Acting like a tourist...

Sometimes you just don't appreciate what is right under your nose.  Or in this case, ABOVE my nose. Philadelphia City Hall.  Altho City Hall, with Philly's omnipresent William Penn sitting atop, is visible pretty much anywhere in the city (as long as you look UP)...I've never really "seen" it. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure the LAST time I was in City Hall was during one of the elementary school field trips that EVERY Philly area school has on their calendar.  But even then, I think we just got on the elevator and headed straight up to the top to the observation deck right which is under Billy's feet. Which was just what some of those elementary school boys couldn't wait to do, so they could spit off the open observation walk to see if it would reach the pedestrians below. (Yep they did that on our Junior High trip to the Empire State Building too.  Obviously I graduated with equal opportunity spitters).  Regardless, the observation deck gives quite the impressive view of Philly if you stop spitting long enough to take a gander.

"William Penn's City"
Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Reflections of City Hall"
Philadelphia City Hall

A couple weeks ago I decided to join a local photography group on an outing to Philadelphia City Hall.  Not only would I get to go back up to Billy Penn BUT...it also included a 2-hour tour of the grounds and interior.  I was going to be a tourist in my own city.  FYI, no spitting allowed.

First we wandered around the perimeter of City Hall...all things I had seen a gazillion times before.

Then we moved through the arches and corridors, into the City Hall courtyard..all things I had seen a HALF gazillion times before.

Finally we ventured indoors...of which I have no prior recollection.  Altho I MUST have walked these halls in order to get up to Billy Penn, so I will claim early onset elementary school memory loss.  Philadelphia City Hall.  The largest municipal building in the United States. 700 rooms, 14.5 acres of floor space and chockful of architectural treasures both inside and out. Construction began in 1871, with the goal to be the tallest building in the world. However, in the 30 years it took to build City Hall it was surpassed by the Washington Monument and the Eiffel Tower to claim the title.

"Donald Trump?"
Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall might not be the world's tallest building but, it IS the world's largest masonry building.  Made entirely of granite and brick with marble facing.  No steel (you need to go to Pittsburgh for all the steel).  In the 1950's Philadelphia city politicians decided they wanted a newer city hall in a different location.  Yep, politicians made no sense back then too.  However, because of the building's masonry construction, it couldn't be demolished via implosion.  It needed to be dismantled piece by exquisite piece, which would have bankrupted the city.  The building was saved. Probably the LAST time any political decision was influenced by fiscal responsibility. 

"George Washington Would Like to Speak"
Philadelphia City Hall

"Round and Round"
Philadelphia City Hall

"City Halls"
Philadelphia City Hall

"Take a Seat"
Philadelphia City Hall

"Police Evidence Room"
Philadelphia City Hall
(The Philadelphia Police and Prison have since been relocated)

After a couple of hours it was time to venture to the top of Billy Penn via stairs and a 4-person elevator.  Now THIS I remembered...sort of.  

"This Way Up"

Philadelphia City Hall

"Billy Penn's Knickers"
Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"On a Clear Day"
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

William Penn in bronze.  37 feet tall. Perched atop the tallest structure in Philly til 1987.  You truly have no idea how large of an area Philadelphia spans until you see it from Billy's perspective.  Yeah, I remember this except for one thing...the observation deck is now enclosed by Plexiglas thwarting all adolescent spitting efforts.  

Sometimes you just don't realize or appreciate what treasures are in your backyard.  UNTIL you become a hometown tourist.

Here's where I "link up" today

(Join me on Tuesdays for Song-ography.  Click on photo for full link-up description)