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Although it’s one of the oldest neighborhoods of South Philly, Pennsport’s name is relatively new. The community was dubbed “Pennsport” in the 1970s as part of a federal urban renewal project, according to the Pennsport Civic Association. It’s connection to William Penn gets credit for the first part of its moniker, and its close proximity to the river for the second half.
The neighborhood was settled by some of the first Swedish immigrants as early as 1638 and, after that, it became one of the places where William Penn created an English settlement for his counterparts from across the pond.
According to Pennsport’s Redevelopment Plan, the boundaries of Pennsport are Washington Ave. to the north, Snyder Ave. to the south, the Delaware River to the east and Fourth St. to the west.
After the American Revolution, the first ship of the United States Navy was built at Humphrey’s shipyard just off of Washington Avenue at the Delaware River, starting Pennsport’s history as a shipbuilding ‘hood. The USS United States was built in the late 1790s and was the first of the original frigates built to serve in the U.S. Navy.
By the Civil War, Pennsport had become key for supply delivery and transportation because of its proximity to the river. The Camp Jefferson area in Pennsport (AKA Jefferson Square Park) near Third and Federal streets was used by the Union Army as a camp site.
Pennsport is also home to the Mummer’s Museum at 1100 S. 2nd St., which is celebrating its 50th anniversary after its founding in 1976 as part of the bicentennial celebration.
An exhibit celebrating the anniversary credits Pennsport’s history with helping the Mummers’ tradition grow. It’s an area that’s “evolved since its origin as one of Philadelphia’s earliest settled areas to incorporate several waves of new arrivals, many of whom eventually became Mummers,” a marker at the museum exhibit reads. “In the early 1970s, there were over 20 Mummer clubs in a seven-block stretch of Second Street – Mummers Row.”
The first official, city-sponsored Mummers Parade in Philadelphia took place on January 1, 1901. Organized by the city with cash prizes, it helped transform scattered, raucous neighborhood celebrations into the massive, judged New Year’s Day tradition seen today – and generated plenty of controversy and backlash along the way.
While 1901 marked the first official procession, the roots of Mummery stretch back to the 17th century, combining European, Swedish, and British immigrant customs with ancient Roman traditions.
Architects Mark Ueland and C. Anthony Junker were commissioned to design neighborhood beautification plans ahead of the bicentennial, and that work included the Mummer’s Museum. The design incorporated elements of Mummery, such as bright colors and illuminated displays, and “large, fancy lettering”. Other concepts included “banners identifying the street, some of which would include regalia of the Mummers.
Pennsport offers several amenities for recreation including Dickinson Square Park at 1600 E. Moyamensing Avenue. This three-acre park is a neighborhood hub featuring large shade trees, basketball courts, and renovated children’s playgrounds. It is maintained by the Friends of Dickinson Square Park and hosts local events like farmers’ markets and the occasional movie night.
Jefferson Square Park is surrounded by 3rd and 4th Streets, Federal Street, and Washington Avenue. This park is a popular, tree-lined open space offering walking paths, a playground and benches for passive relaxation.
Just outside Pennsport is John’s Roast Pork, 14 E. Snyder Ave., a third generation family establishment that has been serving roast pork and cheesesteaks since 1930. Other eateries include some of the city’s best pho at Pho Saigon at 1100 S Christopher Columbus Blvd and deli fare at Gooey Looies at Pennsport Plaza 231 McClellan S.. The deli opened in the early 1980s as a water ice and ice cream shop, which it still sells. The shop has changed hands and now offers cheesesteaks, hoagies and other deli sandwiches.
