Penn Treaty Park: A Place of Peace

Warm February temperatures

The plaque pictured here reads in part: " The land was appropriated for public use as a preservation landmark. Members of the Kensington community sought to have the area dedicated as a park; the dedication ceremony took place on 28 October 1893. Since then, the community has promoted proper care of the park.
In 1987, the community came together once again to fulfill their dreams for the park and to make it a beautiful place to enjoy the peace Penn made over 300 years ago."
This community spirit endures as the park was designated a Historical Landmark by the State of Pennsylvania in the year 2015 . The park is a favored site for various community group's annual festivals and smaller performances and an educational history resource.

The heart of the park is it's beauty and comfort.

Visitors from Washington D.C. 

 We had a friendly conversation. I introduced myself and ask him his name. 

He replied "Pastaboss."

 The juggler, Eve, brought about laughter when he explained why he likes coming out to the park: 

"I don't have to worry about ceilings."

you know which words are mine. pictures by roman blazi_all rights reserved

Russia and Trump

You decide

I'm beginning to wonder if Trump's comments about Russia will help increase the demonization of Russia. Mr Trump is not telling the whole truth about his financial interaction with Russia.
Mr Trump might turn out to be the most "fact checked" president in modern history.

Fact checking Trump's claim that he has no business ties to Russia

pov by roman blazic 

The Rocket Cat Cafe

From then to now.

Rocket Cat Cafe opened it's door in 2003. The interior was pleasing to the eye while enjoying delicious vegan and non-vegan foods, a cool atmosphere and locally roasted, organic coffee. Food was made to order and enjoyed on the outdoor patio or on a comfy couch or table.*
 The cafe exhibited the art of aspiring artist that covered the interior walls on First Friday's.  It's exterior wall, fence and garage were covered with murals and smaller paintings. This was a continuation of the outsider art on the garage long before they opened.
It didn't take long for the cafe to be embraced by the new influx of artist, young adults and discriminating coffee drinkers. It was the only quiet place where you could find food and beverage around the area. This quickly evolved into loyal customers.
Shepard Fairey came to Philly on April 23, 2010 and applied art to the side of the coffee shop building: "Revolution Girl." His work lasted while gradually fading and tagged until in 2013 when it was spray painted over with graffiti. Efforts were unsuccessful to save and restore it.
Another contemporary American street artist, Swoon, completed her installment of "Sonia" in October of 2015. This was pasted over the outline remnants of Fairey's mural.
Rocket Cat Cafe had it's own comfortable atmosphere and mounting problems. It was a private space for whoever needed some in a public place. It was a place for meeting people and hanging out in a building that had slowly deteriorated.

All of this as  it maintained a certain artistic spirit characteristic that's been fading out in Fishtown as high priced gentrification continues to roll in. It was the last bastion of free flowing new and outsider art in Fishtown. It will be missed.

 Rocket cat photos above and below

 The last original outsider art work

Below: newer work by La Josh. The Columbia Ave I-95 underpass once was filled by his art.

 Below: Swoon finishing "Sonia."

 Below: a faded mural and memory of Pocahontas  

words and pictures by roman blazic_all rights reserved

two photos from rocket cat as noted

Gallery

Art

all photos by roman blazic_all rights reserved

Corvair

Corvair Monza 110

This is a 1965 or later new style design Corvair Monza 110. (110 hp)  The style change greatly helped increase the number of this model sold. It was good to see one parked in the neighborhood. The father said, "You want it." "Take it." "It's my son's car." It's his project." He also said he wasn't sure what year the car was. Maybe you know?
The Corvair was produced from 1960 to 1969. It was the only American car mass produced with a rear-mounted and air-cooled engine. This car fit right in the new import market of smaller European cars that were economical and sporty. I still like the Karmann Ghia.
The Corvair, in 1962,  introduced the Monza Spyder with a turbocharged 150 hp engine. It was dubbed the "poor man's Porsche." The 1965 Corvair Corsa came with a turbocharged 140 hp engine. The Corsa came standard with an instrument panel featuring a 140 mph (230 km/h) speedometer with resettable trip odometer, a 6,000 rpm tachometer, cylinder head temperature gauge, analog clock with a sweeping second hand, a manifold vacuum/pressure gauge and fuel gauge.
All of this in a light body. Is it any wonder the Chevrolet Camaro was its successor.

words and pictures by roman blazic_all rights reserved