There were over forty people in attendance at the meeting Tuesday night at the Historical Society of Frankford to hear Torben Jenk’s presentation “LOCAL COLOR” — Five Generations of GLOBE DYE COMPANY (1965–2005). I noted that many of the attendees were from outside of Frankford.  That the HSF can attract folks from far and wide is a tribute to the quality of the program.

What drew me to this program were two points of interest.  The story of the Globe Dye Works is all about work and what drew people to come to Frankford to live.  My great grandfather came to this country in 1869 and settled in South Philly.  He first went to work as a shoe maker in a factory but within a few years he got into the textile industry.  I traced his movements around the city when in 1891 I found him in Frankford working as a Beamer in the textile mill.  So the textile business in Frankford is why I am here today.

The other point of interest is that the Globe Dye Works building is undergoing a renaissance under its new owners the Globe Development Group (GDG). Matt and Charlie Papajohn of the GDG were on hand to talk about what is being done to the building, how it is being preserved and what lies in the future.

Torben Jenk gave an engaging talk with power point slides on the history of the Globe from its earliest beginning when it straddled the little Tacony creek which is now Torresdale Avenue through its closure in 2005.  The big story was the tremendous size of the textile industry in Philadelphia.  Mr. Jenk is a founder of the web site workshop of the world which is very informative about the industrial history of the city.  The small but even more interesting story was that of the people of Frankford who worked at the Globe as seen in a Globe publication “Local Color”.

Charlie and Matt Papajohn discussed the restoration of the building and direction they are heading for in the future.  You can find a lot of this at the Globe Dye Works web site.  They did note that all the archival materials found at the Globe have been donated to the HSF.  One interesting tidbit is that a new tenant at the Globe will be producing hard cider called “Revolutionary Cider” in that it follows the recipes of the colonial era.

It was an an entertaining and fast paced hour.  Visit the HSF web site for an up to date listing of future events.

A few weeks ago, Jim noted that Google is now showing businesses on Google maps.  One of businesses that turned up in frankford was the Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory.  That sounded interesting and I looked up their web site to see what I could find out about them.  They have recently moved into the Globe from their original location in South Philly.  It became obvious that there would be no ship construction going on in Frankford.  This turns out to be an educational/youth development program.  I emailed to find out if anybody would like to talk about it.

A couple of days later got a call from a guy named Brett who said he would be happy to give me the story and we could meet at the Globe over on Worth Street.  I met with him last Wednesday and got a better story than I had bargained for.

Brett Hart is thirty something and lived on Hawthorne Street and attended Frankford Friends.  He is the Executive director of the Philadelphia Wooden boat Factory.

They have a canoe building program that is up and running now.

PWBF Canoe Program is a long-term boat building program that is available free to eligible Philadelphia area schools.  Taking place typically over a 12-week period during either the fall or spring academic semester, Philadelphia area students (14-18 years old) work three hours a week to complete a 15-foot canoe.  Participating students become proficient with academic fundamentals and practical application of skills such as reading blueprints, understanding and using scale, linear measurement, applying material properties, applying trigonometric/geometric principle, safe tool use/care, and fine woodworking.  Additionally, in a group setting, students further develop critical/analytical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution, responsibility, and self-reliance skills.  PWBF’s unique educational philosophy, in conjunction with the canoe project, enables students to creatively develop and apply academic, personal, and interpersonal skills in a practical hands-on environment.

In addition they are looking to start a new after school boat building program.  This pilot program is slated to begin for a group of twelve 8th grade students on January 25^th with a five-month restoration project that will lead into a competitive sailing program by June.  The restoration will entail rebuilding a boat called a Lightning.  One was in the shop the day I visited and Brett was going to pick up the second this past weekend.

I had fairly simple questions.  Safety with kids around wood working equipment is important.  The shop is equipped with a table saw that will stop if it is touched by any part of the body.  I had heard of them but never saw one in person.  The dust collection system looks up to the job.  They are partnering with the Broad Street Y for swimming lessons to make sure all the kids who go out on the water can swim. 

Anyone having an interest in this program can contact Brett Hart via email at Brett@woodenboatfactory.org.  Visit their web site for a good look at the philosophy and more pictures.

This is another of the interesting things going on over at the Globe in historic East Frankford.

Pics from Friday’s Tom Judd art exhibition at the Globe Dye Works.

• Tom Judd is having an open reception
  When- Fri, November 13, 6pm – 9pm

  Where Globe Dye Works (map)

  Description – Philadelphia based artist Tom Judd is having an open reception this Friday at the Globe Dye Works from 6 PM to 9 PM. According to Mr Judd’s biography, he’s done a lot stuff around Philadelphia. From murals on the street to walls for local restaurants. Some of his stuff has been added to the Philadelphia Museum Art’s permanent collection. I hope we get something like Tijuana Weekend.
• Frankford Garden Club
  When – Sat, November 14, 10am – 12pm

  Where – Wissinoming Recreation Center (map)

  Description – This Saturday From 10AM to 12PM we will be making autumn arrangements for the Vitas Hospice in the old Frankford Hospital (now Aria) We will meet in our new Home at Wissinoming Recreation Center Enter the driveway on Cheltenham Street between Charles and Frankford Avenue (one block east of Frankford Avenue – go past the Frankford Transportation Center at Bridge and Pratt, up the hill, and turn right onto Cheltenham Avenue at the traffice light – then turn left into the driveway about a block down – you are allowed to drive up the red brick road to the building !
• Northwood Civic Association Meeting
  When – Tue, November 17, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)

  Description – AGENDA: • Terry Tobin, director of New Frankford Community Y, will make a report on the possible future of the now closed facility. Accompanying him will be officers of the company planning to buy the facility. They will make a presentation and take questions. • The membership will be updated on the progress of the various zoning battles the Association is currently engaged in. • Any new business will be accepted from the floor.
• Italian Style Family Dinner
  When – Wed, November 18, 4:30pm – 8:00pm

  Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)

  Description – MARK YOUR CALENDAR Every Third Wednesday from September thru May Italian Style Family Dinner.  The Dinners will be served from 4:30 PM to 8 PM in Fitzmaurice Hall Take-out will be available. COST: $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Children. Come Join us!
• Solar Power Workshop
  When – Thu, November 19, 6pm – 8pm

  Where – Location TBD (map)

  Description – Rep. Payton is hosting a series of workshops on solar power to help you become a part of the solar revolution. Three solar professionals will present their services and general information about the benefits of solar energy. Rep. Payton’s staff will also present on solar rebates and tax incentives available on solar purchases. Presenters include: Rene Ermilio, Helio Power Systems Micah Gold-Markel, Solar States David Blumenfeld, Urban Eco Electric Jorge Santana, Office of State Rep. Tony Payton, Jr. For more information about any of these events, please contact Rep. Payton’s constituent service office at 215-544-7901.
• Parent Computer Expo
  When – Sat, November 21, 9am – 12pm

  Where – Frankford High School, 5000 Oxford Ave. Phila. PA 19124 (map)
• Fall For Your Park at Overington Park
  When – Sat, November 21, 10am – 1pm

  Where – Overington Park, Leiper and Orthodox Streets (map)

  Description – Our next Friends of Overington Park event is on Saturday November 21, 2009, from 10am till 1pm. We will be planting a few trees, and racking up leaves, I hope some of your readers would like to attend. The event is called Fall For Your Park and will be going on around the city in over 60 parks. I hope to see you there.
• Town hall meeting
  When – Tue, November 24, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – St. Joachim’s church hall, Church and Griscom streets.Phila. Pa 19124 (map)

  Description – Captain Bachmayer (15th District) invites residents from the district to share their concerns at a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. at St. Joachim’s church hall, Church and Griscom streets.
• Program at the Historical Society of Frankford
  When – Sun, November 29, 2pm – 4pm

  Where – Historical Society of Frankford, 1507 Foulkrod Street, Phila. PA 19124 (map)

  Description – THE LENAPE TRADITION — Special Guest Program and Fundraiser Indian Cultural Museum of Allentown This interactive program and display will highlight the heritage of the Lenape people that were the first to inhabit the area that is now Frankford. In light of the Thanksgiving holiday, it is appropriate to remember and appreciate the people that once called Frankford home. Join the folks from the Indian Cultural Center in Allentown as they share information on their history and traditions. The Historical Society of Frankford is also mounting a small display of its own Lenape and other Northeast Philadelphia American Indian artifacts. Activities for all ages will be offered, so bring the entire family and support the educational outreach HSF has been doing for over 100 years to promote and preserve the history of Northeast Philadelphia. Special refreshments will be offered.

Philadelphia based artist Tom Judd is having an open reception this Friday at the Globe Dye Works from 6 PM to 9 PM.  According to Mr Judd’s biography, he’s done a lot stuff around Philadelphia.  From murals on the street to walls for local restaurants.  Some of his stuff has been added to the Philadelphia Museum Art’s permanent collection.  I hope we get something like Tijuana Weekend.

But if for nothing else, you gotta swing by just check out the Dye Works complex.  The last art show, Globe Dye Works: Layers, was a spectacular sight to see in Frankford.  Check out some pics from it here.

[link] http://frankfordgazette.com/tag/globe-dye-works/

[link] http://tomjuddart.com/

[link] http://globedyeworks.com/