Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer reports on the potential future demise of the annual summer crafts fair in Society Hill at Headhouse Fair.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/12272403.htm
The article contends that after 37 years, the annual summer treat for many Philadelphians might not continue. You can also read about this here: http://www.philly1.com/story6052505.html
To this writer, this is truly sad. I was four years old when the fair made its debut in 1968. Society Hill was just beginning its renaissance, South Street wasn’t anything much other than the Painted Bride Art Gallery and the TLA, which actually still showed movies (saw my first Fellini films with my father there!).
Headhouse Square, also referred to as the “Shambles� is an important piece of Philadelphia history dating from 1745 (or there abouts). It is a brick colonnaded structure was built by “a mayor of Philadelphia with his own money.� I am shamefully unable to recite the list of mayors of Philadelphia since the inception of the city, but I think it might have been James Hamilton. He is listed archivally as the mayor of 1745 (mayors at that time seemed to only serve a year). He was elected after two colleagues refused the post (in those days, apparently, no one wanted to have the onerous burden of mayor – it was lacking in bells and whistles, although apparently it had it's share of corruption and political intrigue). Anyway, the Shambles was built to collect market rent from the farmers – think of it as early revenues for the city, except it was most likely to line this colonial developer’s pockets (my, oh my, times haven’t changed THAT much in that regard!)
Farmers arrived on Monday and Thursday nights for the Tuesday and Friday market days in Society Hill at Headhouse Square. The actual headhouse at the Pine Street end of the market was built in 1805 to house volunteer fire companies. There was now a bell to signal fires and the beginning of market days.
There actually isn’t enough reporting of the history of this significant colonial commerce site, and that in itself is troublesome. I would hazard a guess that if this structure was in say, Historic Williamsburg it would be more cherished. It is Philadelphia’s last surviving open air market.
In any event, as a child, the Headhouse Square fair during weekends in the summer was wondrous and full of adventures to be had. The Inquirer refers to the fair as a “craft fair fit in during the hippie era�. Funny, I have distinct memories of the fair, its origins and the folks that started it, and they didn’t strike me as hippies, per se. They were part of the fabric that rescued Society Hill from its derelict self; it was all part of the renaissance of that area in the sixties and seventies. Unless you grew up in Society Hill at that time, or were living there then, you quite simply don’t remember how it used to be, and how much Philadelphia itself owes the people who first repopulated the area and started things like this fair.
At this fair, I would wander in and out of the booths looking at displays of works for sale by local artists like former Philadelphia artist Margery Niblock (she now, unfortunately practices her craft in Portland, Maine). Margery was indicative of Society Hill at that time, which was a melting pot of business people, families, and amazing artisans and crafts people. Margery, in particular, captured the essence of historic Philadelphia in her woodblocks, paintings, etc.
In addition to the artisans, you would find crafts people, flea market type tables, kids’ activities, and fun food. My favorites included the lemon stick candy in a big juicy lemon! And best of all? From then until now, this is a free event. In a city where somebody’s hand is always out (like the overpriced parking lots and garages for example), this event has remained free, enabling folks to enjoy a day downtown AND be able to support local artisans and craftspeople. What’s so bad about that?
The Headhouse Fair is a wonderful family tradition that is so welcoming. I hope whatever problems that exist get resolved. I hope this fair gets preserved for future generations to enjoy. I for one would like to see a 40th anniversary celebration in a couple years that might reunite many of the original artisans who displayed their wares. The South Street area has gotten too commercial. It looks like it needs a bath. Patronize the fair this year and ask how you can help. One suggestion? Write and call the folks who manage Headhouse Square, the South Street Headhouse District. Their info:
South Street Headhouse District
PO Box 63675
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 413-3713
G. David Hammond, Executive Director
Traditions like this fair should continue. There aren’t enough like them left. Think of it this way: before there was a fancy juried Craft Show in Philadelphia, there was this. Accessible to all, kid friendly, family friendly, fun. The city of Philadelphia should preserve this. But will they? Who knows. What's important to the Philadelphia City Officials is all subjective, and a moving target at best some days, like with most governing bodies.
