Black UniGryphon's Modest Photos

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Wissahickon Park: Babbling Brook at Forbidden Drive

In Chestnut Hill Philadelphia there's an ancient place which is now a public park: Wissahickon Valley Park. There you will find all kinds of unique sights. There are remnants of old mill dams, creeks, babbling brooks, paths, and many other wonders to delight the eyes. The air is so fragrant & pleasing!

I took a train ride from 30th Street Station to Chestnut Hill West, and got off at Highland. There, I strolled past estates & mini mansions to Rex Ave. Until I came to an old broken road. At first, I didn't know if I was in the right place, and my 4G stopped working... when suddenly, I saw a runner huffing & puffing from out of nowhere... later I began meeting many other nature lovers: people with dogs, Scout Troops, Youth Groups, and even Equestrians (people on horseback)!

Along the path, at many points you will hear running water.... It's mostly underground drainage at first... but, then you will come to the brook. It sounds pleasing to the ears and is very relaxing. The air is full of many delightful scents!: Flowers from the many types of naturally growing trees or wild flowers, evergreens, fragrant grasses, and even the brook its self.

You will notice that many f the parts of the brook where there are mini waterfalls, that they are man-made. Who did this? Why? And, how long ago?

Hundreds of years ago, this was a place where many mills were, so the dammed the creek to power their mills. Not only that, but centuries ago, this was a main road for travelers.

To this day, the VERY 1st public drinking fountain is still along the road which is now called FORBIDDEN DRIVE. (Sorry, no photos available.)
In the 1800s, it was Philadelphia's 1st public drinking fountain erected for thirsty travelers. It had natural spring water. However, it was sealed in the 1960s due to pollution contamination of the spring.

Hmmmm.... I wonder if it could be amended today... Hello! Mayor Nutter! Here's a thought!