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Julian Abele Park Issue No. 3 Fall 2010

Julian AbeleJulian Our Neighbor

Born in Philadelphia on April 29, 1881 to Charles R. and Mary A. Abele, Julian Abele was raised in what is now known as the Southwest Center City Neighborhood. Later, after spending time traveling through Europe, Julian returned to his childhood Philadelphia neighborhood to raise his family on the 1500 block of Christian Street.

Julian the Scholar

Abele excelled at mathematics. As a young man he was accepted into and earned his Certificate from the Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Art (PMSIA), where he earned his Certificate in Architectural Drawing in 1898. He then enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Architecture. Julian’s undergraduate career was marked by a series of accomplishments and awards for both his design and rendering abilities. During his studies, Julian’s work often appeared in various exhibitions across the country. In 1902, he became the first African-American student to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Architecture.

Julian, An Architectural Icon

After spending years traveling Europe, absorbing the diverse design elements, Abele returned to Philadelphia and joined a prestigious architectural firm where he designed and contributed to the design of over 250 buildings, including: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Harvard University’s Widener Memorial Library, the Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, many of the Gilded Age

mansions of Newport, RI and New York City. Julian also served as the Chief Designer of Duke University’s campus.

Remembering Julian

Despite being credited by the Smithsonian Magazine as the most accomplished African American architect of his era, Abele has only recently started to receive the well-deserved recognition for his work. In honor of this great man, great Philadelphian and great neighbor, a 1/3 acre plot of land bordered by 22nd, Montrose and Carpenter Streets has been officially designated as the Julian Abele Park.

Julian F. Abele, 1881 - 1950The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Who are the Friends of Julian Abele Park?The Friends of Julian Abele Park is a group of committed volunteers from around the community.A registered Pennsylvania non-profit, the Friends group works with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Parks and Recreation to maintain and improve the park.With the help of PHS and a grant from Citizens Bank, Phase I of the Park has been completed. Phase I included grading, tree planting, lighting and seating. The transformation from empty lots to much needed urban green space has

been amazing. However, the hard work has just begun.The Friends are currently working on the design for the latter phases of the Park and engaging in fundraising activities to pay for those improvements.Donations to the park are greatly appreciated. Volunteers are also being sought for the various planning committees currently working to make the community’s shared vision a reality.Contact Darlene Branch Smith at dsmith2229@comcast.net if you are interested in volunteering or making a contribution.

Upcoming Meetings

November 3, 2010March 2, 2011April 6, 2011May 4, 2011June 1, 2011July 6, 2011

Meetings begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and are held at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 2040 Christian

Street.

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!

F R I E N D S O F J U L I A N A B E L E P A R K

2 Friends of Julian Abele Park Newsletter

K E E P U P W I T H T H E P A R K F R I E N D S

2010: New Friends, New TraditionsThe 2010 park season saw a lot of success. We welcomed a Farmer’s Market and Jazz at Julian. We watched a crumbling wall turn into a blank palette for a new mural. Most importantly, we met new neighbors and made new friends.

Almost one year after reaching out to the City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program, painting will begin on a mural overlooking the park that honors Julian Abele.

On October 16th, the Mural Arts Program will host a Community Painting Day. Neighborhood residents will help bring the mural to life under the guidance of artists and volunteers. The new mural, designed by artist Michael Webb, honors Abele, depicting him alongside some of his most recognizable projects, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The City’s Mural Arts program, which started as an anti-graffiti effort, “unites artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives.”

The Friends of Julian Abele Park would like to thank all of those who helped make the mural possible.

New Farmer’s Market The summer of 2010 saw the first Farmer’s Market come to the park.

In Spring 2010, the Friends of Julian Abele Park were approached about hosting a weekly farmer’s market. With the help of the South of South Neighborhood Association, the Friends group was able to secure legislative and city approval for the site.

The farmer’s market, which is operated by Jacob and Emma Beiler, has been an overwhelming success. From 3-7 pm every Friday, the Beilers set

up their tent and offered a range of local vegetables and fruits, as well as baked goods and farm fresh dairy products, such as eggs and cheese. The Beilers participate in the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, accepting vouchers.

With so much success, the Beilers are considering extending their season throughout the colder months. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting news!

Jazz @ JulianWith the help of our friends at SOSNA, the Friends of Julian Abele Park hosted “Jazz @ Julian,” a night of great music and great neighbors.

Summer 2010 saw what will hopefully become an annual tradition of “Jazz @ Julian.” This summer’s concert series featured the bands, “the Sidecar All-Stars” and “the Don Evans Band.”

The turnout for the shows was overwhelming. Families, friends and pets all enjoyed the performances, spreading out chairs and blankets throughout the park for two great nights of jazz and blues.

Fall Craft and Flea Market Building on last year’s success, the park played host to another fall craft and flea market.

As part of its fundraising efforts, the Friends welcomed craft and flea market vendors to the park on Saturday, October 9th. With the help of Jacob Beiler, the Friends sold pumpkins to raise money for park maintenance and improvements. All profits from the pumpkin sale and the sale of vendor spots will go to maintenance and park improvements. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great success!

Become a friend of the Friends on Facebook. Simply search for “Friends of Julian Abele Park” on Facebook.com, or

visit:

www.facebook.com/FOJAB

Follow us on Twitter at “JulianAbelePark.”

Visit http://twitter.com/JulianAbelePark

Receive updates about park meetings and events and the weekly Farmer’s Market

offerings!

Want more park photos, plans and Friends governance information? Visit:

www.JulianAbelePark.org

An early design of the park.