Underground Philadelphia: From Caves and Canals to Tunnels and Transit

UndergroundBook

Monday, April 8, 2019

speakers and authors
Harry Kyriakodis and Joel Spivak

Philadelphia’s relationship with the underground is as old as the city itself, dating back to when Quaker settlers resided in caves alongside the Delaware River more than three hundred years ago. The City of Brotherly Love later became a national and world leader in the delivery of water, gas, steam, and electricity during the industrial age. The construction of multiple subway lines within Center City took place during the early twentieth century. An intricate subsurface pedestrian concourse was also developed throughout the downtown area for the city’s inhabitants. From Thirtieth Street Station and Reading Terminal to the Commuter Rail Tunnel and transit lines that were never built, Philadelphia’s infrastructure history is buried under the earth as much as above. Join authors Harry Kyriakodis and Joel Spivak as they reveal the curious aspects of the Quaker City’s underground experience.

Harry Kyriakodis is a librarian, historian and writer about Philadelphia and has collected a library of more than 2,800 books about the City of Brotherly Love. He is a founding member of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides and gives walking tours and presentations on unique yet unappreciated parts of the city.

Joel Spivak is an architect, artist, author and community activist in Philadelphia where he helped lead the renaissance of South Street in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. He is the author of 3 books on Philadelphia railroads and public transit. Both Harry and Joel are long-time members of OE/SIA.

Date: Monday, April 8, 2019
Time: 5:30 Refreshments               6:15 Program
Cost: $10 per person if preregistered        $15 if not reserved
Place: Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive
You can park in the Circle, closer to the FWWIC

Registration: E-mail names of members and guests to
reesepdavis@gmail.com or phone Reese at 610-692-4456