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Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Flyers to terminate Ryan Johansen's contract

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Ezra Pound

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.”

—Mark Caine

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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!

Which Philadelphia landmark was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015?

A) Eastern State Penitentiary

B) Philadelphia City Hall

C) Independence Hall

D) Fairmount Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, was founded by B) Benjamin Franklin.

News

💼Business

Gilbane taps Philly-area vet as preconstruction exec. (link)

🏒Sports

Philadelphia 76ers Signing Guerschon Yabusele was Steal of the Summer. (link)

Flyers to terminate Ryan Johansen's contract over "material breach". (link)

🏦Finance

Vanguard's new CEO Salim Ramji makes first major hire. (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

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Monday, August 26th | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Wednesday, August 28th | 4:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 City Winery Presents: Ed Lover's Hip-Hop Celebration
City Winery, Philadelphia
Monday, August 26th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 Joi Carter
City Winery, Philadelphia
Wednesday, August 28th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Clay Play Open Studio Making
Starr Garden Recreation Center 600-44 Lombard Street Philadelphia,
Wednesday, August 28 | (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 with a large, central, computerized public library.” 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

1920: The 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote, is ratified in Philadelphia.

In 1920, Philadelphia played a significant role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. The city's historical significance as the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution was further solidified by its involvement in the passage of this landmark amendment. Philadelphia was the largest city in Pennsylvania, which was by far the largest state in which women had not previously had the right to vote. Several Pennsylvanians had been prominent leaders in the long struggle to secure woman suffrage, making the ratification of the 19th Amendment a momentous occasion for the city.

To commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, Philadelphia has hosted various celebrations and events, marking the milestone of women's right to vote. The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia opened an exhibition on women and voting on the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. Additionally, the city has been home to reimagined individual events honoring the 19th Amendment, showcasing the ongoing legacy of the suffrage movement and the progress made in the fight for gender equality.

The ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 was a pivotal moment in American history, and Philadelphia's role in this achievement is a testament to the city's enduring legacy in shaping the nation's democratic principles. The passage of the 19th Amendment marked a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and representation, and Philadelphia continues to honor and celebrate this historic milestone.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Ezra Pound (1885–1972): Expatriate poet and critic.

Roots of a Poet (1885–1901)

Ezra Weston Loomis Pound was born on October 30, 1885, in Hailey, Idaho Territory. Raised in a small town, his early life was shaped by the pioneer spirit of the American West. His family moved to Pennsylvania when he was a child, and it was here that Pound's love for literature began to blossom. Encouraged by his mother, he immersed himself in reading, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already exploring classical literature and poetry.

Academic Pursuits and Early Influences (1901–1908)

In 1901, Pound entered the University of Pennsylvania at just 15 years old. It was during this period that he met and befriended William Carlos Williams and Hilda Doolittle (H.D.), both of whom would become prominent figures in modernist poetry. After transferring to Hamilton College and later returning to Penn for graduate studies, Pound developed a deep interest in Romance languages, which would later influence his poetic style. By 1908, dissatisfied with the literary scene in America, Pound set sail for Europe, seeking to immerse himself in the rich cultural heritage of the Old World.

The London Years: Imagism and Vorticism (1908–1920)

Pound settled in London, where he quickly became a central figure in the city’s literary circles. It was here that he developed the Imagist movement, advocating for clarity, precision, and economy of language in poetry. Collaborating with poets like H.D. and Richard Aldington, Pound published several influential anthologies. Later, he became involved with the Vorticist movement, which combined elements of modernism and futurism. During these years, Pound also began his long association with T.S. Eliot, famously editing "The Waste Land."

Turning Toward the East (1920–1924)

In the early 1920s, Pound’s focus shifted eastward as he developed an interest in Japanese and Chinese culture, particularly their poetry and aesthetics. This interest culminated in his work on translating Chinese poems, leading to the publication of "Cathay" in 1915. These translations, while not always accurate, conveyed the essence of the original works and had a profound influence on modernist poetry. Pound’s fascination with Eastern philosophies also began to shape his own writing, imbuing it with a sense of simplicity and depth.

The Paris Years: Collaboration and Controversy (1924–1933)

Pound moved to Paris in 1924, where he joined a vibrant community of expatriate artists and writers, including James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway. While in Paris, Pound continued to push the boundaries of poetry and criticism, although his work became increasingly experimental and difficult to categorize. He also began writing "The Cantos," an ambitious epic that would consume the rest of his life. However, this period was also marked by growing controversy, as Pound’s political views began to shift in troubling directions.

Fascism and the Radio Years (1933–1945)

During the 1930s, Pound became increasingly involved in politics, drawn to the ideas of Italian fascism. He moved to Italy in 1933 and became an ardent supporter of Benito Mussolini. Pound's broadcasts on Italian radio during World War II, in which he criticized the United States and praised fascist ideology, led to his arrest by American forces in 1945. After being held in a military detention camp, Pound was brought back to the U.S. to stand trial for treason.

Incarceration and the Pisan Cantos (1945–1958)

Declared unfit to stand trial, Pound was committed to St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he remained for over a decade. During his time in the hospital, he wrote the "Pisan Cantos," a section of "The Cantos" that reflected his experiences and disillusionment. Despite his incarceration, Pound continued to be a divisive figure in the literary world. Some hailed his work as genius, while others condemned his political views. In 1958, after much lobbying by friends and supporters, Pound was released and returned to Italy.

The Later Years: Return to Italy and Legacy (1958–1972)

Upon his release, Pound returned to Italy, settling in Venice. His later years were marked by a growing sense of isolation and regret, though he continued to work on "The Cantos," which remained unfinished at his death. Although he withdrew from public life, Pound’s influence on modernist poetry remained profound. He spent his final years in quiet contemplation, grappling with the complexities of his legacy.

Ezra Pound and Philadelphia (1900s–1920s)

Pound’s connection to Philadelphia was significant in his early development as a poet. His time at the University of Pennsylvania laid the groundwork for his literary career, and it was in Philadelphia that he formed crucial friendships with fellow writers who would shape his thinking and creative output. The city's rich intellectual atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene provided Pound with the foundation he needed to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of poetry.

The Cantos and the Search for Meaning (1920s–1972)

"The Cantos," Pound’s most ambitious and controversial work, is a reflection of his lifelong quest to understand and articulate the complexities of history, culture, and human nature. Spanning decades, the poem is a tapestry of references, blending mythology, politics, and personal experience. While "The Cantos" remains unfinished and fragmented, it is considered one of the most significant works of 20th-century literature, illustrating both Pound's genius and his flaws.

Key Achievements:

• Founder of the Imagist movement, which revolutionized modern poetry.

• Mentor and editor for prominent modernist writers such as T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, and Ernest Hemingway.

• Author of "The Cantos," one of the most ambitious epic poems of the 20th century.

• Influential in introducing Eastern literature and aesthetics to the Western literary canon.

• Despite his controversial political views, recognized as a pioneer in modernist poetry and literary criticism.

Ezra Pound was a towering figure in 20th-century literature, known for his innovative contributions to modernist poetry and his role in shaping the careers of many literary giants. His work, especially "The Cantos," remains influential despite the controversy surrounding his political beliefs. Pound's legacy is one of both brilliance and complexity, reflecting the contradictions of a man who sought to reshape the literary world.

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-Matthew Larsen

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