CAN A WALL BECOME A CHOICE . . . NOT A BARRIER?
The wall was an overlooked 110-year-old building, neglected for 50 years.
Its roof and much of its third floor had been destroyed.
Finally, the building, located in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, was condemned by the city of Philadelphia.
The local newspaper shouted for attention about the loss!
Along with a few others, I fought to save the building by producing dozens of letters followed by phone calls.
The owner of the building retaliated with an ultimatum:
“To halt the demolition, raise $4800 in 48 hours!”
At the zero hour we met the challenge, only to face a harsher hurdle:
Raise the necessary money to build the walls, install a new roof, and renovate the building.
“It’s not what happens to you that matters. It’s what you do about it.”
- Nido Qubein, “ATTITUDE The Remarkable Power of Optimism”
The challenge was harsh:
Not only were we novice fundraisers but also
We were recent newcomers from outside Philadelphia with few local contacts.
In the 1960s we faced another hurdle:
This accepted belief reigned:
“There is nothing historic in Chestnut Hill.”
Only monumental buildings in Philadelphia such as Independence Hall qualified as “historic.”
We gained time enough to:
Attract key support and raise the required money.
Today, the three-story stone building stands as a landmark.
Our actions gave birth to the Chestnut Hill Historical Society, now known as the Chestnut Hill Conservancy.
Today the Conservancy ‘s actions meet ever-present challenges:
It reaches out to save stone walls in Chestnut Hill and beyond into neighboring communities.
#thriving #wellbeing #optimism #attitude
It was a privilege to be involved with this project. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity! We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy the space.