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Because Philadelphia's legacy of wealth and eliteness is so well-known...? I'm not sure where an attitude of exasperation comes from. It really can't be overstated, because it's clear that many folks are very ignorant of this legacy in the modern era.
The fact of the matter is that history is that Philadelphia, at one time, was considered one of the most elite urban centers (if not THE most elite) in the country.
The Main Line remains one of the most tangible, robust enclaves of that legacy of Philadelphia's eliteness, hence why it is brought up. Certainly there are a number of classically urban elite enclaves, such as Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill, Washington Square, Fairmount and Chestnut Hill, but to the extent that the image of Philadelphia's more economically challenged neighborhoods have overshadowed these areas (in the mind of some), the Main Line nowadays represents that legacy most vividly.
Yeah in the 1700s Philadelphia was the elite American city. New York was a small dutch thing.. Boston was inbetween the two.
PHL definitely retained most of that wealth in its Main Line suburbs. Im going there this summer and taking pictures, exploring, doing my thing.
Yeah in the 1700s Philadelphia was the elite American city. New York was a small dutch thing.. Boston was inbetween the two.
PHL definitely retained most of that wealth in its Main Line suburbs. Im going there this summer and taking pictures, exploring, doing my thing.
Exactly. And nice to hear you'll be making a trip! Heck, take the Paoli-Thorndale rail line if you can and walk around each stop that piques your interest. Always a more unique and sometimes more immersive way to get around.
Location: That star on your map in the middle of the East Coast, DMV
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Duderino
Because Philadelphia's legacy of wealth and eliteness is so well-known...? I'm not sure where an attitude of exasperation comes from. It really can't be overstated, because it's clear that many folks are very ignorant of this legacy in the modern era. Like painfully and willfully ignorant.
The fact of the matter is that Philadelphia, at one time, was considered one of the most elite urban centers (if not THE most elite) in the country.
The Main Line remains one of the most tangible, robust enclaves of that legacy of Philadelphia's eliteness, hence why it is brought up. Certainly there are a number of classically urban elite enclaves, such as Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill, Washington Square, Fairmount and Chestnut Hill, but to the extent that the image of Philadelphia's more economically challenged neighborhoods have overshadowed these areas (in the mind of some), the Main Line nowadays represents an image of the legacy most vividly.
True, but nowadays many major or top 10 cities have their own "Main Line" version. Not all as classic in build out, but their own equivalents. A major prestigious suburb is only one aspect, and won't change most people's perception on an entire region or cities "eliteness".
I do think Philly has definite elite value that should be acknowledged, an Ivy league school, and Main Line are great, but the overall city/metro is not viewed by most to have an "elitist" population across the board. Which on most threads across C-D is considered a good thing.
Because Philadelphia's legacy of wealth and eliteness is so well-known...? I'm not sure where an attitude of exasperation comes from. It really can't be overstated, because it's clear that many folks are very ignorant of this legacy in the modern era. Like painfully and willfully ignorant.
The fact of the matter is that Philadelphia, at one time, was considered one of the most elite urban centers (if not THE most elite) in the country.
The Main Line remains one of the most tangible, robust enclaves of that legacy of Philadelphia's eliteness, hence why it is brought up. Certainly there are a number of classically urban elite enclaves, such as Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill, Washington Square, Fairmount and Chestnut Hill, but to the extent that the image of Philadelphia's more economically challenged neighborhoods have overshadowed these areas (in the mind of some), the Main Line nowadays represents an image of the legacy most vividly.
Wonderful post. And to add, the Philadelphia region is home to many of the nations most venerable institutions, up there with New York and Boston. The city and region should certainly be included in the "Coastal Elite" conversation, absurdly overlooked.
(this thread has run its course though).
Quote:
Originally Posted by masssachoicetts
Yeah in the 1700s Philadelphia was the elite American city. New York was a small dutch thing.. Boston was inbetween the two.
PHL definitely retained most of that wealth in its Main Line suburbs. Im going there this summer and taking pictures, exploring, doing my thing.
Enjoy! The land near the old Ardrossan Estate is a beautiful drive.
Last edited by cpomp; 05-19-2021 at 11:04 AM..
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