Blast from the Past Spotted: Shoppers on East Passyunk Avenue in the 1980’s
This episode of Spotted comes courtesy of a loyal reader. Like that friendly neighborhood tipster, if you see something, say something – in an email to punk@passyunkpost.com.
While we may have the 1980’s back on East Passyunk Avenue with an escape the room attraction, here’s a blast from the past showing how much has really changed in 35 years.
This photo from Temple University’s Special Collections Research Center shows what the area once looked like. The one still recognizable location is Marra’s, which has been here for almost 90 years.
The shops, the foot traffic and parking meters seem to be pretty consistent with today. But this section of the city has seen some changes, so have the fashions of those in the area (by the way, did anyone else notice that the woman on the left isn’t wearing her shoes?).
Kenny’s Discount Gifts and Costume Jewelry appears to occupy the location at 1718 E. Passyunk Ave., which is currently the home of Headhunters. The facades of the locations have seen improvements, as have the sidewalks with trees now lining the street.
Are u sure this isn’t a scene from goodfellas? I swear that’s Henry Hill’s wife.
“The one still recognizable location is Marra’s, which has been here for almost 90 years.”
The tri-colored awning under the Kenny’s sign is the Avenue Cheese Shop, which is still there too.
Isn’t the store in the front of the photo Cellini’s?
@JB, I believe that is Cellini’s.
Yes, that’s Cellini’s
That photo is in front of where I lived as a kid. It was Cellini’s. We lived upstairs until 1968. My uncle LOu sold it to Stagalino’s then it later became Plenty.
On other thing. Ever notice the front window is on a angle? Back in the 60’s the store was renovated and the designer did this so the drive by traffic can see into the window display of fruit baskets better.
@frank,
that’s really cool! Thanks for that nugget of trivia.
Hey! I know those girls!