Comments on: Roxborough, Hilladelphia – The ups and downs of a working class neighborhood.

By: Rene Dep

Rene Dep — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:25:51 +0000

This is a story told beautifully , thank you. The row homes are very European.Made me appreciate.
Born and raised in Roxborough
Rene

By: Mike B

Mike B — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:30:29 +0000

I can remember walking up the steps on Silverwood to get up to Krams after serving detention at St. Lucy’s. As a kid that walk seemed like it was miles, I look back now and realize how short the distance really was. All up hill really sucked though!
And I second the statement made about Canal Day, The Stroll, and the Bike race, they have all changed so much from what they once were. The bike race is about the only thing still going and that has changed tons since we were kids.
I can remember all the gangs too, Terrace Street, Apple Street, Ridge Mob, you name it. So many fights and between rivals on different blocks.
Roxborough/Manayunk has changed its dynamics and demographics completely. I still reside here, but its just not the same.
21st ward would be packed to the gills with players from all over the area. You would have to make 2 teams out of each weight class for the Roxborough Eagles. And when baseball came around you would be lucky to find parking all the way on the other side of the Reservoir.
So many memories of this being home….

By: skernick

skernick — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:50:02 +0000

@Waltsense

I lost many a basketball on that court at the Terrace St playground. I still get a little pissed about it. The court was surrounded by a massive metal gate and only had two exits. Three or four guys would roll in while I was shooting around, ask me to pass it to them so they could shoot……. and here was the moment of truth that I faced so many times in that neighborhood. Do I (A) pass the ball and watch them spit at me and and walk off with the ball? or (B) Make a break for an exit or risk getting speared on the fence while climbing over? or (C) Stand tall and tell them if they want my ball they’ll have to go through me to get it? …….. 8 out of 10 times I went with (A)…10% of the time I would break for it if an exit was available….. and a final 10% of the time I would get sick of getting stepped on and would stand tall…….and get my ass beat and my ball taken.

Thanks for the comment Waltsense. Always nice connecting with fellow Roxboroughians. Especially those familiar withthe tribulations of Terrace Street.

By: Waltsense

Waltsense — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:10:31 +0000

Sweet site and sweet pics. I worked at the Terrace street playground for the summer. The second day in I was swinging a garden hoe at a bunch of punks wanting some drug money. I’ve learned to associate wife beaters with punks at a young age but all good – growing up in Rox was the best and walking ridge was some good exercise. Good times!

By: Joe Berner

Joe Berner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:08:22 +0000

I recall that due to the steep angle we could climb the hills and then jump down below into all the dirt waiting for a home to be built. A little athletic activity coupled with being dirty as all get out always seemed like a great and unique R ‘Boro activity. Great piece.

By: Marooch

Marooch — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:17:16 +0000

Awesome post. I think I still have some pebbles embedded in me from sliding into second at the Rec baseball field.

By: LT

LT — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:22:00 +0000

born and raised in the rox/yunk. your words are true and from the heart. Back in the day this was really rough neighborhood to grow up in. The reck, the manayunk stroll and canal day have all been replaced now by starbucks and art shows on main st. I see it for what it is now but will always luv it for what it was when I was a kid.

By: Casey Robertson

Casey Robertson — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:47:02 +0000

rough, rugged and raw. i like the way you see your own town. that biz about waiting for cars to spin out so you could earn a little scratch – that’s funny.

By: Cake Boy

Cake Boy — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 03:15:05 +0000

nice post

By: Cut

Cut — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:33:29 +0000

I never tried to climb up the wall but i remember playing on the roof of the old nursing home. We made so much noise on Fleming/Krams st during the mid to late 90s. I dont think the neighbors were happy haha.

By: skernick

skernick — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:56:15 +0000

TSP – Yall used to terrorize me. I could count on one of you guys stepping to me daily on my route home from the bus. Hah.

By: mariam

mariam — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:34:51 +0000

My old house is in ur pics!!! 4558 fleming street! Sooo many good memories. I <3 Roxborough.

By: Ron Farber

Ron Farber — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:08:14 +0000

TERRACE STREET POSSE!

By: skernick

skernick — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:26:29 +0000

Yo, I tried to climb those rocks over on the Wall….. you know, the rocks we used to scurry up on and watch the race from way up……. aint happenin’ anymore. I’m not even that far out of shape….. it just was not happening.

Good times no doubt. Brings it all back…

By: Cut

Cut — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:08:06 +0000

Damn, that brings back memories. Krams Ave steps 11PM on a Saturday night with a 40 ounce FTW!….back then. Walking on Main street up and down a million times because we were to young to go clubbing. Take a stroll down Ridge Ave squad deep with no shirt on. Cuttin class in Roxborough high to get stuff from Wawa. Watching fights during the “Wall” bike race. Getting a fresh cut from Picolo on Mitchel st. Good times.