News Articles

Italian Fair

In this article, from May 9, 1965, there is a large picture of Italian women dancing in Fitler Square. The short text below it explains that there was an Italian Fair held at the park and that the fair featured a dance called the "carantella," which was danced by the five females, mostly in their teens.

Fitler Square Pays Tribute To Architect

In this article, from November 25, 1968, an event to dedicate a plaque and an azora tree to the late James P. Methaney is being described. The article goes through Methaney's history with the neighborhood, starting around the late 1920s when he moved the area and built his own house, moving through to his restorations of other houses and plans for a park along the Schuykill riverbank, and finally ending in his passing away. According to the article, there were a great number of people who attended the event, including people who were personally close with the architect like his sister and friend, and others who only knew him for his great work, like Mrs. John Wilson and the Deputy City Commissioner Edward Schlecter. Methaney's influence on the area was truly great and it shows in the success of the area today. He not only moved many people to try to restore the neighborhood, but his influence lived on to make residents want to preserve it.

In Our Town

This article, from June 27, 1961, is mostly about Mrs. John F. Wilson and the history of gardening at Fitler Square Park. It describes Mrs. Wilson's dedication towards the park and its life. It also says that although the people have changed, there have always been a group that cared about the well-being and beauty of the park. Although not everyone has enjoyed the idea of restoring the park, due to failed attempts in the past, Wilson has ignored their complaints and continued her work on the area. Thanks to her, Fitler Square is the way it is today, beautiful and enjoyed by everyone. Her influence was so great that the fountain in the center of the park was dedicated to her after she passed away.

A Bit o' the Old Sod

In this article, from May 16, 1967, an event at Fitler Square saluting Ireland was described. As the neighborhood was primarily Irish or of Irish descent, this is logical to be the theme of the year's annual fair. A band and dancers were called to perform and there were many Irish cultural dishes and drinks served.

'Little Pentagon,' Lots of Ivy Give Fitler Square New Look

This article, from September 6, 1954, discusses Norman Rice, an architect, and his work on Fitler Sqaure. It begins by saying that Rice actually worked across the street from Fitler Square and saw its dismal scenery every day. When he was asked to renovate the park, he was more than glad to do so. As his plan, Rice wanted to completely recreate the park. Instead of using grass for the ground as a source of green, he chose English ivy, which was perfect for his plan (it grew well under trees, provided a great amount of green, was not very inviting to walk upon, and lasted all year). He also added other plants to give the park some nice vibrant colors, like the purple wintercreeper. He also replaced the wooden shack in the park with a brick pentagon-shaped building (the "Little Pentagon"). The article ends with a long quote by Rice, giving thanks to all of his contributors and supporters. This, historically, was was a great renaissance for the park, but it was short-lived and unfortunately, the park returned to ruin shortly after. However, it was a very important attempt at beautifying the park.

D'Ortona to Light Yule Tree In Fitler Square on Friday

In this article, from December 16, 1964, a community tree-lighting event is announced to be happening, with the City Council president. There is also to be caroling by the Rittenhouse Opera Society chorus.

It's Planting Day In Fitler Square

In this article, from May 2, 1959, a planting day that was held at Fitler Square is being described. A group of Girl and Boy Scouts came to plant flowers in the park's gardens as part of the effort to keep the park lively and pleseant.

Fitler Park, Beautified By Civic Club, Increases Popularity Values in Area

This Article, from the Philadelphia Inquirer of March 24, 1949, explains the renovation of Fitler Square Park by the Civic Club, a women’s organization established in 1894. Assisted by the Bureau of City Property and the City Park Supervisor, the organization gave the park a complete rejuvenating, from new pavement, to more benches, to repaired fences. With the help of the Society of Little Gardens, flowers and shrubs were planted all over the park, including a shrubbery dedicated to men of the armed forces, which was moved to the park from the Academy of Music. The refurbishment of Fitler Square improved the area immensely, in appearance and in property value, and revived popularity of the immediate neighborhood.

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