The Pageantry of the Mummer's String Bands

You know how it is, right? 

When you live in an area your entire life, 

but miss out on some aspect relevant to where you live. 

Enter: The Mummers

South Philadelphia String Band

If you have never heard of them, 

then you are not from Philadelphia. 

Quaker City String Band

The Mummers parade each New Year's Day in Philadelphia -  

the highlight being the costumed string bands. 

But, I had never been to a New Year's Day Mummer's Parade.

Duffy String Band

Being German, we were too busy  

wishing ourselves good luck with 

our pork and sauerkraut New Year's Day Dinners. 

Fralinger String Band

And later, 

having a New Year's Eve baby 

the day became a family birthday celebration. 

Ferko String Band

So after half a century I have finally experienced 

the pageantry of the Mummer's string bands. 

Aqua String Band

In order to offset costs, 

the string bands now have a fundraising parade in Manayunk each year. 

This was the second year 

and it was on a day I could attend - 

finally getting to experience the Philly string bands

in all their glory. 

Check One Off the Bucket List!

No Arrests Were Made During This Exploration

St. David's Cemetery, Manayunk, PA

Off the beaten path
in the Manayunk neighborhood of
Philadelphia, PA,
there is an Episcopal Church
called St. David's.

The Open Door, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

I happened on
St. David's one day while
exploring the newly opened Manayunk Bridge Trail
with friends.


Moses and the Serpent, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

The door was open
so I peaked inside.
The stained glass within
lured me in further.



At the Cross, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

Step after quiet step
I began exploring
this historic church (1831).

The Sanctuary, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

And then,
someone found me and
I was caught.
Oops.


Beauty from Above, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

Only the person who caught me
was the most welcoming church caretaker.


Empty Pews, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

He invited us all inside,
offered us snacks,
and explained some of the history of the church.


Organ Tuning Mechanisms, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA 

He even let us explore INSIDE
the pipe organ
where we saw old books and even toys
set in such a manner as to help
with tuning the pipes.


Sing Unto the Lord, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA 

Another day exploring without an arrest
 is a good thing,
because my husband always says
he won't bail me out.
;)


Sadly, the congregation 
is very small. 
Half the pews have been removed since 
the sanctuary was built originally. 
One can only wonder 
how long they will be able to sustain this property financially. 

For more info 
about this church, 
click here. 

       

Old Bridge

Weekend Reflections
The Weekend in Black and White

Maybe it's the phase of the moon,
or perhaps the longer daylight hours,
or the exceptionally mild winter we have been having....
BUT
I've been inspired.


So, if you are a regular visitor
watch for some changes happening around here!
I think you'll like them...
a new name,
 tutorials by guest photographers,
and friendly photo competitions.

If you aren't a regular,
I invite you to become one
and join in the action.

Watch for details!!
I'm excited about it.

The Village of Manayunk

The Village of Manayunk 

is in the north west part of the City of Philadelphia. 

The name Manayunk is from 

the Lenape Indian word for 'river'...or literally, 'to drink.' 

Which is funny, 

because today Manayunk is known for its night life.

So the word continues to apply! 

Manayunk got its start 

due to its location along the Schyukhill River.

At the onset of the Industrial Revolution

a canal was created 

to supply power for mills.

Today, along the canal is a wonderful path 

used for walking, running and biking.

The Manayunk Canal Towpath 

is part of the Schuykill River Trail 

which can get you from Philly to Valley Forge 

on a 20 mile path. Map here.

So if the 'Yunker' Nightlife isn't your thing, 

you can enjoy all Manayunk has to offer in the daytime hours. 

It is worth investigating!

Click here for more Manayunk Photos.

Manayunk, 1900s

"An old town, now a northwestern part of the city. An important manufacturing district. Water power, furnished by the Schuylkill Canal, has long been used to run numerous textile and paper mills. Many of the streets so steep that horses cannot use them. Sidewalks are flights of steps."