Philly Prison Dopefest?

[twickster]

I've been wanting to check out Eastern State Penitentiary for years. At the time of its construction (1829), it was a progressive model of prisoner treatment -- i.e., that everyone did solitary confinement. It was in use until 1971. (See the "History" page in the link.) Al Capone was imprisoned there. Etc. I've heard it's very cool.

And it seems eminently Doperific. Anyone interested? I'm thinking either a Saturday or Sunday in mid-October -- 14th, 15th, 21st, or 22nd. There are restaurants in the area for a meal after -- it's also extremely close to the Art Museum, if people want to do a day of it. (The Art Museum is "let your conscience be your guide" admission price on Sundays.)

[MsRobyn]

If it's a Sunday, it's possible. I've always wanted to see it, too; I've seen documentaries and such on historic prisons.

Robin

[BiblioCat]

Damn, I'd be jumping right in and saying, "Me, me, me!" because I know where it is, and could squeeze in a visit with my Philly-collegebound daughter, but I have class nearly every Saturday in October.

I may check back in once you settle on a date.
Pencil me in as a very tentative Maybe.

[twickster]

Originally Posted by BiblioCat

Damn, I'd be jumping right in and saying, "Me, me, me!" because I know where it is, and could squeeze in a visit with my Philly-collegebound daughter, but I have class nearly every Saturday in October.

What about a Sunday? That seems to be better for Robin anyway. (Though I guess there are some football fan types who wouldn't prefer it.)

[MsRobyn]

Originally Posted by twickster

What about a Sunday? That seems to be better for Robin anyway. (Though I guess there are some football fan types who wouldn't prefer it.)

Aw, screw the football types.

Robin

[BiblioCat]

Go ahead and plan it, and see what works the the actual Philly Dopers. If I can make it, I will. I'm just an out-of-towner who's gonna crash it.

[Cleophus]

I vote for Sunday as wel.

[twickster]

Okay, so Sunday it is. Does anyone have a preference between the 15th and the 22nd?

[Cleophus]

I have no preference to either date.

[swampbear]

Twicks you and Eve know how to plan some classy dopefests. Cemeteries and prisons. All the fun places!

I'm also extremely jealous that I'm not nearby to go.

[Voyager]

Just want to jump in and say we visited once, a while back, when there was an exhibition of art about political prisoners placed in some of the cells. It is an awesome place - have fun!

[MsRobyn]

I like how they have "alumni reunions". There's a certain je ne sais quoi about that.

Robin

[FairyChatMom]

Aw, geez, this sounds so cool! But it's over 3 hours away, and I've got classes in Oct, so I can't take a Monday off. And Saturdays won't work because of my ceramics class.

I love living in the boonies except when cool stuff like this comes up. <sigh>

[ryobserver]

I can make it on the 15th; I did have a book discussion on the 15th, but this sounds more interesting. On the 22nd I'll be at Capclave, so that's out.

[What Exit?]

The 22nd is better for me. I am pulling a boat out of the water the week before and going to a small clam festival. I will not be in any shape fora drive out to Philly that Sunday.

Approximately what time of the day?

Jim

[rocking chair]

y'all do know that october is the big shindig month for the prison? halloween at the prison? big crowds.

[twickster]

Originally Posted by rocking chair

y'all do know that october is the big shindig month for the prison? halloween at the prison? big crowds.

Yeah, I saw that -- seems like it would be more for the evening haunted house tours, though. A Sunday afternoon should be okay.

You gonna mosey down the street and join us?

[RTFirefly]

Originally Posted by MsRobyn

Aw, screw the football types.

Easy for you to say.

[DocCathode]

Marvellous! A dopefest I don't need a ride for!

[rocking chair]

depends on date and time. i know i have a work dinner one of those sundays.... i'm not sure which.

[twickster]

This would probably be more afternoonish.

[twickster]

Okay, we're looking at a Sunday afternoon -- October 15th is better for ryobserver and the 22nd is better for What Exit? -- anyone else interested?

[MsRobyn]

The 22nd is better for me, too.

Robin

[What Exit?]

So what's the verdict?
What day are we to be sent to Jail?
Can we Lock Down a date?

Jim {Bump}

[twickster]

Yeah, why limit yourself to one bad pun when there are three readily available?

It sounds like the 22nd is good for more people than it's bad for. I was thinking early afternoonish -- or we could do more mid- to late-afternoonish, and have dinner after? Or late morningish and do lunch after? What's the buzz, tell me what's a-happening...

[What Exit?]

Originally Posted by twickster

Yeah, why limit yourself to one bad pun when there are three readily available?

It sounds like the 22nd is good for more people than it's bad for. I was thinking early afternoonish -- or we could do more mid- to late-afternoonish, and have dinner after? Or late morningish and do lunch after? What's the buzz, tell me what's a-happening...

Once is nice, twice is better, but thrice pays for all.

I like the idea of early afternoon and an optional late lunch or early dinner after.

[twickster]

Okay, if we say Sunday the 22nd at 1 PM, who's in?

[What Exit?]

Originally Posted by twickster

Okay, if we say Sunday the 22nd at 1 PM, who's in?

I am in. I will hopefully be groggy from a World Series game, but I will make it.

Jim

[Little Nemo]

I am definitely giving thought to driving down to Philadelphia for the weekend of the 22nd. Assuming I get the days off, I'll be in.

[twickster]

Yay! That would be cool!

I just emailed bibliocat, since she was another out-of-town possible.

[MsRobyn]

Originally Posted by twickster

Okay, if we say Sunday the 22nd at 1 PM, who's in?

If I can swing it, I'll be there.

Robin

[BiblioCat]

Nope, I can't make it that day, even with the personal invitation from twickster.
You'll have to get by without me.

[DocCathode]

I should be able to make it.

[Little Nemo]

I finally got the weekend off. I'll be there.

[twickster]

Yay!

So the list is:

Doc Cathode
Little Nemo
twickster
What Exit?

looking likely;

Cleophus
MsRobyn
rocking chair

somewhere between possible and likely.

Anyone else want to join us?

[Cleophus]

I'm there.

[quiltguy154]

Hi guys! The twenty-twooth sounds good to me!

[twickster]

Hey quiltguy -- haven't seen you in eons! Glad you can make it!

[Mr. Goob]

I toured it about 15 years ago when I lived on Green St. a few blocks away. Creepy and cool as hell.

Now I live a few miles from Attica. What's with me and famous prisions?

Have fun guys.

[Little Nemo]

Being as I'll be in Philadelphia for a couple of days, I'd like suggestions for other sites I should visit while there.

I've been to Independence Hall and the mint. I'm thinking about the Mutter Museum. I plan on hitting some sites in New Jersey on the trip back, like the USS New Jersey and Lucy the Elephant.

Are there any flea markets open that weekend? Any good independant bookstores? And recommendations on places to eat? Other tourist tips?

[twickster]

Mutter Museum, definitely.

Go down to Old City (Independence Hall neighborhood) and check out Ben Franklin's house, on Market between 3rd and 4th. While in the area, check out a couple of good used bookstores on North 2nd Street -- The Book Trader and, um, the other one, a few doors up from there on the same side of the street, can't think of the name. That's also a restaurant area -- wander around and read the displayed menus. Perhaps a trifle pricey, but a lot of good places to eat.

Place to wander around, and be more likely to find cheap eats -- South Street.

Daytime place to eat: Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Filbert (a block north of Market). Old-fashioned farmers' market, in operation continuously for over 100 years.

[DocCathode]

If its okay, I'd like to bring two friends.

[twickster]

The more the merrier. In fact, I just emailed my pal M. to see if he wanted to come.

[Carl Corey]

I might be able to make it as well.

[twickster]

Looking likely:
Cleophus
Doc Cathode + two friends
Little Nemo
quiltguy154
twickster
What Exit?


Also considering joining us:

Carl Corey
MsRobyn
rocking chair


Anyone else want to join us?

[What Exit?]

Originally Posted by twickster

Anyone else want to join us?

My wife is deciding whether or not to come. She said she would decide today, so I can arrange for sitters for my kids.

Jim

[twickster]

Originally Posted by What Exit?

My wife is deciding whether or not to come. She said she would decide today, so I can arrange for sitters for my kids.

Jim

Yay! I wouldn't mind if I weren't the only female.

[MsRobyn]

Thanks to various Powers That Be, it's looking very likely that I'll be able to attend. I may have the sprog with me, if that's okay. I think the trip would be good for him.

Robin

[twickster]

Check the link -- I think there's a "no kids under XX" clause -- on my way out, I don't have time to check it myself right now.

[MsRobyn]

Originally Posted by twickster

Check the link -- I think there's a "no kids under XX" clause -- on my way out, I don't have time to check it myself right now.

Yeah, it's no kids under 6. Ah, well. I think he'd've enjoyed it, but then, a day to myself is fun, too.

Robin