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The Fairmount area is close to a lot of the city's attractions and art, and equally close to some great outdoor space. The neighborhood is overall pretty quiet, and parking is much easier than in Center City. There are a lot of coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs within easy walking distance. I like Fairmount because it's outside of the city, but also close to the city. I'm a big-time walker; rarely taking public transportation. Fairmount is about 2.6 miles from my apartment. No biggie. There is a Target I like to shop at in Fairmount because it's HUGE, and extremely organized. Not at all like the two Targets in Center City that look as though someone dropped an atomic bomb on them and then used a bulldozer to finish. 

To locals, Fairmount is also known as "Art Museum Area" because there are three museums: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, and the Barnes Foundation

As most of you already know, I love architecture. Besides all the many diverse careers I've had throughout my life, at one point, I also thought about becoming an architect. However, I wasn't willing to go to college and put in the effort to get a degree. I'm simply not a long-term school person. I'm much too impatient. 

Yet, there is something about architecture that I have always found alluring. In fact, many years ago, when I was living in South Florida, I dated a guy who was an architect. He would take me to various homes and buildings he was working on and explain his architectural plans. I found it utterly fascinating. 

Last month, I took a walk to the art museum area and snapped some photos of the various architectural styles. 

Please enjoy a peek at Fairmount.

Isn't this mural faaaaaaaaaaaabulous? The pink flowers are so amazingly 3D that I actually thought they were real and planted in front of the mural...


Notice the exquisite architectural detail...





The Historical Enon Baptist Church...



Bergdoll-Kemble Mansion -- built in 1882, this 14,000 square foot Italianate mansion was constructed for the Bergdolls, a family of successful brewers. It has now been converted into apartments... 


I love the reflection of the clouds in the windows...


Another beautiful mansion that's been subdivided into apartments...


One of my all-time favorite thriller movies is The Sixth Sense...


M. Night Shyamalan (writer/director) is originally from Philadelphia and films most of his movies in and around the area. Back in 2013, I shared a post on some of The Sixth Sense film locations in Philly. 

While in Fairmount last month, I stubbled upon one of the locations (on Green Street) and took two photographs.

Here is the location now...


Here is Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment walking down that same street in the film...


And here it is from a different angle...


Once again, Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment in the film...

 
My favorite line in the movie...


I don't know about you; I was BEYOND shocked by the twist at the end of the movie. A few people I've talked to said that they knew it all along. But not me. And to be honest, I really don't think they knew it either. Because it's only in seeing the movie and then watching it again and noticing the skillfully hidden clues, would anyone ever guess the ending.



Thanks so much for taking a walk over to Fairmount!
Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone!
💗


26 comments:

  1. Ron, not only do I love your photographs of the various architecture style (they are GORGEOUS), but I also love the location photos used in the movie, The Sixth Sense. That movie is also one of my favorites. I really like thriller movies that play with your mind and keep you in suspense. Brilliant film. His best, as far as I'm concerned.

    Fairmount looks so appealing! I'm a museum freak, so if I ever get to Philadelphia, we'll have to make time for a museum day. I walk a lot too. I have a car, but if I can walk somewhere, I do.

    Thanks ever so much for sharing Fairmount, Ron!

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  2. Ron, I am in total agreement with you about the twist at the end of The Six Sense. The way it was written and filmed, there is no way in hell anyone would know that he was dead. Did you ever seen the documentary on the making of the film? It shares about all the different clues they injected throughout the film. But even then, the audience didn't even notice them. Like you said, it's only in going back and seeing the film for the second time would you notice the clues. After seeing that documentary, I couldn't believe I never noticed them because when they are brought to your attention, they seem so obvious.

    Very cool seeing your photos of the film location in Fairmount. Seeing them makes me want to watch it again. And I may this weekend.

    You're right about the architecture in Fairmount, it's beautiful! I found myself staring at the photos of the mansions taking in all the detail. You don't see craftsmanship like that anymore, do you? That mural is awesome!

    Great post, Ron!

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  3. Goooooooood morning, Daniel!

    Yes, I did see that documentary! I used to have The Sixth Sense on VHS (can you believe that?) which contained a special features section (the making of) at the end of the film. It was so fascinating to see how the film was written and shot.

    "After seeing that documentary, I couldn't believe I never noticed them because when they are brought to your attention, they seem so obvious."

    Meeeeeeeeeeeeee too! But that's the brilliance of that film.

    When you have time, check out the post I shared 10 years ago of the various films locations. I think you'll enjoy it; being such a fan of the film.

    Aren't those mansions freaking AMAZING? I would love to have an apartment in one of them! You're right, you don't see craftsmanship like that anymore.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  4. Morning, Candice!

    "I really like thriller movies that play with your mind and keep you in suspense. Brilliant film. His best, as far as I'm concerned."

    OMG, me too! I'm not into gory-horror-type films because I don't find them scary at all, just GROSS. LOL! I prefer psychological thrillers that keep you in suspense. LOVE those!!!!!

    Isn't the architecture in Fairmount gorgeous? Green Street is my favorite street because it has so many beautiful row homes; each one completely different.

    Walking for me is my exercise, which is why I walk a lot. They only negative thing about it is that I wear out my sneakers and dress shoes so fast because of the wear and tear of walking on concrete. I find myself buying two pairs of each sneaker/dress shoe, just to have them as backups. LOL!

    Thanks a lot for stopping by, my friend. Have a FAB rest of your week!

    X

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  5. Ron, I had a feeling you saw that documentary! And yeah, I will check out that post on my lunch break today. Can't wait!

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  6. That’s fun that you found the street from the movie and showed the scene with your photo. What a great area Fairmount is. Do you like the art museums? I was blown away by that mural and YES, those flowers do look real. The church is amazing and looks very well kept, especially with the red features. It’s nice to see that instead of tearing down those mansions, they were turned into apartments.

    The architectural details on the brownstones is fantastic. Funny story…….at our previous home, we had ‘dentil molding’ near the roof line, similar to your photos, but not as ornate. My husband kept using the term ‘dentil work’ to describe it. I had never heard of the word and kept thinking he was talking about dental work and was so confused! Lol! We often have miscommunication like that!

    Have a great weekend starting tomorrow night! XO

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  7. Isn't the mural A-MAZING?!?! I literally had to walk up close to see if those flowers were real.

    Yes, I love museums! I've been to several here in Philly AND in New York City! When I lived in NY, I used to love going to the MET because the admission was "give whatever you want." Now, I think it's $30.00 admission. Not bad, though.

    Isn't that church beautiful? You're right, very well kept! I love the red outlines!

    "It’s nice to see that instead of tearing down those mansions, they were turned into apartments."

    I agree! That's one of the things I admire about Philadelphia. They refuse to demolish anything having to do with historical architecture.

    "I had never heard of the word and kept thinking he was talking about dental work and was so confused!"

    And OMG, thank you for sharing that story about "dentil molding" because not only was it HILARIOUS, but you taught me something. I had no idea what that molding was called! After I read your comment, I google it to see examples.

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super rest of your weekend and weekend starting to tomorrow night!!!

    X

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  8. That documentary was faaaaaaaaabulous! So glad I saw it.

    Hope you enjoy the post!

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  9. Ron, that mural is stupendous! When I first saw the photo, I too thought the pink flowers were real because the 3D is freaking amazing!

    As always, I love seeing what your eye and the camera focuses on; creating such wonderful images. The architectural detail is incredible. I really love the shot you took of the window that is surrounded by that greenish/metal framing. I like how distressed it looks. And those mansion? Holy shit! With that gray cloudy sky in the background, they look even more historical.

    It's been years since I've seen The Sixth Sense, but can tell you that the ending was a TOTAL surprise. No way could I have ever anticipated what was REALLY going on. Best ending in a thriller. Love the location shots!

    Thanks for sharing Fairmount, dude! Very cool looking place.

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  10. Hiya Matt!

    Isn't that mural amazing? When I first spotted it I was about a half a block away. It was only when I got right up on top of it, did I notice that the flowers were part of the mural! The artist is a genius!

    " I really love the shot you took of the window that is surrounded by that greenish/metal framing. I like how distressed it looks. And those mansion? Holy shit! With that gray cloudy sky in the background, they look even more historical."

    I thought the same things! I think that window frame was made of copper that had turned greenish via the elements. And the day I took those photographs, it was gray and cloudy (it even snowed a tiny bit), so it was the ideal weather as a backdrop. As you know, those are my favorite kind of days. GOTH.

    The ending of that movie was truly a shocker. I never suspected it or even thought that he was dead.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific rest of your week!

    X

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  11. Oooo Ron, you dated an architect?!? How fabulous! Did he ever build you a house and asked you to marry him? LOL!

    As always, dear man, your photographs are beautiful. You have such a talent with the camera. Amongst other talents. Have you ever counted all the different careers/occupations you've had? I would love to know! Maybe a post topic in the future? *hint* *hint*

    That's one of the things I miss about the northeast. All the wonderful old buildings, rich in history. Florida is pretty much all the same architecture. Very homogenized.

    Yes, I remember the post you shared back in 2013 with comparison photos of various film locations in The Sixth Sense. I clicked on the link and read it again. I know that must of taken you a great deal of time to match the film locations with the scenes in the movie. I feel so sad about Bruce Willis and his recent health issues. He still so young!

    Wonderful post, Ron! Thank you for sharing another part of your city. Have a great weekend! xo

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  12. Denise, your question on your comment made me laugh my ass off!! And no, he never built me a house and asked me to marry him. LOL! He and I had a very casual relationship. He lived in Gainesville, Florida and I lived in South Florida. Therefore, we would meet up whenever his work took him south. We both knew it was a very casual relationship and were okay with that. When I moved to Orlando, he came to visit a few times, but then everything seemed to fizzle out.

    And OMG, I cannot believe you mentioned something about making a list of all the MANY careers I've had because just last week at work, I was talking to one of my coworkers about that same thing. I was saying something about one of my past jobs and she said, "God Ron, you've had so many different jobs/careers!!" I told her that one day I would try to make a list because at that moment, I couldn't remember ALL of them. So yes, one day I might post about it!

    I know, I feel sad about Bruce Willis too. I grew up with him and Cybill in the 80's with "Moonlighting." I loved that show. They were both so good in it. And I've seen so many of his movies.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Have a great weekend too!

    X

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  13. Ron, I, too, love this architecture! Your buildings are so much older than the ones here, and the difference in styles is amazing. I'd have had to touch those pink flowers, just to prove they were part of that mural though, ha!


    I never saw The Sixth Sense, but I'm familiar with the line about the dead people. Don't tell me what happened -- I'd probably have nightmares. My writer's imagination tends to run wild sometimes!


    Happy rest-of-the-week. We're expecting lots of rain and storms tomorrow, ugh. xx

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  14. I saw the movie ONCE, and just can't get myself to view it again...the ending, I know, so it would spoil it for me. But it was EXCELLENT and unforgettable!!
    Love your showing of the buildings for sure Ron...and museums (especially art museums) would keep me occupied for days!

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  15. Hello there, Anni!

    Excellent and unforgettable...that's the perfect two words to describe it! And it's funny, even though I've seen it probably five times and already know the ending, it's still a movie I can watch; pretend I don't know the ending; and end be shocked at the end. LOL!

    Thank you. I had fun taking these photos. And I've been to two out of those three museums and really enjoyed it. We also have more museums in Center City.

    Have a great rest of your week, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  16. Hellooooooooooo there, Debbie!

    " Your buildings are so much older than the ones here, and the difference in styles is amazing."

    I think that's because Philadelphia is such an old city, so it's got a lot of history. Which includes architecture such as this. We also have an area (Society Hill) in lower Philadelphia that has Victorian (English) architecture. In fact, while walking down the streets, it literally feels as though you're in the UK.

    OMG, being a writer, you would LOVE The Sixth Sense because it's so brilliantly written. And it's more of a suspense psychological thriller, rather than a gory scary film. It's so intelligently written, directed, and filmed. Honestly, I think you would really enjoy it.

    Happy rest-of-the-week too, my friend. And thanks for stopping by!

    X

    P.S. We just got hit with a lot of rain last week and the beginning of this week. Today was rather warm, but then tomorrow it goes back to my kind of weather....low 40's. And I am still praying for some SNOW this month. LOL!

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  17. Ron, that mural is fantastic! I found myself just staring at the photo. The detail is awesome! Like you, I have a deep attraction to architecture. I always have. Some of my favorite documentaries are historical, and having to do with architecture of a particular period. That's why I love Europe. It's got some of the most breathtakingly beautiful old buildings. Berlin, Germany is so interesting because it's a mixture of old and modern architecture. I loved that city. It's got some of the most gorgeous churches and cathedrals.

    Fairmount looks a lot like Europe. Those mansions are absolutely stunning.

    I saw The Sixth Sense several times. And although I know the ending, I still get shocked when its revealed. Very cool comparison location shots in both this post and the one from 2013. Well done!

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  18. Greetings, Clair!

    Isn't the mural so special? I did the same thing when I spotted it, I stood there and just stared at it, noticing all the incredible detail!

    "Some of my favorite documentaries are historical, and having to do with architecture of a particular period. That's why I love Europe. It's got some of the most breathtakingly beautiful old buildings."

    Meeeeeeeeeeeeee too! OMG, I love to watch historical documentaries that highlight the architecture. And it's funny you mentioned Berlin, Germany because I am always been very attracted to that city. Photographs I've seen of it have made me want to visit. It's just looks such a cooling looking city. The old mixed with the new!

    Aren't those mansions stunning? I would love it live in one of the apartments.

    Me as well. I can watch that movie over and over again and STILL feel surprised by the ending. It's brilliant!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Happy Friday, and have a great weekend!

    X

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  19. Okay Ron, here is another behind the scenes doc I found on YouTube last night about the movie. I thought might you enjoy it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPSQswV2fLc&t=600s

    Spoiler Alert: to anyone who hasn't seen the movie, it has spoilers in it.

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  20. Thank you SOOOOOO MUCH, Daniel! I will watch it tonight when I get home from work.

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  21. There nothing better than taking a walk in an area with so much beautiful architecture and Philly certainly has a lot of these buildings. I didn't know that The Sixth Sense was filmed in the city. Like yourself, I didn't know the first time that Bruce Willis was one of the dead people seen by the young boy. Watching the movie again doesn't dim the enjoyment as it was so well acted. It is a shame about the recent update on the diagnosis of Willis's medical condition.

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  22. Helloooooooooo there, D!

    Yes, you are so right, Philly definitely has a lot of beautiful buildings with beautiful architecture. And each area of the city has a different feel to it.

    Yup, The Sixth Sense was filmed in the city. As well as most of M. Night Shyamalan's films. He was born in Penn Valley, PA.

    " I didn't know the first time that Bruce Willis was one of the dead people seen by the young boy. Watching the movie again doesn't dim the enjoyment as it was so well acted."

    I agree! Even now knowing that Bruce Willis was dead, it doesn't dim the enjoyment at bit because the story is so brilliantly written and filmed.

    " It is a shame about the recent update on the diagnosis of Willis's medical condition."

    OMG, I know. I just saw something online about his medical update. So sad. I used to love watching him and Cybill Shepherd in "Moonlighting" in the 80s. Such a funny show!

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  23. Sorry, I'm late to the gathering in Fairmount, but it took me 4 days to walk here. Holy moly, Ron, you do a lot of miles round trip!
    All I can say about that mural is ... WOW!! You're right, the flowers look so real.
    I'm amazed by interesting architecture. In South Florida I'd probably like some of the Art Deco style architecture. Italianate is another one I'm partial to so I like those converted to apartments pics. Some churches, OMG! Especially Gothic style I'm absolutely mesmerized by.
    The Sixth Sense was an excellent movie, and that twist ... loved it!
    We've been to the PMoA many times, and the Barnes is fabulous.
    Wonderful photos of your visit to the Fairmount area! Thanks, Ron. I enjoyed them all.

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  24. "... but it took me 4 days to walk here. Holy moly, Ron, you do a lot of miles round trip!"

    Mary, that made me laugh out loud! You know, when you live in a city and do a lot of walking like I do, you don't see it as how many miles. You see it about how many blocks, which makes you forget about the miles. When I used to go into NYC for the day, I would walk anywhere from 80 to 86 blocks a day and I never even realized how much that was until I added it all up. But then again, I'm a hardcore walker.

    Isn't that mural fantabulous?

    I agree, I too love the art deco architecture in the Miami, South Florida area. It's gorgeous! VERY Miami Vice!

    Meeeeeeee too! Anything GOTH makes me wild!

    I just watched a documentary on YouTube that I had never seen before on the movie, The Sixth Sense, which focused even more on the clues. That movie, to me, was brilliant!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a mahhaaaaavelous Monday!

    X

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  25. I enjoy it when you share posts about Philadelphia. You are a terrific photographer as well as an amazing storyteller. The photograph of the building with cloud reflections in the windows is beautiful. I enjoy looking at architecture as well. When I visit Chicago, I love walking the city streets and admiring the buildings.

    Side note, my local Target is always a disaster and has the worst dollar section (not that I ever need anything). But there's one near my daughter's school that I love. Whoever is styling the women's department is very talented, because it feels like an upscale department store.

    I loooove the film The Sixth Sense!! My favorite part was the ending!

    Thank you for another wonderful post. I wish you a lovely week, my friend😘

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  26. Aw....thank you for you kind and encouraging words, Kari!

    I took that photo of the clouds last minute because it took me a second or two to actually notice the cloud reflections in the windows. HA!

    As you know, I've not been to Chicago, but everyone I've meet who has been there had nothing but great things to say about that city. Gotta' visit one day!

    "Side note, my local Target is always a disaster and has the worst dollar section (not that I ever need anything). But there's one near my daughter's school that I love. Whoever is styling the women's department is very talented, because it feels like an upscale department store."

    OMG, I'm glad to know Center City, Philly is not the only city that has disastrous Targets. Which is why I walk to the one in Fairmount. That one, or I go to the one in Ardmore, PA whenever I'm out there.

    Isn't the ending in The Sixth Sense the BEST? I first saw it when I was still living in Florida. It wasn't until I moved back to Philadelphia did I find the various locations where the movie was shot.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Kari! Wishing you a lovely week too!

    X

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