John Hepp Wilkes University Eastern Communications Association 2015 Circles and Squares: The Physical Legacy of William Penn’s Philadelphia John Hepp Wilkes University Eastern Communications Association 2015

Three centuries of William Penn’s “Green Country Town” The founding myth London as the basis for Penn’s “Green Country Town” Philadelphia’s grid Three centuries of evolving usage

London models for the grid Richard Newcourt’s plan for rebuilding the city, 1666 Robert Hooke’s plan for rebuilding the city, 1666 (this edition circa 1670)

Philadelphia’s grid Holme’s plan for Philadelphia, 1683 Historical Society of Pennsylvania

The evolution of the grid Phase one: What did the squares mean in 17th and 18th centuries? Phase two: During the 19th century, most of the squares become public parks Phase three: In the 20th century, two of the five squares become circles Phase four: Squaring the circles Penn’s grid over time: A similar map but different uses and meanings

What did the squares mean in 17th and 18th centuries? Commonly used land “for the like Uses, as the Moore‑fields in London” Birch print, circa 1800 London, 1776

During the 19th century, most of the squares become public parks Center Square (between 1799 and 1828 there was a pumping station) The squares were landscaped like those in London Birch’s Views, 1800

In the 20th century, two of the five squares become circles The city accommodates the automobile The Parkway (Logan) Traffic flow around City Hall (Centre) The Delaware River Bridge (Franklin) 1926 1925 Plan Philly

Squaring the circles The Four Seasons Hotel adopts Logan Square Franklin Square becomes an amusement park Philadelphia becomes more pedestrian friendly in the 21st century Historic Philadelphia Trip Advisor

Penn’s grid over time A similar map but different uses and meanings

John Hepp Wilkes University Eastern Communications Association 2015 Circles and Squares: The Physical Legacy of William Penn’s Philadelphia John Hepp Wilkes University Eastern Communications Association 2015