Category: social

I was speaking with a nemesis last week—who also happens to be a fraternity brother and someone I have known for years, though perhaps “friend” is a generous term. He derives immense pleasure in chastising me due to my roots from “down the bottom,” while he is from “up the top.”

Those who grew up in West Philadelphia during my era are aware of the rivalries that existed between those who lived above 50th Street—some regarded it as above 52nd Street—and those who lived below this demarcation. As many of you know, the “up the top” folks had an air about them; they believed they were better off than those from “down the bottom.”

The rivalry extended to school allegiances as well, particularly between Overbrook High School and West Philadelphia High. This issue often comes up in discussions between my nemesis and me.

During our most recent conversation, he asked if I had ever written a column about the places we hung out after our high school days. So, that question becomes the subject of today’s *Back in the Day* column.

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### After-School Hangouts in the 1950s and ‘60s

During the 1950s and ‘60s, most high school students had their favorite places to hang out for a few hours after school. Center City offered establishments like penny arcades and popular department stores such as Gimbels and John Wanamaker. Suburban Station was another popular after-school destination.

There were also local restaurants and soda fountains with jukeboxes, drug stores, bakeries, neighborhood variety stores, parks, bowling alleys, matinee movies, playgrounds, school yards, and street corners. For boys especially, playgrounds, school yards, and street corners were favored spots.

Some students had “naughty” fun after school, going to someone’s home when parents were likely at work. Others played hooky, staying away from school all day. Some of these indiscretions even led to lifelong issues — truly a different time back then.

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### Favorite Spots for West Philadelphia Students

For those who grew up in West Philadelphia and attended West Philadelphia High School, Horn & Hardart at 52nd and Market streets was the go-to place after school. It was the place to be seen, and teenagers in social circles were regularly there.

I recall memories of Horn & Hardart tied to encounters with my nemesis and other “up the top” folks. I will never forget one time when I went there after school, and a young man from “up the top” stared at me and eventually said, “Why are you here? Why not go back to the bottom where you belong?”

After that incident, I limited my visits to that restaurant, although I still shared it with some friends from “up the top.”

Other favorite after-school gathering places for West Philadelphia students included a little store directly across from the school at 47th and Walnut Street that sold hamburgers and hot sausages. A friend reminded me that in the late ‘60s, there was a Black Panther Party headquarters up the street—a place visited by Huey Newton, the party’s founder.

Across the street was the Carousel restaurant, another popular hangout. If you spent time in this area “back in the day,” you likely knew other favorite spots like Dewey’s and Linton’s restaurants.

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### Neighborhood Variety Stores and Limited Access

Small grocery or general stores were common gathering spots, usually because they sold penny candy. The few shopping centers available back then also contained popular hangouts.

While none of these establishments rivaled Horn & Hardart’s popularity, competition was fierce—especially if you were white, as Black students had limited or no access to many places.

Consider 46th and Market Streets, the location of *American Bandstand*. By design, Black youth were denied participation for many years. The relationship was complex, marked by exclusion and, eventually, limited integration following civil rights demonstrations.

Once the relationship between *Bandstand* and Black communities improved, Black students found another hangout venue—but it never reached the same level as it did for white students.

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### Other Philadelphia High School Hangouts

Philadelphia had many after-school hangouts across its neighborhoods for high school students:

– **Overbrook High School:** Jerry’s and Prestige, known for their sandwiches and milkshakes, were located just across the street.
– **North Philadelphia:** The Rosa Wallace Brown (RWB) Recreational Center was a favorite gathering place.
– **Gratz High School:** Students often bonded at Gavin’s.
– **Germantown High School:** Popular spots included Fat’s and Staton’s restaurants.
– **Boys’ High and Girls’ High:** The Hot Shoppe at Stenton Avenue and Broad Street was a well-loved hangout. Several of my close friends have fond memories of going there with their girlfriends.
– **West Oak Lane:** Students frequented The Shack and Hogan’s on Washington Lane.
– **South Philadelphia:** Frankie Mayo’s at 12th and Tasker Streets and The Dugout across from South Philly High on Snyder Avenue were popular.

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### Reflecting on the Past

Identifying all the after-school hangouts hasn’t been an easy task, and I’m sure those of you from the ‘50s and ‘60s can add many more to this list.

Ultimately, I’m glad I wrote this piece because it reminded me that it’s people—not places—that truly influenced our lives and provide the best memories of our high school days.

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**Contact Information:**
Alonzo Kittrels can be reached at backintheday@phillytrib.com or via mail at The Philadelphia Tribune, Back In The Day, 520 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146.

*The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of The Philadelphia Tribune.*

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*In other news, Misty Copeland broke barriers as the first Black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Now, through her nonprofit, she’s making dance more accessible for children of color.*
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