PHS McLean Library is pleased to present a virtual exhibition, “The Geranium Files: Ken-Watt Court and the Neighborhood Gardens Association.”

October 7, 2022 – January 15, 2023
McLean Library. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Free
Virtual
More info: https://phsmcleanlibrary.omeka.net/exhibits/show/geranium-files–ken-watt-court/the-geranium-files–ken-watt-c

“The Geranium Files: Ken-Watt Court and the Neighborhood Garden Association” traces the history of an early urban greening project undertaken by the NGA, the Ken-Watt Court Community Club, and the United Neighbors Association. In 1953-1954, court residents collaborated on improvements that included replacing outside privies with indoor plumbing, building restoration and maintenance, and, at the request of the Ken-Watt Community Club, declared Ken-Watt as the first Philadelphia Garden Court. The Court, located at Kenilworth and Watts Streets, was demolished 1957 along with other South Philadelphia blocks to make way for the high-rise housing project Hawthorne Square (later renamed Martin Luther King Plaza) and imploded in 1999.”