Fox Chase will decorate this evergreen in Lions Park for its Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 3. Photo by G.E. Reutter

Christmas is coming early to Fox Chase. Three celebrations on Dec. 3 will keep the family busy for the day. Events at Ryerss Museum and Library and The Fox Chase Farm run during the day, capped off by the annual Christmas tree lighting at Lions Park in the heart of Fox Chase.

Fox Chase Farm at 8500 Pine Rd. will hold its annual Holiday Green Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wreaths, swags, bows, candle centerpieces, white pine roping and baked goodies will be available to purchase.

Ryerss Museum and Library at 7370 Central Ave. will hold a Victorian Open House/Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by The Friends of Ryerss, the event will include the sale of greens, baked goods, a raffle, dining in the Victorian Tea Room, a black smith demonstration and sales of used books. continue reading »

The pastures roll down the side of Mount Stanley, where on most days, you will see cows grazing along the fence line. Trees line the long driveway to the barn and homestead that traces its history to 1683 and a land grant from William Penn. An active 4-H club meets weekly, caring for pigs, sheep and cows. Schools bus in students to learn about rural life on a farm and more than 18,000 people a year visit.

It is not Lancaster County, Upper Bucks County or Chester County.  The farm, Fox Chase Farm , is the only working farm in the City of Philadelphia. Located at 8500 Pine Rd., the farm is managed by the Philadelphia School District and The Fairmount Park Commission as a working educational farm with support from an active community organization, Friends of Fox Chase Farm. continue reading »

Photo by Shaun Gallagher

The city of Philadelphia is filled with noises. From horns, screeching tires and even the occasional obscenity, it is hard to find serenity within city limits.

However, half an hour north of Center City lies Fox Chase Farm, the only working farm within city limits.  The area where Fox Chase Farm stands has been around since William Penn sold the land to Lord William Stanley of London in 1683.
Today Fox Chase Farm is more of an educational farm than what a standard farm is considered. They have events throughout the year to help promote education on varying agricultural concepts.

This is a short preview of what will be a longer feature on Fox Chase Farm, brought to you by NEast Philly and Philadelphia Neighborhoods. You can read the rest here, and stay tuned for our full feature.