As we made our way up in the numbers, we found Webb Department Store, which doubled as a record store. Being the music connoisseurs group 17 is, we had to go in. We were met with heaps of vinyl, stacks of cassettes, really old Destiny’s Child promo cutouts, and tons of stuff getting in the way of actually mining through
this goldmine. However, the real story here was Bruce Webb. We had only met the guy, but he had plaques behind his desk touting him as an underappreciated music legend in the urban community. Bruce told us that he has worked with all different kinds of artists, and we’re going back next week to see what he’s all about. He’s owned Webb Department Store since 1968, so at the very least, he can tell us a little about the area, Philly soul music and R&B.As we walked down to the end of our jurisdiction, 25th and Ridge, we met Caesar Johnson, 53, who was letting his dog Brandi run around in an open grass lot. Caesar was incredibly helpful in telling us about the housing situation in the area, which was oftentimes transitional. He told us Project H.O.M.E. and The Philadelphia Housing Authority, who are both in the area, would probably be good places to start with in learning about housing. He pointed out some of the recreational centers for kids, including the Hank Gathers Center, a gym that is known to any inner city kid who plays basketball.
All in all, Ridge Avenue became a little less intimidating and I think we have some solid starting blocks that will allow for interesting stories to develop. Housing seems to be an issue for the community, and I think that’s where we’re going to start.
By Chris Zakorchemny and Ashley Campbell
Group 17/Ridge Avenue (Broad to 25th)
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