The 1910s

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Unlocking success

Protection providers, the Bruskin family has established a reputation as a fortifier of homes. Its business has centered around guaranteeing that residential needs to not go overlooked.

Russian immigrant Isaac Bruskin arrived on the local scene by going door-to-door offering locksmith and key-making services. Two years later, in 1910 , he expanded his local role and opened Bruskin Hardware, 2451 S. Fifth St., still offering those services, while wife Estella sold house-ware items and managed the store.

In the ’40s, Isaac’s son, Harry, gained ownership of the Whitman store, and today, his offspring Irv, manages it with his son.

“The neighborhood has changed, but we really haven’t. We’re just here,” Irv said.

Bruskin Hardware, however, has made a name for itself, with its lock-and-key work becoming its trademark service. A full selection of nails, tools and accessories, as well as hardware and do-it-yourself advice, helps customers to fulfill all of their needs.

“We’ve had customers who have been coming here for years. They know my father, so I consider that to be a long time,” he said.

Samantha Byles

Brotherly butchers

Three generations of family ownership and more than 100 years of business have maintained D’Angelo Bros., 909 S. Ninth St., as a leader in the Italian Market’s butcher scene.

Staff Photo by Greg Bezanis

Carnivores call on D’Angelo Bros., a butchering beacon, to sate their desires for tasty products, which it has done through long relationships with farmers.

The key to a successful business is providing a high-quality product, and that all starts at the source, owner Sonny D’Angelo said.

“My stuff comes in internationally,” D’Angelo, who inherited the Bella Vista shop that his grandfather Sam started in 1910, said. “We deal with farmers that we’ve dealt with for over 100 years. I deal with great-grandchildren of the original owner, and we’ve got a great network of suppliers.”

D’Angelo, who keeps an eye on the breed, age, feed and raising methods of the animals he buys, attributes his dedication and strategy to his grandfather.

“The stores that are open for this long have always done a quality product, and the ones that didn’t are no longer here,” he said. “It’s not a business. It’s a legacy.”

-Bobby Kittredge

A century of salvation

The next seven months will include a number of events to help St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church to commemorate 100 years of faith, family and tradition, the components of its anniversary motto.

St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 1718 S. Ninth St., is using “Faith, Family and Tradition” as its theme to mark its triple-digit identity. The East Passyunk Crossing haven, South Philly’s only remaining Italian National Parish, has guided hundreds of thousands of souls since The Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine formed it as a mission chapel offshoot of Our Lady of Good Counsel, formerly 815 Christian St. Its 87-year–old school has educated hundreds of thousands of Catholics, too, including Rev. Nick Martorano.

“It is a pleasure to be a leader in the parish community,” the site’s 28-year spiritual head said.

Since its April 15, 1912 dedication, the worship spot has honored its linguistic lore through its 8 a.m. Sunday Italian Mass and religious roots since ’37 with a Procession of the Saints.

“We are a tight community,” Martorano said. “I enjoy giving back to people so blessed with humility.”

-Joseph Myers 

Book ’em

Charles Santore Branch, 932 S. Seventh St., will close for renovations May 29 to Sept. 4 to improve its allure for its second century of service.

“It’s going to be an all-day affair with lots of activities and gifts,” Janet Puchino, Santore’s branch manager, said of the Nov. 10 anniversary celebration.

Originally debuting at Fifth and Ellsworth streets in 1912, the Southwark Library moved 51 years later to its Bella Vista site, which features a book and multimedia collection in six languages.

Since its 2004 dedication to their father, a longtime Republican ward leader, son Charles has created a mural for its patio wall while son Richie has hosted Friends of the Santore Library fundraisers at his business, The Saloon, 750 S. Seventh St.

“We try to hit it sparingly,” the Broad-and-Moore-streets resident said of donation fund, “but since we have wonderful patrons, we’re able to get little things that we do need in the library.”

-Amanda L. Snyder

Heavenly helper

Founder Rev. John Greensill laid the cornerstone of St. Edmond Church, 23rd and Mifflin streets, in 1912. Named officially for St. Edmond of Canterbury, the worship site later was relocated to 2101 S. 21st St., a former cemetery. In ’18, the parish doubled over three years. The West Passyunk church underwent major renovations in ’87, and for the 75th anniversary, stained glass doors were installed, and murals were depicted on the main and side altars and their surrounding areas.

A highlight of its century-old history was the choir’s opportunity to sing in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica on Pentecost Sunday in 2004. A high Mass with Archbishop Charles J. Chaput is planned for 10 a.m. June 10 to celebrate 100 years of faith and fellowship.

“South Philadelphia is blessed to have St. Edmond Parish in its midst for 100 years,” Deacon James Stewart said. “Since 1912, it surely has been a century of grace and welcoming to all.”

-Katie Armstrong 

Sea-cret for success

Snockey’s Oyster and Crab House has delighted seafood aficionados for 100 years.

Imagine paying $7 a month for a South Street storefront. It’s a tad off from the current-day prices, but the origin of Snockey’s Oyster and Crab House, originally known as Frank’s Oyster House, dates back to 1912 . Restaurant founder Frank Snock opened the doors three weeks after the sinking of the Titanic.

“I know it was May 3 because my grandmother was in labor and she went upstairs and had a baby,” third-generation owner Ken Snock, who heads the family operation with his brother Skip, said. “She came down two days later with the baby and went into the kitchen. She worked there until 1991.”

The establishment is celebrating 100 years of offering patrons scallops, crabs, mussels and, of course, raw oysters. It moved to its current location at 1020 S. Second St., in ’75.

“My brother and I were determined to get to the 100-year mark,” Ken said.

-Bill Gelman

A century of savings

For precisely 100 years, community members have trusted United Savings Bank, 1510 Packer Ave., with what many value most: Their money. Rather than celebrate with an extravagant event, United preferred to just keep doing what it does.

“We’re the same bank, the same company since 1912, and I think there’s something to be said for that,” its Vice President Chad McGroarty said.

The bank’s first location debuted at 21st and Wharton streets, with the Packer Park location opening its doors in ’62. Through economic crises, wars and more, United has withstood the test of time, expanded throughout the Delaware Valley and maintained its commitment to its customers.

“Now more than ever, in this economy and this environment, people want personalized service,” he said. “It’s important to people that they know who their banks are.”

-Bobby Kittredge

War games

A historic brick structure still towers over Shot Tower Playground, 101-31 Carpenter St.

Built in 1808, Sparks’ Shot Tower was one of the first of its kind to manufacture ammunition, providing for the War of 1812 and Civil War. In 1913, 10 years after its closure, the City transformed the space into one of its earliest playgrounds.

“It’s not just something that’s there today but it’s been an important place for child and families for many, many years,” Friends of Shot Tower Playground member Cynthia Temple said.

In June, Friends plans to instill a sign detailing the history of the Queen Village plot, which includes a recreation center, toddler play area, spray pool and baseball field, that pick-up football, Taney Little League and soccer games, as well as an annual Easter Egg Hunt, fall festival and summer movie series, occupy.

“It’s a really busy place,” Temple, of Front and Carpenter streets, said.

-Amanda L. Snyder

Health is on the way

The Christian Street YMCA, 1724 Christian St., did not invent the belief that robust bodies foster sturdy minds, but the South of South haunt devotes each second to furthering the wedding of physical and mental health. The city’s first African-American YMCA debuted in 1914 and offers an abundance of activities for children and adults.

“We are much more than a swimming facility,” 10th-year Executive Director Michele Stevenson said, noting her location’s basketball tradition, which includes the ’53 YMCA Championship team with Wilt Chamberlain.

The leader revealed the joy she receives from watching the funneling of youngsters through health and wellness programs as their strength and coordination develop and spoke of an increase in family programs that increase the neighborhood’s overall sense of unity.

“People who visit us care about themselves and their community,” Stevenson said. “Knowing them empowers me.”

-Joseph Myers

Family matters

The passing of a loved one is typically a tearful and painful experience, but funerals are a part of life, and Murphy-Ruffenach Funeral Home , 2239 S. Third St., has been keeping families satisfied since 1915. Michael Ruffenach continues to run the Pennsport location while Steven Ruffenach oversees operations at 2101 S. 21st St. The third-generation siblings and graduates of the former Bishop Neumann High School pride themselves on keeping the family business and tradition — from the evening visitation to the Mass — intact.

“Over the years, we remember hearing the stories of those who went before us,” Steven said. “We remember our grandmother would wait for the flowers. [Families] feel comforted by the service we’ve provided their family. The fact that they come back is rewarding in itself.”

-Bill Gelman

Dandy candy

Pasquale Lerro, right, founded the still popular South Broad Street business in 1916.

A trip to John Lerro Candy , 2434 S. Broad St., puts one in the company of Carmella Lerro, who has been involved with the Marconi store for 69 years. Mother of owner John Lerro, she has seen the four-generation establishment move from providing ice cream and candy to just the latter. No matter the content, she and her offspring share a philosophy.

“I love working,” she said while overlooking the 40 offerings that make the shop a year-round gem and a holiday hit.

“We try the best we can because we have loyal followers accustomed to tradition,” her son added.

Those supporters receive made-to-order treats from the store’s Delaware County factory, enjoying goods perfected at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

“There is no secret with the candy,” John Lerro, grooming two sons to continue the legacy begun in 1916 , said. “We’re grateful to have earned the respect of so many people over such a long period.”

-Joseph Myers

Constructing family values

Since its 1918 start, P. Agnes Inc., 2101 Penrose Ave., has become one of the oldest, family-owned construction firms in the region.

“We have long-standing relationships with clients, and I think they choose our business and are still with us today because they are reassured in knowing that we are a family business and not a big corporate company,” Pat Pasquariello, whose grandfather, Pellegrino Agnes, founded the business, said.

Agnes started doing local construction jobs and working out of his home, but his son, Lou, received credit for becoming its driving force. Specializing in health care and educational projects, the Packer Park business is responsible for buildings at Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Pennsylvania.

“He was able to transform the company into what it is today: A well-known, well-recognized construction and contracting business,” Pasquariello said.

-Samantha Byles

Hankering for harmony

Victor’s Café, 1301 Dickinson Street, has become a classic since opening its doors in 1918. What John DiStefano originally established as a gramophone shop was transformed into a restaurant full time when prohibition was repealed in ’33. Artists would frequent to sign autographs over the course of the café’s history, and soon it evolved into a musical venue.

Those craving a great meal and a melody would be hard-pressed to find a choice that could top Victor’s Café, where singing accompanies eating each evening.

In ’79, the first singing waiter was hired.

“That’s when the practice of having singing floor-staff began,” manager Darryl Williams said.

The musical renditions occur every 15 to 20 minutes seven nights a week within the walls of the third-generation-owned eatery.

Recently, Williams said business has been going well. Altering the menu and improving the service level and food quality have helped.

“We also have a beautiful candlelit lounge on the second floor,” he said. “Any night of the week, it’s a nice, cozy place to have a drink.”

-Alexis Abate

Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.

South Philly Milestones
The Pre-1900s
The 1900s
The 1920s
The 1930s
The 1940s
The 1950s and ’60s

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