Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has set the scene for many events that shaped the course of American history. An angelic presence has been evident throughout it all, from the arrival of the first immigrants, to the authoring of the Constitution, up through Philly’s present status as a fast-paced, modern city. Come walk the streets with us, and discover what put Philadelphia on the map.
Hometown Heroes: Amid the hustle and bustle of passing travelers on the concourse of Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station stands a city icon: The Angel of the Resurrection, a tribute to the Pennsylvania Railroad employees killed in World War II. Sculpted by Walter Hancock, the 39-inch-tall statue depicts Archangel Michael pulling a soldier up from battle. The names of all 1,307 fallen men and women are included on the statue’s black-granite base.
Rich Culture: Angels on official documents? That’s right! During the 1700s, southeastern Pennsylvania was home to a high population of German immigrants who brought from Europe the tradition of fraktur lettering and artwork. Angels were a prominent theme in these intricate, often hand-created designs for marriage, birth and baptism certificates, and occasionally appeared on more personal items like valentines and house blessings. Documents bearing fraktur artwork are considered an integral part of the region’s folk history.
Native Son, Bil Keane: Funny pages across the country have run Philadelphia-born Bil Keane’s one-panel comic “The Family Circus,” but even prolific artists have to start small. The seeds for Keane’s success were sown in his home city, where his very first comic was published in the Daily News when he was in eighth grade. “The Family Circus” debuted in 1960. At the height of its circulation, “The Family Circus” appeared in about 1,500 newspapers. Keane stated that his primary goal was to encourage readers to relate, reflect and smile.
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