Day 16 April 2, 2008
Today's route is rather simple: transverse the long blocks south of Walnut Street between Shirley and 69th Street, just north of Marshall Road. Running from my house the first curiosity I see is a small, wedge shaped park formed by Sanford and Springton Roads. It is an island of trees nestled among row homes. There isn't a speck of trash. Some good soul has recently picked the place clean. The canopy is thick, but the grove is stark except for a couple of odd, long slatted wood pieces of outdoor furniture. They are a little high and wide for benches, but a little short and narrow for tables. I recall a scene from a horror movie about human sacrifice and hurry on without investigating further. There is another wedge shaped block formed by Wingate and Springton with no park, only a barren grassy lot at its peak.
I run a half mile along Shirley before I start my switchbacks: Shirley, Long, Ashby, Copley, up one block and down the next, rowhomes and twins.
Running north on Glendale Road, I come out at Walnut across the street from Sellers Hall. Built in 1684 this was the home of the township's first registered resident, Samuel Sellers. He first lived in a cave nearby, but its location has been lost so this house got the Historical Society marker. Dozens of Swedes had already been living out by Darby Creek for fifty years, but they apparently didn't know enough to apply for residency.
The Sellers were a prominent local family for four generations. Sam's son, John, who was born in the house, founded the American Philosophical Society in 1743 along with Benjamin Franklin and some other early American eggheads. This was America's first think tank and started our proud talking heads legacy. After arguing amongst themselves for a few decades and convinced that they were the new land's best and brightest minds, they got the country involved in a couple of international wars.
The structure is now part of the St. Alice block of buildings. The old stuccoed stone house has become a bit rundown and is now shuttered. Like all the old Quaker houses in the county, it is claimed to have been part of the Underground Railroad helping escaped slaves fleeing northward. Of course, like all buildings that see enough history, it is now haunted.
Only a block away at the corner of Hampden and Locust I run past a small church that contrasts sharply with the large, stone St. Alice Parish complex beckoning from its hilltop. What looks like a small, brick country chapel is tucked away under some old trees. The only way it can compete is by the length of its name: Prayer Chapel Church of Christ in God. I head for home pondering the difference in ecclesiastical styles and what it means to the congregants, to God and to us who only pass by.
Distance: 4.35 miles Time: 39 min 55 sec Pace: 9:10 min/mile
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