Walk Like Models: History Buffs

Well, we've been back in Springfield for almost a week now but we have been catching up on the home life and haven't had much time for blogging. I know you have been DYING to know what else we did in Philadelphia, so here goes:

We took a day off from setting up Carl's show to take a jaunt through Old City around Independence Mall State Park.

You Are Here.

Old City is the part of Philadelphia that served as this Great Nation's capital in the early years. Much of America's history begins in this very region.

We saw the Liberty Bell.

It is appreciated by Americans and Asians alike!

Carl in front of an "authentic" horse and buggy and Independence Hall, the meeting place of the Second Continental Congress. George Washington was appointed commander in chief within these walls. In the Assembly Room, the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation were adopted and the Constitution drafted.

I'm a signer.

This building is featured in the movie 12 Monkeys.

Keepin' it cool in front of the Second Bank of the United States.

Todd House from the back

Todd House from the front

What a handsome male model!

Taking a stroll through the 18th Century Garden.

Carpenter's Hall

More of Carpenter's Hall

We enjoyed paging through the Carpenter's Society yearbook and ogling at the facial hair of yester-year.

These chairs were sat upon by the bums of the First Continental Congress.

How do you get out?

Waiting in line for the loo.

Sneaky shot of tour guide in period costume.

Ben Franklin's Court

Ben Franklin walked here.

The shell of Benny's house. It was deconstructed in the 1800's by Franklin's children. Obviously they didn't fully appreciate the historical impact of Benjamin. Or they underestimated the hoarder tendencies of modern America.

The U.S. Postal Service Building, owned by Benjamin Franklin.

On the tops of the shelves are little Letter Carrier dolls dressed in the USPS uniform from each decade. My favorite are the ones with matching facial hair. Fun fact: My great-grandmother ran for President of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Ben Franklin built these buildings... basically because he was old and retired with money.

So, why not?

One side of the building has been gutted to show its features.

Like a series of chamber pots.

Or a refrigerator in the cellar.

And a "Mystery Feature."

Here shows the four floos to the fireplaces in each flat.

Benjamin Franklin was one of the first to incorporate fire safety into the construction of buildings. He designed fire-proofing between floors and behind fireplaces to prevent the jumping of fires from row-home to row-home.