From the Philadelphia Inquirer, November 25, 1968

Fitler Square Pays Tribute To Architect

by Clifford Linedebecker

 

Forty years ago it was common to see Jim Metheny, a black cigar clamped in his teeth strolling about the Fitler Square neighborhood with his little dog Petey. Sunday, about 70 persons assembled at Fitler Square, 23rd and Pine Streets to dedicate a tree and a plaque in his memory.

James P. Metheny was an architect and fine arts teacher at the University of Pennsylvania He was one of the first to see the esthetic potential of the drab neighborhood across the South Street Bridge from the Penn campus.

He designed or personally renovated many houses still standing, particularly along the 2400 block of Pine Street, and was a pioneer in beautifying the neighborhood.

Some who gathered Sunday - like his sister, Grace Metheny, and a good friend, David Drabkin, a scientist - knew him and his devotion personally.

Others like Mrs. John Wilson, executive vice president of the Fitler Square Improvement Association, which sponsored the ceremonies, and Deputy City Commissrner Edward Scfalecter, a speaker - knew Metheny only by his deeds.

Metheny, who died in 1948, moved into the neighborhood in the late 1920s when he constructed an unusual home for himself at 2420 Pine Street, where his sister now lives. The Depression slowed the restoration, but since World War II, the Fitler Square neighborhood has been almost completely regenerated.

Much of the work has been concentrated on the half-acre square bounded by 23rd and 24th Streets on the north side of Pine, which is named for Edwin H. Fitler, Mayor of Philadelphia from 1887 to 1891. With assistance from the city, the improvement association has spearheaded the beautification in recent years, planting shrubbery, flowers and trees.

The 12-foot tree dedicated Sunday is an azora tree, which at maturity reaches a height of about 45 feet and produces fiery red leaves in the Fall, according to Mrs. Wilson.

In brief remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Drabkin recalled that one of Metheny's most cherished visions was development of a park along the Schuylkill. Pointing to a recent announcement of city plans to develop such a park. Dr. Drabkin said the 40-year vision of the late architect will apparently be realized soon.