#TBT Mummers: 10 photos of robots, feathers, firemen and more historic New Year’s craziness

We hope you’re enjoying the Mummers Parade today. As you may know, this Philadelphia tradition dates back to the 17th century. That’s a lot of parades and a lot of drunken revelry. Because it’s Thursday and because Mummers are insanely photogenic, Billy Penn presents a very specialof #TBT: The Mummers Edition. All photos are from the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, via Temple University Libraries.
1890s: A portrayal of the typical clown suit worn by Mummers in the late 19th century.
January 1, 1925: Mummers carry three large quilts down Broad Street.
January, 3, 1933: Mummer Sam Molano stands on some real tall stilts.
1936: George German plays the “Mechanical Man” for the Lobster Club. He was supposed to be demonstrating the mechanical man of the future (we’re still waiting, though!).
December 19, 1937: Mummers prepare costumes that not surprisingly include a significant amount of feathers.
January 1, 1943: James Durning is named champion leader for the String Band division. He has symbols for the Air Force on his costume.
January 1, 1944: The crowd needs to stand atop baskets to catch that sweet Mummer strutting.
January 9, 1964: Mummers don’t actually retire. They just move to Palm Beach, Fla., and do what they do best in a warmer location.
July 6, 1973: Northeast Strutters dress up like firemen.
November 1, 1977: You can’t strut all the time. Mummer takes the escalator at The Gallery.

School district’s $60M worry; Which ‘Flavored by Philly’ chip is best?; Center City on the rebound | Morning roundup

With $450k consulting contract, Philadelphia’s new school superintendent crushes hopes for change | Opinion

Taste test: Which ‘Flavored by Philly’ potato chip is the best?

How Philly schools are funded — property taxes play a huge role — and why state budget negotiations are key

Whose history is it, anyway? Examining how we commemorate the city’s first Gay Pride March | Opinion

SEPTA double-charging rail riders; Pa. budget deadline looms; Remove a tree, pay the price | Morning roundup

Say hello to corn dog donuts, the newest creation from South Philly’s Okie Dokie

SEPTA has been double-charging Regional Rail riders’ Key cards, with 1,600 hit by ‘bug’ before a fix

What’s affordable housing in Mantua?; Arson arrest in Fairhill fire; Voguing at the Franklin Institute | Morning roundup

West Philly house that can mine crypto sells for $237k, sparking debate over gentrification and what ‘affordable’ means


Voguing, dance, and fashion take over the Franklin Institute at the 2022 Summer Ball

Who voted in the primary?; Bok building 98% leased; Wawa into Sheetz territory | Morning roundup

Bill inspired by deadly Fairmount fire would mandate better smoke alarms in public housing nationwide

Map: High turnout in Philly’s May primary, but it varies widely by neighborhood

New Giant supermarket opens on North Broad, bringing local goods and groceries to a fast-developing stretch

Protests sweep through Philly; Center City bus lane goes red; Delaware River Trail shines | Sunday roundup

More than 2,500 people have taken advantage of a new Philadelphia skills and mentorship program

June Philly trivia quiz: How much do you know about this city?
