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My history with this parade goes back to my Grandfather, who was a member of Stringband clubs (Trilby is the only one I can recall). He marched in the days when the backpieces were made of wood, so they were very heavy. My Grandmom still tells the story of how his backpiece was her headboard since it was the only safe place to store it. They marched in the sun, rain, snow and/or sleet. They went all the way up past City Hall, then came back down 2nd Street, then returned to their respective clubhouses sometime that day/evening. He often reminisced about the hospitality of the residents of Two Street, their homes were open to all, so was the food and drink they had.
I helped bring my husband into the parade, he has marched for over 5 years now with the comics. This year, he will be escorting my 3 year old Daughter. I am very proud to have had many generations involved in this parade, especially my child. The feelings about the upcoming change for the route of the parade are bitter. I would have liked my daughter to walk Broad Street at least one time like her Great Grandfather had done in the 30's and 40's. I am born and raised in South Philadelphia. We always went to Broad Street to see our family and friends. 2nd Street has been our tradition over the last 10 years and I hope and pray they don't stop it. For those unaware, it is where many groups and clubs have their clubhouses and they return here after the parade. It is a very nice time, neighbors and friends gather and cheer for all, no competition or prizes, just good old fashioned fun. By the way, I noticed that you asked about stories of women in the parade. I remember a story my Mom told me but I do not know the names involved. A Stringband was in desperate need for a musician and the only one they could get was a young woman (she would be around 63 by now) whose father was a member. They quickly altered the suit to fit her and she was sworn to secrecy - since they would have been disqualified in those days supposedly. She was placed in the middle of the line, to help in hiding her. My Mom told us the story back when the issue was brought to vote women in, I remember her laughing and saying that it had already happened! From what I can recall, she would have been a teen when this happened, so the time would have been around the 1950's. I'm sending you 3 pics. One is my Grandfather, I have to check with Grandmom on the year and the club, but it is a good single shot. Other two are pics off my TV so that is why they look a little fuzzy, one is my husband as "Monica Lewinsky", the theme was Roman in '99, hence the Roman type wench suits, but the joke part was Roaming, like you know who - our President, our captain had the mask on and waltzed up to my husband and they danced! They took 3rd Place for this and Kevin was interviewed by the media, that was hilarious because they figured he would be drunk and say something bad, but he wasn't and was quite the speaker, remaining politically correct and all.
The other shot is them at the hall performing for judges. I took them from the TV, this past year. I didn't walk up. I stayed home with daughter. But I'm going this year and will have many great pics for you!
Well,
we'll be marching up Market this year and I'm dedicating her first
year up to my Grandfather, who I hope will be marching on Broad
Street with the other mummers that have passed on. If you have moved
from the Philadelphia area, last year they simulcast the parade
on the web and I hope they do again this year. Try to look for it!
Have and happy, safe and healthy New Year!!!! Barbara Read Barbara's account and see pictures from the 2000 parade. |
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