PhilaStories

Alan Keith Green - Seasonal Maintenance Attendant for Malcolm X Park

There's one person who spends more time in Malcolm X Park than anyone: Alan Keith Green. Al is the Parks and Rec Department's Seasonal Maintenance Attendant for Malcolm X Park, and he's been doing the job for seven years. In addition to cleaning up the considerable daily accumulation of litter, he runs an informal lost-and-found, helps out the occasional homeless residents, looks out for the children playing on the equipment, and generally keeps the park in great shape. Frankly, he deserves a medal.

This video was produced by Andrew Schwalm a resident of 51st Street and member of the Friends of Malcolm X Park.

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Google Maps: 52nd & Larchwood Avenue

Clarence Brogden - Desegregation in the Philadelphia Fire Department

Clarence Brogden, 86 years old, was born and raised at 21st & Montgomery Sts. in North Philadelphia. His mother was born on an Indian reservation in South Carolina. She came to Philadelphia as a child. His father was born and raised in South Philadelphia.

I spoke with Clarence at the Club Valiants meeting hall in Mount Airy. Shortly after serving in the armed forces during WWII Clarence joined the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1946. He was assigned to Engine 11. In this story he tells us that Engine 11 fireman were starting to be transferred to formerly all white firehouses.

From 1919 - 1952 Engine 11 and Fireboat 1 were manned by African-American fireman only. Clarence is one of five surviving retirees who worked at Engine 11 before the Philadelphia Fire Department was desegregated in 1952.

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Here are a few more Engine 11 photos.

Google Maps: Engine 11

Clarence Brogden: Joins The Philadelphia Fire Department, Engine 11

Clarence Brogden, 86 years old, was born and raised at 21st & Montgomery Sts. in North Philadelphia. His mother was born on an Indian reservation in South Carolina. She came to Philadelphia as a child. His father was born and raised in South Philadelphia.

I spoke with Clarence at the Club Valiants meeting hall in Mount Airy. Shortly after serving in the armed forces during WWII Clarence joined the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1946. He was assigned to Engine 11. In this story he talks about his early days in the fire department.

From 1919 - 1952 Engine 11 and Fireboat 1 were manned by African-American fireman only. Clarence is one of five surviving retirees who worked at Engine 11 before the Philadelphia Fire Department was desegregated in 1952.

Click To Play

Here are a few more Engine 11 photos.

Google Maps: Engine 11