Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood in the North Philadelphia section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The area is located along the edge of Fairmount Park and is well known for its rich history. The area was named after the mansion that was built in 1789 by William Hamilton, who was a prominent lawyer and politician at the time. The mansion still stands today and has been turned into a public park. Strawberry Mansion offers its residents access to numerous attractions, including several museums, parks, theaters, restaurants, and more. It is also home to many different community organizations that promote education and economic development in the area.Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood located in the North Philadelphia area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is bounded by Fairmount Park to the east, 33rd Street to the west, Lehigh Avenue to the north and Cecil B. Moore Avenue to the south. It is also home to a historic district of more than 1,400 properties that were built between 1850 and 1930. Strawberry Mansion has been home to some of Philadelphia’s most influential citizens throughout its history and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
History of Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania located east of Fairmount Park. It is known as one of the most diverse and dynamic neighborhoods in the city. The area has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the 18th century.
The neighborhood was originally part of the vast estates of William Penn and his family. It was eventually sold off to colonists and became a popular summer destination for wealthy Philadelphians. Strawberry Mansion began to become more developed during the 19th century, when much of the land was used for industry and manufacturing.
The area has been home to many different ethnic groups throughout its history, including Irish, Germans, Italians, and African Americans. The diversity of Strawberry Mansion is one of its defining characteristics today, with people from all backgrounds living side by side in harmony.
Strawberry Mansion has experienced a recent revitalization due to new development projects and investments from local businesses and organizations. Despite this positive momentum, there are still many challenges facing the community including poverty, crime, and blighted housing. However, residents remain committed to restoring their beloved neighborhood to its former glory.
Much like other parts of Philadelphia that have seen resurgence in recent years, Strawberry Mansion is becoming an attractive destination for young professionals looking for affordable housing close to downtown. With its vibrant culture and rich history, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to this unique community.
Notable People from Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood in North Philadelphia with an interesting history and some notable people. The area was originally a summer resort for wealthy Philadelphians, but over time it became a working-class neighborhood. Today, many of the area’s residents are of African American descent.
Among the notable people from Strawberry Mansion is actor and director Robert Townsend. Townsend attended Central High School in Strawberry Mansion and went on to become one of the most successful African American filmmakers of his generation. His films include Hollywood Shuffle, The Five Heartbeats, and Meteor Man.
Another well-known person from Strawberry Mansion is singer Jill Scott. Scott grew up in the area and attended Germantown High School before launching her music career. She has since become one of the most successful neo-soul singers of all time, with numerous Grammy Award nominations and wins to her name.
Finally, basketball player Rasheed Wallace is also from Strawberry Mansion. Wallace attended Simon Gratz High School before being drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1995. He went on to have a long and successful career in the NBA, playing for several teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics.
Strawberry Mansion has produced many talented people over the years who have gone on to achieve great success in their fields. From actors to athletes to musicians, this small North Philadelphia neighborhood has had a profound impact on popular culture throughout its long history.
Geography of Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood in the North Philadelphia district of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is bounded by 33rd Street to the southwest, 25th Street to the northeast, Lehigh Avenue to the northwest and Cecil B. Moore Avenue to the southeast. The neighborhood is primarily residential and consists of large Victorian style homes, many of which are in disrepair. The area was once home to many wealthy Philadelphians who built their homes in this area during the mid-19th century. The neighborhood has experienced a decline in population over the years due to economic issues and crime.
The topography of Strawberry Mansion includes hills that rise up from the Schuylkill River on its western side, with some parts of Strawberry Mansion being up to 150 feet above sea level. This provides some stunning views of downtown Philadelphia and beyond from certain areas within the neighborhood. The area also features several parks including Fairmount Park, which is located on its eastern side and features a variety of recreational activities as well as some historic sites such as Memorial Hall and Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse.
Strawberry Mansion has access to both public transportation and highways for easy commuting into downtown Philadelphia or other neighborhoods within the city. Public transportation includes SEPTA bus routes, as well as several Regional Rail train lines that pass through the neighborhood providing access into Center City Philadelphia or beyond. In addition, Strawberry Mansion is located close to Interstate 76 (the Schuylkill Expressway) for easy access out into other parts of Pennsylvania or New Jersey for those wishing to commute further afield.
In recent years there have been efforts made by local organizations and city government officials to revitalize certain parts of Strawberry Mansion with new construction projects aimed at providing housing and businesses for residents in an effort to bring more economic activity back into this historically significant part of Philadelphia.
Economy of Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The economy of Strawberry Mansion is largely based on the service industry. The neighborhood is home to a variety of businesses and services, including retail stores, restaurants, and other small businesses. Many of these businesses are locally owned and operated, providing jobs for residents of Strawberry Mansion and the surrounding area. In addition to these businesses, there are also several community-based organizations that offer services to the neighborhood’s residents. These organizations provide educational programs, job training programs, health care services, and other social services.
The economy of Strawberry Mansion also benefits from its close proximity to downtown Philadelphia. Many residents commute to downtown Philadelphia for work or leisure activities, providing an influx of money into the neighborhood. Additionally, the area is served by multiple public transportation options that provide easy access to downtown Philadelphia and other parts of the city.
The economy of Strawberry Mansion has seen significant growth in recent years due to investment from both public and private sources. The city has invested in projects that have improved infrastructure in the neighborhood as well as revitalized residential areas that have attracted new residents and businesses. This investment has boosted the local economy by creating jobs and increasing property values in Strawberry Mansion.
In addition to public and private investment, there are also numerous nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to residents of Strawberry Mansion. These organizations provide a range of services including job training, education programs, housing assistance programs, health care services, legal aid services and more. These programs help ensure that all members of the community have access to resources that can help them achieve economic stability and success.
Overall, the economy of Strawberry Mansion has seen significant growth over the past few years due to investments from both public and private sources. This growth has created jobs for local residents while also increasing property values in the area. Additionally, numerous nonprofit organizations have helped ensure that all members of this community have access to resources that can help them achieve economic stability and success.
Explore the Historic Landmarks in Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA. Home to many iconic landmarks, a visit to Strawberry Mansion is a must for anyone interested in exploring the city’s history. A few of the most notable sites include the Strawberry Mansion Bridge, built in 1845 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the historic Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, which was once home to wealthy elite; and Fairmount Park’s Lemon Hill Mansion, an 18th-century Federal-style mansion that offers stunning views of the Schuylkill River.
Visit Bartram’s Garden
Bartram’s Garden is a 45-acre National Historic Landmark located on the banks of the Schuylkill River. The garden was established by John Bartram in 1728 and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark since 1960. Today, visitors can explore the garden’s lush grounds and take part in guided tours or educational programs. The garden also hosts events throughout the year such as plant sales and art exhibitions.
Shop at Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most beloved public markets. Located just minutes from Strawberry Mansion, it has been operating since 1893 and offers shoppers an incredible selection of fresh produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, seafoods and handmade crafts from local vendors. Visitors can also enjoy ready-to-eat meals from a variety of food stalls within the market or grab a quick snack from one of its many cafes.
Go for a Stroll Along Kelly Drive
Kelly Drive is a scenic 3.5-mile stretch along the Schuylkill River that offers breathtaking views of downtown Philadelphia. It’s an ideal spot for jogging or walking with friends or family and is home to some of Strawberry Mansion’s best spots for fishing or kayaking. Visitors can also take part in numerous recreational activities such as biking or rollerblading along its paved pathway.
Visit The Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum is Philadelphia’s premier interactive children’s museum where kids can explore their creativity through play-based learning experiences. Located just a few blocks from Strawberry Mansion, it features seven permanent exhibits including Wonderland Express miniature train ride; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Maze; Flight Fantasy air travel exhibit; Little Spirits Native American Village; Kids’ Café restaurant; City Capers urban play area; and much more.
Conclusion
Strawberry Mansion is an iconic neighborhood in Philadelphia that has a long and fascinating history. It is a unique area that has seen many different groups of people come and go, from the original Lenape people to the recent influx of immigrants. The area is full of culture, music, art, and entertainment. Despite its struggles with crime and poverty, Strawberry Mansion remains an important part of Philadelphia’s history and identity. Residents work hard to preserve the neighborhood’s unique character while embracing the changes that come with gentrification. With its deep roots in Philadelphia’s past, Strawberry Mansion is sure to remain an integral part of the city for generations to come.
The story of Strawberry Mansion is an important one to tell; it reflects how cities can change over time while still maintaining their unique identities. It is also a reminder that progress does not always mean losing what makes us special; it can bring new opportunities and possibilities for those who live there as well as those who visit. This is why it’s important for us to learn about our local histories so we can appreciate them today and keep them alive for future generations.
