Hillers took to the Avenue to celebrate after the Flyers won the Stanley Cup in 1974.

by Marie Jones

It might be a while before we see another championship in Philadelphia, but this recollection of the Flyers winning the Stanley Cup in 1974 is timely given the Flyers playoff run (even if it ends against the Capitols this week). – PM

The cops at the corner of Highland and Germantown Avenues on Sunday night shook their heads in disbelief. “Who would have thought that this could happen in Chestnut Hill?” asked one as he enjoyed people of all ages, sexes, and colors dancing in the street to the Green Pepper’s rock group which had genially moved its instruments to the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.

It was like New Year’s Day, the end of World War II, and Christmas all rolled into one--only better. It almost made you forget about Watergate, crime in the streets, kidnappings, and the Hill’s own youth problems.

A couple of senior citizens were walking down the street shaking their heads approvingly at the antics in the street. “A very healthy sign, indeed,” said the gentleman. “Good to see.”

No. 1

“We needed this,” shouted a man as he danced the Mummer’s Strut. “We needed something to celebrate – the Flyers made us No. 1!” (The Flyers also reminded everyone that hard work, discipline, and intensive training make winners--and that playoffs might become passe.)

A young couple, unable to get their car through the crowd, started to smooch; the trolley conductor got out and danced with the revelers; an old lady danced with a teenager; a friend’s son gave me a hug, a kiss and his bottle of beer. It was a time of sharing, and it seemed like the entire Hill turned out to share the joy of something good and honest to celebrate.

Local Hero

The Hill even had its own Flyer hero. Father Casey, the Flyers own, genuine chaplain, came down the street in his orange-and-black jacket and was immediately lifted onto shoulders and paraded around. For the past three Sundays, Father Casey told his parishioners at OMC that although he prayed only that the Flyers wouldn’t get hurt in their games, it was okay with him if the parishioners prayed for them to win.

There was no fear in Chestnut Hill on Sunday night. People were out walking the streets till after midnight--a lot different from other nights when one gets into a car to ride two blocks.

We need more occasions to celebrate, more dancing in the streets, more singing “God Bless America”--and meaning it. Last Sunday evening, cooperative policemen closed off Germantown Ave. between Highland and Evergreen for dancing and singing. Perhaps we should close a street off once a week for a celebration of community and the joy of living together in Chestnut Hill.

As we left on Sunday evening, young and old alike were cleaning up the mess (and it was a mess), and on Monday morning, a few pieces of shredded paper were the only evidence that almost all of Chestnut Hill had a glorious wingding, and almost everyone felt better for it.