Page:Morley--Travels in Philadelphia.djvu/35

This page has been validated.
MEETING THE GODS FOR A DIME
21

MEETING THE GODS FOR A DIME

If we had to choose just one street in Philadelphia to the exclusion of all others, probably our greatest affection would be for Ludlow street. We have constituted ourself the president, publicity committee and sole member of the Ludlow Street Business Men's Association and Chamber of Commerce. We propose in this manifesto to make known to the world just where Ludlow street is, and why it is so fair.

Ludlow street is not in any sense a thoroughfare. It does not fare through, for its course is estopped by several bulky buildings. It reappears here and there in a whimsical, tentative manner. We do not pretend to know all about Ludlow street, nor have we charted its entire course. But the pith and quintessence of this runnel of culture is trod almost daily by our earnest feet.

Our doings with Ludlow street begin when we turn off Eleventh street and caress the flank of the Mercantile Library in an easterly gambit. Then, with our nose cocked for any wandering savors from the steaming roast beeves of a Tenth street ordinary well known to epicureans, we dart along until our progress is barred by the Federal Building. This necessitates a portage through the Federal Reserve Bank on to the roaring coast of Chestnut street. We double back on Ninth