Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming WWE 3-day event

• Advanced Studio Art Class for kids and teens

• A deep dive into the life of James Michener

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."

- William Shakespeare

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In what Philadelphia park is the "Love" sculpture located?

A) Rittenhouse Square

B) Franklin Square

C) LOVE Park (JFK Plaza)

D) Fairmount Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: 
The Philadelphia museum that houses the "Rocky" statue is D) The Philadelphia Museum of Art."

News

💼 Business

Anticipation builds as fans eagerly await WrestleMania in Philadelphia, while local businesses gear up for a surge. (link)

Philadelphia'a Center City Pretzel Co. reopens after fire. (link)

Holland & Knight Recruits John Grugan as Partner in Philadelphia. (link)

Businesses affected by the bridge collapse, including those in some Greater Philadelphia counties, are now eligible to tap into the SBA's Economic Injury. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies have announced when their highly anticipated "City Connect" uniforms will debut for the upcoming season. (link)

Eagles sign Reed Blankenship to contract extension. (link)

Philadelphia Eagles Complete NFL Mock Draft: Post-Free Agency Edition. (link)

The Philadelphia Eagles dealt Pro Bowl defender Haason Reddick to the New York Jets for a conditional third-round pick in 2026. (link)

🏦 Finance

Chase Bank topped the list of banks with local retail operations in the newly released 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study for Pennsylvania. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🤼‍♂️ WWE 3-Day Event Combo Ticket - April 5-8, 2024
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
April 5th - April 8th, 2024 | (more info)

🏀 Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, April 9th | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Friday April 12 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

🏒 Philadelphia Flyers vs. New Jersey Devils
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Saturday April 13 | 5:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸Remo Drive
Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Monday April 08 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🍺 Decibel Beer & Metal Prefest
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Thursday April 11 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Kanii
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Friday April 12 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶Scary Pockets
Bowl Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
Sunday April 14 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨Three-Hour Art Camp for Kids - Painting Class by Classpop
Claire's Creative Adventures
Wednesday, April 10 | 10am - 1pm EDT | (more info)

🖌️ Advanced Studio Art for Kids and Teens - Art Class by Classpop
Claire's Creative Adventures
Thursday, April 11 | 4:30 - 6pm EDT | (more info)

🏐 Kids Volleyball Classes
Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School
Sunday, April 7 | 10 - 11am EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Philadelphia where every building is a work of abstract art” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Philadelphia Historical Events

1876: The Centennial Exposition, the first official World's Fair in the United States, is held in Philadelphia.

In 1876, the Centennial Exposition, the first official World's Fair in the United States, took place in Philadelphia. This grand event, officially known as the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine, was held in Fairmount Park from May 10 to November 10. The Exposition was a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the American Revolution and attracted nearly 10 million visitors over the course of six months. It showcased the industrial achievements of the United States and featured the work of 37 other nations, making it a truly international affair.

The Centennial Exposition of 1876 was a monumental event that highlighted the U.S.'s industrial and technological advancements on the centennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The fairgrounds and exhibition buildings in Fairmount Park provided a stunning backdrop for the grand event, drawing visitors from near and far. President Ulysses S. Grant inaugurated the Exposition, marking a significant moment in American history. The event served as a testament to the nation's progress and innovation, attracting a massive crowd of 100,000 people on its opening day.

The Centennial Exposition of 1876 was a pivotal moment in American history, showcasing the nation's growth and achievements to the world. The event not only celebrated the past but also looked towards the future, emphasizing the industrial and cultural landscape of the United States. With its international participation and impressive attendance, the Exposition left a lasting legacy as a symbol of American innovation and progress.

Famous People From Philadelphia

James Michener (1907–1997): Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

James Albert Michener was born on February 3, 1907, in New York, New York. He was abandoned by his parents and was taken in by Mabel Michener, a poor widow from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Despite a challenging upbringing, Michener went on to become a prolific and celebrated author, winning the Pulitzer Prize for his work "Tales of the South Pacific" in 1948.

Early Life and Foster Family (1907-1925)Born in New York, James Albert

Michener was abandoned by his parents and was taken in by Mabel Michener, a widow from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Raised in a modest household, Michener's foster mother made a living by taking in laundry and sewing, providing a nurturing environment despite financial constraints.

Education and Teaching Career (1925-1947)

Michener received his early education in Pennsylvania and later taught in private schools in the Commonwealth. His passion for writing began to emerge during this period, laying the foundation for his future literary career.

Tales of the South Pacific and Literary Success (1948-1950)

In 1947, Michener published "Tales of the South Pacific," a collection of stories based on his experiences in the Pacific theater during World War II. The book was a resounding success, earning Michener the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1948 and establishing him as a prominent literary figure.

Exploration and Travel Writing (1951-1960)

Michener's love for travel and exploration inspired many of his future works, as he embarked on journeys to various parts of the world. His experiences formed the basis for several travelogue-style novels, showcasing his ability to weave historical and cultural narratives into compelling stories.

Philadelphia Connection and Community Involvement (1961-1970)

Michener had a strong connection to Philadelphia, where he became involved in the local arts and cultural scene. His contributions to the city's cultural landscape were significant, and he was known for his support of the arts and education in the Philadelphia area.

Political Engagement and Philanthropy (1971-1980)

Throughout the 1970s, Michener became increasingly involved in political and philanthropic endeavors, advocating for causes related to education and the arts. His philanthropic efforts extended to various charitable organizations, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.

Legacy and Later Years (1981-1997)

Michener's literary legacy continued to grow, with the publication of numerous best-selling novels and works of historical fiction. He remained an influential figure in the literary world until his passing on October 16, 1997, leaving behind a rich and enduring literary legacy.

Key Achievements

• Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for "Tales of the South Pacific" in 1948.

• Prolific author of over 40 books, many of which were long, fictional family sagas set in specific geographic locales.

• Established the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, showcasing his commitment to the arts and cultural preservation.

• Known for his philanthropic efforts and support of education and the arts in Philadelphia and beyond.

• Remembered as a literary giant whose works continue to captivate readers and inspire future generations.

James Albert Michener's life and work exemplify the power of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to storytelling. His impact on the literary world and his contributions to the arts and culture of Philadelphia and beyond remain an enduring part of his legacy.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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