The Westfield Leader Newspaper
The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

Pen and Ink

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN 1.5 ounce thinly sliced steak 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 medium onion sliced thinly 1 tsp. water 1 slice American cheese Hoagie roll

Preheat frying pan and add 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, sliced onions and steak slices. To keep this mixture moist, add remaining vegetable oil. Cook meat until golden brown, blending continuously with the onions until they are translucent. Top mixture with American cheese. Open up the hoagie roll and serve steak, onion and cheese mixture on the top. Be sure to serve hot. Serves 1.

ARTIST OF THE WEEK

Betsy Ross (17521836) Inside of the Betsy Ross Museum

on Arch Street in Philadelphia. By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

When most of us think about Betsy Ross, the image of a dynamo trailblazer doesn’t normally spring to mind. Usually, we picture a plain, solemn woman weaving her needle and thread into the first American Flag. Quiet as a church mouse, you’d think, but Ross was a bit of a rebel rouser.

The greatgranddaughter of a Quaker, Ross( thenElizabethGriscom) was not supposed to marry outside of her denomination. But at 21, she ran off to a tavern in New Jersey to elope with John Ross, an Episcopalian. She was cut off from her family.

The Rosses, who resided in Philadelphia, started up their own upholstery business, which incorporated sewing and flagmaking into its list of services. When John became mortally wounded, she was asked by the Committee of Three, George Washington, George Ross and Robert Morris to craft our nation’s flag.

Although she remarried, Ross endured the death of husband and children while still pressing on with her life. She even married her second husband’sbestfriend, JohnClaypoole, who actually bore the news of second husband, Joseph Ashburn’s death in the war.

Today, these are the things Jerry Springer and Ricky Lake episodes are made of.

When death came at 84, the woman who said she was George Washington’s personal tailor, was buried in three different spots: Christ Church Cemetery, Mount Moriah Cemetery and next to the Betsy Ross House on Arch Street.

Ross’ home on Arch Street is truly legendary. Her spirit clearly resides there as tourists move from room to tiny room to glean a bit of her history.

Michelle H. LePoidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times FRANKLIN COURT... Benjamin Franklin walked down this long, brick passageway in the Old City district of Philadelphia to come home every evening.

Michelle H. LePoidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times BACK IN TIME... Near Independence Hall, this costumed soldier and small tourists with wooden muskets reenact marching in wartime.

Michelle H. LePoidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times

A TASTE OF ITALY... This mural depicting the fare of Di Bruno Brothers paints an alleyway in the Italian Market district of Philadelphia.

Michelle H. LePoidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times

THE BEST OF THE BOURSE... Across the street from the Liberty Bell, shoppers can sample souvenir boutiques and American fare at The Bourse, which was decorated with draped American flags in preparation for the Republican National Convention.

Michelle H. LePoidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times BUSTLING CENTER CITY... Center City Philadelphia prepared for bundles of tourists early Saturday morning on Broad and Locust Streets. Broad Street is known to many as “The Avenue of the Arts.” Michelle H. LePoidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times PICK A BENCH, ANY BENCH... Despite tourists snapping

shots and lining up for tours, Independence Square behind Independence Hall is one of the most serene spots in Old City. Because One Door Closed, the World

Of Philadelphia Opened Up to Me Philadelphia Freedom Cheesesteak

The Main Ingredient The Main Ingredient The Main Ingredient The Main Ingredient The Main Ingredient

Arts & Entertainment

Liberate Yourself By Basking in the Trendy, Traditional Spirit of Philadelphia Freedom

“I’m moving to Philadelphia,” he told me with his face sinking low. While cliché pictures of the Liberty Bell and cheesesteak flew through the transom of my mind, all I could really think of was that my boyfriend was moving away. The year was 1997 and as we drove toward the City of Brotherly Love that November afternoon, I was determined (with a pout) to despise it.

But that day, I fell in love. Not with my boyfriend, but with Philadelphia. As one door was closing, metaphorically speaking, an appreciation for a historic city with hustle was opening my eyes.

Upon my return last Saturday, those cliché pictures I once mocked became fullcolor and beloved. I visited my old haunts like Independence Square and, in turn, Philadelphia gifted me with new experiences like the Ghost Tour, Italian Market, Franklin Court, and The Bourse.

Anyone who has regularly read my Pen & Ink column knows that New York City isn’t exactly my cup of tea. While I thrive amid the energy of bouncing yellow taxis and trendy cafes, Philly

doesn’t offer these opportunities in a sardine canlike atmosphere like New York. Philadelphia allows me to let my feet take me from the eccentric and wild of

South Street to the revered relics of Independence Hall – all within a 15minute walk. Nestled in the Society Hill section near Old City, is Delancy Street. Billowing and brilliant flags of every notion soar from the window ledges and the cobblestone streets whisper days of yore. I dream, often, of living there someday and letting myself become swept away by the incontestable culture that is Philadelphia.

I’ll keep going back and someday, I know I’ll stay.

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

PHILADELPHIA – There’s something to be said for a metropolis that has the hyper vibe of Manhattan, while soothing with a gentle reminder, “America started here.”

To borrow a phrase from fellow Philadelphia admirer Oprah Winfrey, “That’s my Philadelphia.”

Even while souvenir shops and tourist attractions began draping red, white and blue banners for the Republican National Convention in a few days, the commercialism of the city died down in the reenactment of soldier marching with small children armed with wooden muskets. Costumed docents walking through Old City waved across cobblestone streets, hearkening back to years gone by despite newspapers cautioning of possible rioting when the Convention comes to town.

The Funky and Fantastic

Quiet and quaint may not be found within the vibrant district along South Street, but eccentric and unique certainly describes the mood. Known to many as the “artsy” area of Philly, some of the trendiest boutiques and hip restaurants are available for the picking.

Although the selection of candles and candleholders inside Hot Wax are not as unusual, the exterior of the building is a treasure for the eye. Mirrored and opaque pieces of mosaic form funky shapes in tropical colors. Snapping photos of this facade is a must.

For the latest in supplies for beading jewelry, thousands of varieties are compartmentalized at Beadworks at 225 South. Silver, handcrafted pieces of jewelry are reasonably priced at Ethnics at 307 South, and a hop, skip and jump across the street is another Ethnics with paper lamps glowing in every shape and size, as well as batik sarongs ready to wear.

Finally, grab one of those famous cheesesteaks at Jon’s Bar & Grill at the corner of 606 South Third and South. But, only after you’ve perused the exotic Latin American crafts and accessories at Eye’s Gallery situated at 402 South.

All clichés aside, this street is the place to see and be seen. The nightlife is electric. In fact, Thursdays are kind of special in the district. Restaurants, bars and shops along South Street offer discounts and specials all day long in what is called “Jump Start Thursdays.”

I Spy A Ghost!

If you want the hair on the nape of your neck to stand on end, then the spooky Ghost Tour through the timeworn sites and cemeteries of Old City is for you.

Meet at the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets and look for the guys in tights and oldfashioned billowy white shirts. They’ll collect your $10 tickets – a mere pittance for this haunting tour.

Carrying a glowing lantern filled with a tall beeswax candle, our guide walked us through Washington Square Park which was previously a potter’s field where bodies once claimed by a plague of yellow fever were exhumed for their costly clothing. Off to a cemetery where Indian chieftains were haphazardly interred, legend has

it that a ghost visits often to pay homage to the deceased.

Then, there’s the ghost of Benjamin Franklin that transpires from a statue deep in the heart of Old City.

You’re guaranteed to get the heebie jeebies of history.

To make reservations for the tour, please call (215) 4131997.

Give Peace A Chance

Combating violence and hatred, while celebrating our liberties is the order of the day at The National Liberty Museum on 321 Chestnut Street in Old City. Four floors of rare exhibits include “Voyage to Liberty Through Faith” with stained glass windows and replicas of the Dead Sea Scrolls, tracing the roots of freedom throughout the Bible.

A collection of White House China reaching back to the days of

George Washington to present day, as well as a chance for children under 18 to cast a ballot for a pretend election are all available for open minds.

Perhaps one of the most odd, yet interesting features is situated on the fourth floor. Jellybean People (two figures composed of the multicolored candies) pop out from a background of flapping butterflies. The varied colors and types of the ingredients point out our individuality and the importance of respecting diversity.

This is not a museum to loll around in. Get ready to open your minds and put on your thinking caps. To plan your visit, please call (215) 9253800 or get a preview at www. libertymuseum. org.

We Built This City….

“If these walls could talk,” I thought walking through the bricked tunnel pathway of Franklin Court on Market Street. Benjamin Franklin, after a hard day’s work, used to stroll down this walkway to retire at home. Today, we know that Mr. Franklin was also the inventor of a brood of children with several different women. Legend has it that his wandering eye was quite notable about town.

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, is the oldest theater in America. Founded in 1809, the stage has been graced by the professionalism of Helen Hayes, Jack Lemmon, Claudette Colbert, Houdini, George C. Scott, Jessica Tandy, Katharine Hepburn and Jane Fonda. With a modest facade, the

theater is still going strong with productions like Rags on tap.

Communications Manager for Walnut Street Theatre Maria E. Sticco told The Westfield Leader and The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood,

“Aside from being America’s oldest theatre, the Walnut has the largest subscriber base in America, at over 50,000. We keep our prices affordable so that as many people as possible will have access to highquality, live theatre. Our prices are much less than Broadway or national touring companies, yet are constantly complimented that our productions are as good as or better than Broadway.” For more information on the Walnut, please call (215) 9256885.

Deep in the heart of Old City, the first GOP Convention was held in 1856. John Fremont was the candidate and the original convention site became the home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother who later died there. For full GOP information and a free commemorative CDROM, please visit www. gopphilly. com or call (215) 4826158.

At first glance, The Bourse at 111 South Independence Mall East resembles a shopping center, but the foundation is saturated with history. Built in the late 1800s as a business center, it opened in 1895 to include the Commercial Exchange, the Maritime Exchange, the Grocers and Importers Exchange and the Board of Trade.

Retaining its flavor of Victorian gingerbread architecture, The Bourse reopened in 1982 after $20 million worth of renovation. Sou venir shops, a mini food court and

small boutiques have made The Bourse a definite stopover for tourists and locals alike. For more information, please call (215) 6253000.

More Than Cheesesteak

Contrary to popular belief, the cheesesteak is not the only item on the Philadelphia menu guaranteed to win your heart.

Le Bus, 3402 Sansom Street, offers a scrumptious square blueberry muffin and assorted pastries for those trying to rise and shine. Little did we realize that protesters were constucting props in a nearby building in order to demonstrate outside of the Republican National Convention!

Plump cheese blintzes covered with warm dark cherry syrup are the

order of the day with juicy sausages and scrambled eggs at Academy Café within the DoubleTree Hotel at Broad and Locust Streets.

At Where Else? Café, 301 South 11th Street, Cuban sandwiches filled with fresh slices of pork, ham and Swiss cheese are piled high alongside a small salad of mesculin salad with a raspberry vinaigrette. Don’t forget to dip fluorescent red tortilla chips in Where Else? ’s tangy salsa.

Finally, stop by Ralph Jr. ’s on Market Street near Penn’s Landing for the most fresh water mussels you will ever savor. Served with the creamy lobster bisque, this is the perfect place for a quick bite. However, beware of one item: the airconditioning is overkill. You’ll love your food, but you’ll be eating under a wind tunnel even after you ask them to turn the air down.

It Does Love You Back

Spending two days or two weeks in the City of Brotherly Love is

Michelle H. LePoidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times

RAINY DAYS AND SUNDAYS... Near Washington Square Park in Old City, the rain came down in sheets on the Sunday, forcing tourists to hail cabs and give up shopping for souvenirs. However, die hard Philadelphians didn’t let the rain get in the way of a good Sunday afternoon.

Please send all arts & entertainment news to: michelle@goleader.com

never enough. On your way out of the city, you will always find yourself pointing to a place you missed and vowing to return. The city always beckons you back and loves you in return.