This swanky old sign is a true relic of South Philly, which is changing as rapidly as any other neighborhood these days.
Owned and operated by the Muzi family, Philip’s Restaurant was licensed for business at this location in 1940,1 although later advertisements claimed it opened in 1938.2
The blue portion of the sign likely dates to 1940, but I suspect the “Cocktail Lounge” segment was added later.
Originally built as a residence, the 3-story brownstone structure that housed the restaurant previously served as the Circolo Italiano clubhouse for at least 20 years.3 4
Philip’s touted itself as “Serving the finest in Italian cuisine”, and the interior photograph shown below is from a postcard published circa 1960, based on a note from the back that adds the restaurant had been in “The same location for 20 years.”
Philip’s closed in 2001, and the building has apparently been unoccupied since 2018.5 The sign remains untouched.
When the power goes out, there are two kinds of people: those who keep running their damn mouths and the ones who go silent.
The loud ones will waste their breath whining and lamenting their fate; the quiet ones will find sustenance in the sacred pause.
Choose carefully who you traverse with in the darkness: the loud ones only know fear, while the quiet ones follow the light of inner guidance.
When the power returns—and it always does—the loud ones, having learned nothing, will still wallow in the familiar din, suppressing their souls in meaningless babble.
The quiet ones will move on to the next destination, having found strength in their acceptance of the disruption.
This postcard depicts the W.B. Chisolm Residence in Charleston, South Carolina, renovated with a design by G.L. Norrman (or so say I) circa 1893.
The card was hand-colored and published by Lanneau’s Art Store in Charleston, and postmarked in Charleston on May 18, 1946.
Addressed to Mrs. A. Joceyln of 23 Essex Street, Holyoke, Mass., the card’s message is written by Edith and Brenda:
Edith: “Hi [Harmony?] Jocelyn – We are here and loving every moment 2 our stay. We are doing our best + live as you showed me the way + are perfectly happy I feel fine. We are gaining weight, + tanning well. Love, Edith.”
Brenda: “She is really gaining weight. She is now down (?) to 126 lbs. Brenda”
Edith: “gaining from 119 to 126!”
This postcard depicts St. Mary’s Catholic Church, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1892.
Published by the American News Company of New York and printed in Germany, the postcard was postmarked in Americus on September 25, 1908.
On the back, B.P. wrote the following note to Mr. C.F. Wade in South Carolina:
“I don’t owe you a card but will send you this to show you some of Americus.
Hello, how do you like this?
Do you ever see Miss Maggie? Am at
home to day – Sumter Co”
Well, that’s definitely some of Americus.
This postcard depicts the Hotel Aragon in Atlanta, designed by Bruce & Morgan and completed in 1892.
Published by the I.F. Company of Atlanta, the card includes the following promotional copy on the back:
HOTEL ARAGON, PEACHTREE AND ELLIS STS.,
ATLANTA, GA.Located in the hart of the city only minutes from
shops, theatres and depots. All modern conveniences.
The card was postmarked in Atlanta on April 15, 1923, and addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Terrel of 652 East 101st Street, Cleveland, Ohio.
R.H.R. Charles wrote on the back:
“Dear Friends,
I expect to leave for Cleveland around about Wed or Thurs. [?] and many [?] having great time and lots to drink. P”
Judging by his handwriting, he had a little too much.