing stories of her family, her schooling, and her mission. 

Interviewed at the time of the closing of the Falls United Methodist Church, Tom reflects on what led to this, giving his insights into church activities and his reflections on growing up in East Falls. 

Born in East Falls, Rose gives a detailed account of working at 

Dobson Mills (above). She also describes her house on Sunnyside, St. Bridget School, and local stores. 

 Edna talks about “Methodist Row” on Sunnyside, being a homemaker,  and medical care – with details about Ms. Dunn, the local midwife.  Photo: Eastg Falls United Methodist Church.

In six detailed interviews, Gerard Bernhardt, an East Falls optician, discusses his Army Basic Training, being wounded in France during WWII, living at four East Falls addresses while raising 11 children, and his involvement and impressions of the neighborhood throughout over five decades. 

Loretta (b. 1923) and Ruth (b. 1928), lifetime Fallsers from Calumet Street, reminisce about their lives in the Falls - playing on the street, moving from Breck School to Mifflin, the Kellys, local stores, and their houses and churches (St. Bridget and Falls Methodist). 

 Still living in a third-generation house on Stanton Street, Gus talks about playing in East Falls with his friends in the late 1940s – with some mischief involved, schooling at St. Bridget, and, later, volunteering for the church and the Franciscans.  

 Mary Cote, M.D. (b. 1929) shares memories of her alma mater, Women’s Medical, as well as her years living at Carlton Park Apartments, attending Church of the Good Shepherd, and witnessing changes in East Falls in the 1960’s – ‘90’s. Her work at St. Christopher’s Kidney Transplant Program is also discussed.

Interviewed at age 99, Anne spent her earliest years on upper West Coulter Street, then moved to the newly built Alden Park as a young child. Anne describes what Alden Park was like back then, and what children did there for amusement.

 In this interview, Tony DiStefano, a lifetime Fallser, describes growing up at the “Lower End” of East Falls on Allegheny Avenue, with his memories of St. Bridget School and Church highlighted. 

Summary

Summary