Browse our Oral Histories – Page 1

Gus Krebs

Still living in a third-generation house on Stanton Street, Gus talks about playing in East Falls with his friends in the late 1940s – with some mischief involved, schooling at St. Bridget, and, later, volunteering for the church and the Franciscans.

Freda Gowling

Freda, who moved from England to East Falls as a child, shares her memories of the neighborhood, especially focusing on her involvement with both Old Academy Players and Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Tony DiStefano

 In this interview, Tony DiStefano, a lifetime Fallser, describes growing up at the “Lower End” of East Falls on Allegheny Avenue, with his memories of St. Bridget School and Church highlighted. 

Inez Ierardi Fletcher

Inez was raised on Calumet Street, where her father owned a grocery  store.  Delight in Inez’s memories of Mifflin School, Falls Library,  sledding down Calumet, hucksters, Halloween, meeting Bessie Dobson, and  singing with Eddie Fisher! 

Lois Wilcox Curran

In this lively interview, Lois Wilcox Curran, born on Indian Queen Lane in 1932, shares memories of Falls Methodist Church, Plush Hill, Mifflin School, local stores, holiday celebrations, Bessie Dobson Altemus, and the local tunnels that she explored.

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And more….

Watch for more!

And more….

Watch for more!

And more….

Anne Arfaa

Anne Arfaa grew up on Timber Lane in the house originally owned by John Wagner (1824 – 1902), whose son, Anne’s great great uncle, founded the Wagner Free Institute. Anne shares memories of the Wagner family history, Ravenhill, and her Timber Lane neighbors.

Nancy Berman and Nancy Holmes

These animated Nancys talk about growing up on West Queen Lane – playing, shopping, exploring, school.

Nancy Berman shares memories of her grandfather’s business – Turner Funeral Home at Ridge and Midvale.

Gerard Bernhardt

In six detailed interviews, Gerard Bernhardt, an East Falls optician, discusses his Army Basic Training, being wounded in France during WWII, living at four East Falls addresses while raising 11 children, and his involvement and impressions of the neighborhood throughout over five decades. 

Lorraine Brown

In 1953, Lorraine and her family moved to Abbottsford Homes, federally built housing in East Falls primarily for military employees and veterans.

Lorraine describes the camaraderie of the residents and her memories of Abbottsford’s transition to low income public housing.

Jean Buckley (right, with sister Arelene)

Born in 1920 on Cresson Street, Jean also lived on Indian Queen, New Queen, Netherfield and Vaux Streets.

Jean shares memories of her youth in East Falls, the Falls Methodist Church, and her role as a local air raid warden in WWII.

Theresa (Altomare) Corcoran

Born in 1923, Theresa grew up and raised her family in East Falls. Highlights of her interview include: Stanton Street, St. Bridget, the Depression, Irish and Italian immigrants 

Ruth Camburn and Loretta McDermott (photo)

Loretta (b. 1923) and Ruth (b. 1928), lifetime Fallsers from Calumet Street, reminisce about their lives in the Falls – playing on the street, moving from Breck School to Mifflin, the Kellys, local stores, and their houses and churches (St. Bridget and Falls Methodist). 

Mary Cashman

Born in 1925, Mary moved to Eveline Street in East Falls in 1947 and never moved. Interview focuses on St. Bridget Church, stores along Ridge and Midvale Avenues. 

The Kelly Sisters

Entertaining interview with the sisters of Grace Kelly reminiscing about their growing up in East Falls.

Robert Connolly

Born on Calumet Street, Robert lived in four East Falls locations.

This unique “interview” contains six years of email correspondence in 

which Robert writes vivid, detailed reminiscences of Woodside Park (where his father worked), the Bathey, Breck School, Falls Library, Dutch Hollow, Fourth of July, stores, recreation, and more.

Theresa (Altomare) Corcoran

Born in 1923, Theresa grew up and raised her family in East Falls. Highlights of her interview include: Stanton Street, St. Bridget, the Depression, Irish and Italian immigrant

Paul and Freddie Costello

Interview with John Costello and his wife Freddie,  John was an  American triple Olympic Gold Medal winner in 

rowing, who grew up in East Falls and rowed with his cousin John B. Kelly, Sr.

Mary Cote, M.D.

 Mary Cote, M.D. (b. 1929) shares memories of her alma mater, Women’s Medical, as well as her years living at Carlton Park Apartments, attending Church of the Good Shepherd, and witnessing changes in East Falls in the 1960’s – ‘90’s. Her work at St. Christopher’s Kidney Transplant Program is also discussed.

Robert Dagney

Bob Dagney, a third generation Fallser, reminisces about his family, St. Bridget’s, the old neighborhood, and his experiences in Viet Nam

Grace Davis & Hazel Stamm

Memories of two sisters growing up in East Falls, including their recollections of Dobson Mills.