When Charles Wiedenmann was writing his 2022 book about growing up in Lawndale, he not only revisited his personal history, but the city’s as well.
As Wiedenmann describes it, Philadelphia’s history is a tapestry of firsts with a story worth telling.
Wiedenmann is now telling that story with the publication of the book Philly First.
The book is filled with a variety of “firsts” that happened in Philadelphia before any other American city.
Wiedenmann is a trivia buff who already knew a lot about Philadelphia before he wrote the book.
“I thought I knew a lot about Philly. After all the research I did, I really know a lot about Philly,” he said.
And Wiedenmann believes the book has come out at just the right time.
“2026 is the semiquincentennial. It’s a milestone for our country. It’s the perfect year for it. It seemed a timely thing to do,” he said.
The book – available at amazon.com by typing in the author’s name – contains a bunch of short stories, designed that way so they are easy to read.
Philadelphia firsts in America include the paper mill, residential street (Elfreth’s Alley), volunteer fire department, university (Penn), hospital (Pennsylvania Hospital), children’s hospital (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), American flag, daily newspaper (Packet and Daily Advertiser), U.S. capital, diamond district (Jewelers Row), theater (Walnut Street Theatre), zoo, World’s Fair, department store (Wanamaker’s), revolving door, licorice, Thanksgiving parade and bubble gum.
Wiedenmann has his favorites, including the introduction of the Slinky.
“I love the story of the Slinky,” he said.
Ben Franklin appears in the book for, among other things, inventing swim fins at age 11.
“Benjamin Franklin alone, the stuff he did. He was an amazing guy,” Wiedenmann said.
Mister Softee originated in Philadelphia, though Wiedenmann recalls being in bed as a youngster by the time the truck rolled up Magee Avenue.
“I used to hear that song at night,” he said.
Wiedenmann considered having a collage on the cover, but thought it would look too much like a postcard. He went with an AI-generated Liberty Bell, with light coming through the crack.
The book also includes a Philly Glossary with popular words and pronunciations such as Ack-A-Me, Addytood, AL-LEN-EE (Olney), Big-Mahoff, Crumb Bum, Crowns (Crayons), Jimmies, Kenzo, Tal (Towel), MAC (not ATM), Tarzdale (Torresdale Avenue), Spigot, Yo and Youse.
“I love the glossary in the back,” Wiedenmann said.
Wiedenmann, who works at a hardware store in Rittenhouse Square and lives in Center City, said he has received positive feedback about the book.
“It’s a great gift or a book to read,” he said.
Wiedenmann has a couple of ideas about future books and is helping a first-time author publish a book about growing up in Lawncrest.
As for his book, he credits all the past Philadelphians for their great firsts. His job was easy, he said.
“I just put it all together.”
Wiedenmann was a young teenager in 1976 when Philadelphia celebrated the bicentennial, though the most memorable event for him that year came when Aerosmith released the album Rocks.
The author hopes his book serves as a contribution to all the celebrations taking place in 2026.
“I was born and raised here, and I’m proud of it,” he said. “I’m happy I did it, and I’m happy it’s out for the semiquincentennial.” ••
Here’s a link to Wiedenmann’s books on Amazon:
Philly First is available in paperback, hardback, Kindle and Audiobook.
To read Wiedenmann’s blog, go to https://phicklephilly.wordpress.com/
