Nov 20, 2009
Yet Another Little Known Fact
Bossy grew up in a neighborhood with many cobblestone streets.
As a matter of fact, when Bossy was a young girl in her parent’s car, sleeping on the way home from a far-flung destination, the cobblestones under the tires would wake Bossy up. And the funny thing, Bossy had the very particular sounds of those cobblestones memorized — the extra bumpy part, the just-fixed smooth part, the part with many depressions…
… Even with eyes closed Bossy always knew exactly which part of which street she was on, because those cobblestones always meant home.
If I was a millionaire, I would live on THAT street. God, I love Philadelphia.
I love cobblestones. One of the seriously weird things about being from the east coast & living on the west coast is the lack of cobblestones. And fireflies. It’s just weird. I can’t wait to move back.
I could always tell we were almost home by the smell of the dairy farm a mile from home. I think cobblestone bumps would be a better memory.
That’s a good childhood memory. Denver was lacking in cobblestones but I lived in Philly for 6 months as an adult. My 20 yr old was a baby then – probably too young to remember the bumpity-pumps.
somehow that will always be home.
Bossy,ever been to Nantucket? Main Street is all cobblestoned.
I love that photo. It’s so cobble stoney. And I bet it’s mean to women in high heeled shoes.
I often wonder how the horse and buggies fair on the cobblestones down by the Liberty Bell. It’s gotta hurt after awhile.
That street looks like the one by dad lived on while at Wharton back in the 60s! So cool – we visit it every time we’re in Philly.
this is one reason why our city is so great – the historic touches that bring the past alive!
that and sexay baseball players…and cheesesteaks…and tastykakes…and soft pretzels…and wilbur buds…and bassett’s ice cream…and (insert your philly fave here)!
@ anne marie: The mummers!!!
Yeah, but they do serious damage to high heels. Just remembering those 2 am days of trying to get home. On foot, that is.
Ah! I wanted more. But I’ll take what I can get.
Australia doesn’t have cobblestones. We have been seriously ripped off. We do have cattle grids however, and the sound of the one nearest home always spurred us on to tighten our eyes in the hope Dad would believe we were asleep, and carry us up to the house to our beds. He stopped being sucked in to this ruse when we hit 20kg.
BB
Bossy’s brother checking in here. Lord yes .. the great cobblestones. They often woke me up when we got close to home too. And I was DRIVING !
But yes …. the sound is embedded in me forever. And as a matter of fact, I had the pleasure of driving ( awake ) over that very stretch of cobblestones just two nights ago.
I even anticipate that feel and sound before I make that left off of delaware ave. It’s funny . They talk about how strong the sense of smell can trigger OLD memories. Which is true. But this sensation is right up there.
TRUE!!! I never lived there, but worked in one of those houses for a man for years who lived on one of those cobblestone streets, and you do memorize the pattern of the street, but don’t realize it. Awesome trip down memory lane, Bossy!!! Thanks
I like riding my bike over those cobblestones, and especially the ones in front of Independence Hall. At first it was a pain in the arse. Literally. But now, I pick up speed, stand on the peddles, smile widely and think, “I LOVE this city!” as I bump along past the National Park Service guards and ubiquitous tourists following guides in period-costumes.
Alas, the new bike lanes one Spruce and Pine are wonderful, but they make the Chestnut Street trip a more rare event.
I love this street. I like to go during the week when people are at work and peek in the houses.
Totally charming…