Outside of his house, Bob Krawtchuk prunes his plants on his front porch. His long blonde ponytail hangs down his back as he reaches for each plant.
Krawtchuk has lived on the 100 block of E. Loudon Street for nearly 25 years. He’s seen the neighborhood change over that time and notes the different ethnicities on the street.
He points out which houses used to be owned by Polish, German, and Ukrainian people that are now owned by Middle Eastern, Asian, African American and Latino families.
Krawtchuk exemplifies the diversity that he so enjoys. The native Brazilian with a Ukrainian accent is a contractor here in Philadelphia. He rents out two of his rooms, while keeping his own apartment upstairs. He says that he’s stayed so long because he has no reason to leave.
He likes to live on the block except for the problems that seem to bother most Philadelphians and big city residents.
“Everything’s good except for the parking,” Krawtchuk said. “I’m glad I have my own garage.”
Krawtchuk does his best to set a good example for the block. He says that taking care of one’s area is contagious.
“Sometimes there are broken bottles [and other trash] on the sidewalk or in my yard. I just sweep it or pick it up,” he said. “Other people see that and may do the same with their yards.”
Krawtchuk has some hobbies as well. In his yard, he has 20-year-old grape vines that he maintains all year round. He looks forward to making his new batches of wine every year.
Rebecca Hale an Patrick McCloskey, Group 22, Feltonville
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