Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Blog

Wilson: Author of the Blog

## Overview

As the first blog in Wilson's growing catalog, he launches the series by providing readers with a wealth of facts about their inaugural destination - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Following their departure from home, Wilson documents that he and Ditch took in many historic firsts around the city related to America's founding. He describes visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, where America's founding documents were signed and read. However, it seems trouble may have started early as Wilson writes about Ditch eating multiple cheesesteaks from a famous restaurant until feeling unwell. As Wilson puts it, Ditch "moans like a baby skunk". Ditch's affinity for food obviously runs deeper than simple hunger.

In another section, Wilson shares details of their touring other spots around the city like the US Mint, where he learned aboutcoin production. He again comments on Ditch's insatiable appetite, saying it led them to sample other local specialties like soft pretzels straight from the oven. Wilson included an informative historical section at the end laying out important dates and events from Philadelphia's founding.

The blog concludes with Wilson recounting their activities of rowing on the Schuylkill River and climbing the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, though he notes Ditch took a short nap during the latter. Throughout, Wilson provides an educational yet comedic lens into their adventures through his narration of Ditch's behavior and eating exploits.

An intriguing theory about the brothers could be that Wilson's blogs depict his own idealized version of events, while Ditch's comic strips show an alternative, perhaps more accurate account.

One could argue the differing perspectives and omitted details show signs of schizophrenic tendencies in how Wilson and Ditch process and recall their travels. In addition to the omitted details and strange moments, Wilson also has a few red flags towards schizoid tendencies here. He mentions how a cheesesteak sandwich is better tasting than his brother's head. This is a very odd statement to make and alludes towards some sort of cannibalistic tendency of his.

This could offer an layer of psychological analysis to their road trip storytelling as the series continues.

## Blog Text

#### ***Wilson’s Blog***

First stop, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we saw many FIRST places. First place the people who started the country of America all met. First place the first American flag was made. First library in America. The building where the first fire department in America was.

And we had our first cheese steak sandwich. And our second and third cheese steak. Ditch’s stomach was full but he said, “I want one more cheese steak.” He ate it and I waited for him to blow up. He didn’t, but he moaned like a baby skunk.

Did you know there’s a building in Philadelphia where they make money? True fact. It’s called a MINT. Not the kind you eat. They make coins there.

Ditch and I walked through the money factory. They told me they make 8 million quarters and 16 million pennies there every day! I never saw so many coins.

After the coins, Ditch and I walked through a big sculpture of a heart at the Franklin Institute.

So many amazing science things there.

Guess what? It made Ditch got hungry. Again! So we got a bunch of soft pretzels – right out of the warm oven where they make them in Philadelphia. They were so good and soft -- like the carpet in our Mommy’s house back home. I miss my Mommy.

Before we left Philadelphia, we rowed a long boat on the Schuylkill River, then ran up famous stairs out front of Art Museum. We huffed and puffed. Ditch took a short nap.

## Apple Pie Picks

#### **Independence National Historic Park & Liberty Bell Center**

This historic site features the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Constitution Hall. See where the Declaration of Independence was written and then publicly read for the first time on July 8, 1776 in Independence Square. At Independence Hall you can see the Constitution, The Declaration of Independence and George Washington’s “Rising Sun Chair.” Across the street, visit the Liberty Bell at The Liberty Bell Center and read the words of its purpose, to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”

#### **Betsy Ross House**

This historic house was home to Betsy Ross, the woman who sewed and help design our nation’s first 13-star flag in 1776. The house is over 250 years old and located in the heart of historic Philadelphia. While visiting the museum, stop to talk to “Betsy Ross,” watch Colonial Crafters and learn more about an American Revolutionary War soldier’s life through the museum’s live programming.

#### **Philadelphia Zoo**

The Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo in the United States. The 42-acre zoo first opened its gates on July 1, 1874 -- that makes it 150 years old! The zoo is home to more than 2000 animals, exhibits, live animal shows, boat and pony rides, tours, animal feedings, and a carousel. The children’s zoo, opened in 1938, was also the first of its kind in the United States. Here, visitors can get up close with sheep, goats, chicks, rabbits, porcupines, hogs, owls and hedgehogs.

#### **The United States Mint**

Half of all coins used in the United States are made at the Philadelphia U.S. Mint. This mint produces approximately 8 million quarters, 4 million dimes, 1.5 million nickels and 16 million pennies every weekday. The Mint also produces Presidential and Commemorative Medals and is home to a large collection of rare coins, medals and a coining press last used in 1792. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and watch the coins being made through a window above the operations.

## Local Chow

#### **Philadelphia Cheesesteaks**

Cheesesteaks are one of the favorite foods of the city of Philadelphia. A cheesesteak, also known as a Philadelphia cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak, Philly, or steak and cheese, is a hot sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of steak and melted cheese on long soft Italian bread.

White American cheese, Mozzarella, provolone, and soft sprayable cheese are the most frequently used cheeses. The steak is cooked on a lightly oiled griddle with other optional ingredients such as fried onions, sautéed green peppers, and mushrooms. Once everything is all nice and grilled, cheese is added to the top and stuffed into a fresh roll. There are lots of Philly cheesesteak places to choose from -- you can’t go wrong!

Ditch: "Look at this cheesesteak it is bigger than your head!"

Wilson: "No it's not!"

Ditch: "Yes it is! And it's filled with more cheese than your head!"

Wilson: "Is not!"

Ditch: "Mmmmm. And tastes better than your head! Hey, waiter another Philly cheesteak as big as my brother's head please!"

## Digging History

### 1681

Charles II of England grants William Penn a charter for what will become the Pennsylvania colony.

### 1690

The first public school in the American Colonies is established.

### 1706

The Library Company of Philadelphia, the first in America, is founded.

### 1723

Benjamin Franklin arrives in Philadelphia. He will play a large part in the city's development.

### **1752**

The Bank of North America is established. American colonies' first hospital and the College of Philadelphia are founded.

### **1768**

The first Congress of the United States meet in Congress Hall.

### **1775**

The first Federal Mint is established.

The Continental Congress elects Benjamin Franklin to be the first Postmaster General of the United Colonies.

### **1776**

July 2nd, Congress votes to declare independence from Great Britain.

July 4th, The Declaration of Independence is adopted.

July 8th, The Declaration of Independence is read to the people from the Observatory, State House Yard, by John Nixon.

### **1789**

The act to incorporate the city of Philadelphia is passed by the Legislature.

The first presidential election in the United States of America takes place.

George Washington is elected for the first of his two terms as President of the United States, and John Adams becomes the first Vice President of the United States.

### **1791**

The first Zoological Garden in America is founded.

### **1876**

The United States celebrates its 100th birthday.

### **1884**

Philadelphia City Hall is completed after twenty-three years of construction.

### **1976**

The United States celebrates its 200th birthday.