Trail of Hope

To have striven, to have made the effort, to have been true to certain ideals – this alone is worth the struggle.  Wm. Penn

The legacy of Penn Treaty Park is over 330 years old.  And from the early years it was always a Sacred Ground.

It took over 2 centuries to make it a public Park. Many individuals cherished and tended this place, committing their own believes and hopes on the importance of preservation. Finally, after years of efforts Penn Treaty Park was recognized and registered by Philadelphia Historical Commission.

To Celebrate this important milestone, Penn Treaty Museum organized a ceremony on May 12, 2012 in Penn Treaty Park. Many neighbors and supporters gathered to commemorate this important step in preserving Penn Treaty Park as a Historic Landmark.  This place is much more than just a park. It’s more than just “where it all began”.  It is a Place of Peace and Harmony, a place of Spirit that lives among us.  

Penn Treaty Museum leading the Celebration of the registration of Penn Treaty Park as a Historic Landmark.

Many supporters at the May 12th. Celebration

Behold, my brothers, the spring has come; the earth has received the embraces of the sun and we shall soon see the results of that love! Every seed has awakened and so has all animal life. It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being and we therefore yield to our neighbors, even our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves, to inhabit this land.   -   Tatanka Yotanka (Sitting Bull), Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux

Many have tried before, but I guess it takes special charisma to fulfill the task. For decades many more very committed people persisted on recognizing Penn Treaty Park as a historic place. And for decades nothing happened.

There are times when we discover that life’s circumstances are not always what we might wish them to be. There are moments in our lives when things do not go as planned. Yet we cannot allow those unpredictable obstacles hold us back from putting our efforts into choosing a path to work towards direction of our goals.

And this Saturday, we’ll have a chance to meet some of those amazing people, a very special individuals.

Thanks to them, and their persistence and countless efforts at last, Pent Treaty Park has been recognized by Philadelphia Historical Commission and placed on the Registrar of Philadelphia Historic Places.

At Last - Recognition of Penn Treaty Park

Penn Treaty Museum is proud to host a Celebration to recognize the listing of Penn Treaty Park on  the Registrar of Philadelphia Historic Places.

Saturday, May 12, 2012  @ 12 Noon at Penn Treaty Park -Delaware and Columbia Ave.

Music -Kensington Creative and Performing Arts(CAPA) High School-Drum Line

Presentations:

• New Kensington CDC
• Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
• Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
• Barbara Morehead, Friends of Penn Treaty Park

The collection of the Penn Treaty Museum will be open to the public 1-3 PM immediately after the ceremony.

WITH LOVE AND CONSENT

                                  The principle of goodwill and friendship toward all men laid at the very root of William Penn beliefs.

Well before he left England, he was determined to treat Native Americans as brothers and win their confidence and friendship. It was his deep sense of humanity and conviction that Indians, no less than whites, were entitled to love and respect.   Here’s a letter dated October 18, 1681 William Penn sent to the Indians:

“My Friends

There is one great God and power that has made the world and all things therein, to whom you and I and all people owe their being and well being, and to whom you and I must one day give an account for all that we do in this world. This great God has written his law in our hearts, by which we are taught and commanded to love and help and do good to one another, and not to do harm and mischief one unto another.                                                                                                                                                                                      Now this great God has been pleased to make me concerned in your parts of the world, and the king of the country where I live has given unto ma a great province therein, but I desire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that we may always live together as friends, else what would the great God say to us, who has made us not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly together in the world.

Now I would have you well observe, that I am very sensible of the unkindness and injustice that has been too much exercised towards you by the people of these parts of the world, who have sought themselves, and to make great advantages by you, rather than be examples of justice and goodness unto you; which I hear has been matter of trouble to you and caused great grudgings and animosities, sometimes to the shedding of blood, which has made the great God angry.

But I am not such a man, as is well known in my own country. I have great love and regard toward you, and I desire to win and gain your love and friendship by a kind, just, and peaceable life; and the people I send are of the same mind, and shall in all things behave themselves accordingly. And if in anything any shall offend you or your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same by an equal number of honest men on both sides, that by no means you may have just occasion of being offended against them.

I shall shortly come to you myself, at what time we may more largely and freely confer and discourse of these matters. In the meantime, I have sent my commissioners to treat with you about land and a firm league of peace. Let me desire you to be kind to them and the people, and receive these presents and tokens which I have sent to you as a testimony of my good will to you and my resolution to live justly, peaceably, and friendly with you. I am your friend.

 Wm. Penn  “

Yesterday as I was walking in a pretty rural area, I met a guy along the way and we struck up a conversation. I began talking about what I always do, the Trail and its purpose. The man was very interested and seemed excited about it. We were standing off of the main road on a dirt road which led to a commercial kind of area.

While we were talking a man pulled up the dirt road in a truck hauling a small trailer and stopped right next to us. We said hello and could tell right away he was not in a great mood. I began talking to him, sharing a little about the Trail when he cuts me off and says, “What good is it going to do?” As I stood there, shocked and trying to think of an answer, he said “didn’t you see me trying to change my tire over there?” He pointed behind us down the dirt road. We told him that we were sorry but we didn’t see him. This was the truth because his truck was a ways back on the dirt road and our backs were to it while we were talking.

For one reason or another, the man didn’t seem to believe that we didn’t see him. He said, “Well I was changing my tire and nobody asked me if I needed any help.” We apologized and explained again how we didn’t see him until he pulled up next to us. The driver was miserable and in disbelief. Suddenly I remembered that he had driven past me a few miles back in his truck. I politely said to him, “you don’t believe us but that is not a reason to believe there are no good people. When you drive and see someone walking do you stop and offer them a ride?” Before he could consider giving me an answer, he stepped on the gas and drove off.

I wrapped up my conversation with the man I met along the way and continued until I found a little family run motel. I walked into the motel and started with my usual opening greeting of, “Good evening, I’m walking from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Throughout my trail I’ve been fortunate to be granted a small discount on my hotel rate. Would it be possible to obtain a discount for one evening?”

The man looked at me and said “No. No discount.” Clearly he had a miserable day just like the truck driver from earlier. I said to him, “There are good people at the many places I’ve stopped in the past.” He hastily replied, “Well, I am not a good person.” I smiled and said, “Well I think you’re exaggerating a bit, I’m sure you’re a good person.” To this he replied, “No, I am not a good person and I do not want to be a good person.”

Since there were no other motels in the area, I didn’t have a choice as to where I could stay. I paid the man and went up into my room. As I was settling down for the evening, I pondered at how shocking it is to me that the mentality of people can be so abrasive and negative at times for not good reason. People can be completely blind to the simple good in life. I also thought it was a downright shame that people could put themselves down by behaving a certain way and making believe that they are not a good person.

(Please share your thoughts and this blog. Sharing is Caring!)

There are many times when we discover that life’s circumstances are not always what we might wish them to be. There will always be moments in our lives when things do not go as planned. Yet we can not allow the unpredictable obstacles hold us back from truly living. If we do not put our efforts into choosing a path to work towards, than we are more likely to not have any direction in our lives at all.

On every mountain there is a mountain top, a summit. You may not be able to see the very top of the mountain from the depths of the valley below, but you must trust that it is there. The Trail of Hope hasn’t been easy. While walking up and down the mountains in Pennsylvania, especially in bad weather, I was tired, in pain and felt as if the whole process was straining and exhausting. While traveling up a large mountain, I had to believe the summit was there and that the sweat, pain and effort would be worth it in the end.

Reaching each summit required a lot of determination and faith, but once I reached the top of each mountain, I was filled with a myriad of feelings and emotions. Standing on the top of the summit was magnificent, spectacular and I felt an incredible feeling of glory beyond the wildest imagination.

Without the tests of life, our chosen trail would be straight, flat, and dull and the road would lead nowhere. You can’t appreciate the sunshine until you’ve had to bear with the rain. You have to appreciate every moment, no matter how straining, and take from that moment everything you possible can because you may never be able to experience a moment like that again.
You have to free your mind of limitations and distractions and unite mind and body into a peaceful harmony without letting the world around you interfere.

You have to break yourself free of restraints and set yours sights high so you can reach your own personal summit.

 Nestled in the heartbreak and poverty of South Camden, New Jersey, sits the Scared Heart Church. It serves as a beacon of light, welcoming all persons from near and far to come inside its doors and experience the power of hope. For 35 years, a humble yet well known priest strives each day to provide peace and hope to those in need. He is innovative, compassionate, and committed to spreading God’s love to the otherwise forgotten, abandoned and hopeless.

Father Michael Doyle felt committed to peace from a young age. He has always been a positive influence to others through thought, word, and most importantly, action. Fr. Doyle aims to spread the message of hope throughout Camden, NJ, encouraging everyone to have faith that tomorrow will be a better day and despite the most horrid conditions, people can still create their own destiny.

Fr. Doyle is a champion of peace. He has dedicated his life to Camden’s deteriorating neighborhoods. He founded “The Heart of Camden,” which is a program that transforms abandoned houses into suitable dwelling places and sells them to residents. As of January 2011, the parish had rehabilitated 200 neighborhood homes. Additionally, the Sacred Heart Church functions as a soup kitchen each weekend, feeding hundreds of families in need.

While visiting Camden with my good friend, John Connors, I was privileged to be introduced to Fr. Doyle. I was moved by his compassion for others and inspired by his steadfast determination to transform the area house by house, family by family, and person by person. In our brief conversation, Fr. Doyle instilled a sense of hope within my heart just by describing the people his parish served and the mission he carries out with such humility.

From the schools to the parish and out in the violent and broken neighborhoods, Fr. Doyle is a living beacon for hope and peace. For these many reasons, Father Michael Doyle is truly a silent hero.

Today marks the one month anniversary of the Trail of Hope. I find it hard to believe that it has already been a month of walking, traveling, and journeying along this inspiring Trail! I am very close to having covered almost 500 miles thus far.

The past month has been nothing short of exciting, challenging and an experience of a lifetime. I’ve encountered all different types of weather from torrential rain, to snow, to some intermittent sunshine. Sometimes I think to myself that I should have counted how many days and nights it has rained along the trail. It is the rain that has been the most difficult to maneuver in. It can be distracting. When it is pouring rain, I have to pay attention to the road, the cars and what is right in front of me and rarely have time to reflect and think. I’m hopeful the April showers will pass and I’ll be able to enjoy sunny days along the Trail as I venture though Ohio.
In addition to the challenging rain, I feel accomplished having mastered the climbing and descending of the many mountains. At times it was hard when I traveled 30 miles of peaks and valleys but I feel incredible for having made it through!

Looking back, it was great to pass through and visit so many historical places in Pennsylvania. These places moved me in many different ways. I have enjoyed seeing variety of diverse landscapes and encountering different walks of life. I have come to treasure the brief and assorted interactions I’ve had with people along the way.

I’m also really happy I’ve had the opportunity to photograph different things from road signs to landscapes and even the rainy parts of the Trail. I’m looking forward to the many photographic opportunities that will come my way in the future.

Physically and mentally I feel great. My spirit is still strong and eager to continue along the journey. I’m excited for what is to come!

Salem -name comes from “shalom” and “salaam,” and means Peace.
Early settlers to the city included the Religious Society of Friends Quakers.
 The city was active in the anti-slavery movement of the early-to-mid 1800′s. Still standing are many of the beautiful homes, with their hidden rooms and secret passageways, connecting them to the famous Underground Railroad.
Active in the abolitionist movement of the early- to mid-19th century, Salem acted as a hub for the American Underground Railroad, with several homes serving as “stations.” Salem retained many of these homes, but none are open to the public at present.

QUAKERS
 Disgusted by vanity and uninfluenced by vice, George Fox felt unique and alone in his philosophies. Growing up in 17th Century England, under the powerful rule of the Church, Fox searched to feed a yearning deep within his soul. At the age of 19, he left his father’s house carrying nothing but the clothes on his back and his Bible in search for what he called a “greater light.” Fox spoke to many professors of religion but always left these discussions with a sense of dissatisfaction. He simply wanted a religion where man can communicate directly with God without having to mediate through a professor, a clergy, or a powerful institution such as a church.

​Fox’s vision would eventually give way to the formation of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. Granted, any spiritual movement which challenged the Church of England’s doctrine would naturally be subject to great opposition. Quakers encountered a great deal of persecution, brutality and violence for the sake of their religion.

​ The religion is based upon the principles of unity, peace, quality, integrity, and simplicity. William Penn is considered one of the most famous Quakers in history. Penn founded the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1682 which became a safe haven for Quakers to grow and practice their faith.

​Today there are five branches of the Society of Friends in the Americas. Commonly known as “Friends,” Quakers gather on Sundays for “Meetings for Worship.” During these meetings, the members mediate and speak openly if they feel called to share something of spiritual significance with the group.

This weekend, along the banks of the Delaware River, a very special event will be taking place. As a gentle breeze sweeps along Penn Treaty Park, locals, tourists, families and friends will gather together to eat, drink, dance, and maybe even learn something new.  This event is Fishtown’s third annual Shad Fest.

 On April 23^rd, from 11am until 6pm at Penn Treaty Park, Fishtown will celebrate Shad Fest. This event is near and dear to my heart. Each year I’ve attended, I’ve had the opportunity to memorialize some festive moments through my photography. I have always enjoyed celebrating the heritage of Fishtown with my fellow neighbors and their family and friends.

The event is both recreational and educational. You will learn new things about the Delaware River and a little bit about the history of Fishtown, specifically how it was given its name. There will also be promotions from local and regional businesses, live music, activities for children, and most importantly, beer and fish to enjoy! In addition to the festivities, you can participate in the Kenzinger Challenge Run, a three mile non-competitive scavenger hunt highlighting Fishtown’s and Kensington’s breweries and taverns.

Fishtown offers numerous events and festivals throughout the year. It is the community spirit of this neighborhood which makes me proud to be a resident of Fishtown. I’ve spent a great deal of my time walking the streets of this riverfront town, taking many different pictures of life and the community. I’ve complied each unique photograph into a book entitled, “With Love From Fishtown.”

I’d like to invite you to take a look at this book. If you look towards the bottom of my blog, on the right hand side, you’ll see a link to my store. In my store, there is a flipping book sample of “With Love From Fishtown.” This allows you to flip through my book digitally to see what it is all about. The book with give you a little taste of the riverfront neighborhood I have come to call home.