City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski (l) examines the wall of inductees to the Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame. Photo by Christopher Wink.

The Northeast welcomed the first inductees into its hall of fame yesterday, celebrating more than 300 years of accomplishments in our region.

More than 100 guests, honorees and elected officials gathered in Holy Family University‘s John M. Perzel building to formally honor the first eight Northeast Philadelphians to be included in the Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame — something its creators plan to make an annual event.

“A [Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame] is long overdue,” State Rep. Dennis O’Brien said in his address to the events attendees.
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Disston Saw Works in Tacony circa 1917, courtesy of WorkshopoftheWorld.com

By Christopher Wink

It was one of the largest and most impressive facilities of its kind the world over.

Now, Hidden City Philadelphia, a new arts festival, is giving visitors an opportunity to tour the famed Disston Saw Works in Tacony through June 28.

In 1850, Henry Disston began the company that would develop into the global leader of Northeast Philly fame. An evolved form of the industrial powerhouse called Disston Precision is still in operation. continue reading »