On May 13, 1985, a Philadelphia Police Department helicopter dropped a bomb onto a row home at 6221 Osage Avenue, the headquarters of the group MOVE. Eleven people lost their lives, five of them children, and inexplicably, despite heavy fire department presence, 61 houses on the block burned to the ground.

Writer Andrea Walls grew up just blocks away from the bombing and witnessed its aftermath, and now, a quarter century later, she’s telling the story of that night into morning through her poetry. Walls’ chapbook, “Ultraviolet Catastrophe” examines the events from all sides, even at times transporting the reader into the mind of the helicopter pilot that dropped the bomb. With empathy, bravery and electric twists of phrase that speak to her project as both poet and witness, Walls brings light to this crucial moment in West Philadelphia history.

“Ultraviolet Catastrophe” was the first publication of Thread Makes Blanket press, a local small press operating out of the Cedar Park area, headed up by West Philly resident, writer, and creative writing professor Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela.  Most recently, the press also released “Letter from Tombs Prison, 1917,” a collection of writings surrounding correspondence between Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman that includes writing by Julie Herrada, Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela, Emily Abendroth, Anna Martine Whitehead, Shaun Slifer and Megan Gibes, as well as a reproduction of an original letter.

Now a Camden resident, Andrea Walls remains active in the Philadelphia literary arts scene and with the Leeway Foundation.  For more information about Andrea’s work, or Thread Makes Blanket Press or to buy “Ultraviolet Catastrophe,” click here or pick one up at the Queer Literary Festival on October 14-16.

– Emma

Here’s a great chance to learn more about the historic West Philly neighborhood of Powelton Village. On Saturday, Oct. 1., the Powelton Village Civic Association is organizing a 4-hour-long tour which will guide you through the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and will introduce you to its beautiful homes and gardens and their history.

The tour will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the starting point and check-in at 3501 Baring Street (four blocks north of Market). Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Check the flyer for more information. All questions should be addressed to: president [at] poweltonvillage.org

Any guesses on where this 1914 photograph was taken? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

OK. This is a pretty easy one. Know where this 1954 photo was taken? Click on “comments” to answer.

As Clark Park undergoes another transformation, we thought folks might be interested in this photo of the Dickens/Little Nell statue from 1910.

OK. Lets try this again. Anyone know where in West Philly this photo was taken. Extra credit for the year.  Take a shot and leave a reply. Those who guess correctly will win … our unending admiration.