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Fishtown. On 2/2/12, the New York Times reviewed Charles Murray's "COMING APART: The State of White America, 1960-2010":

"Using a statistical construct he calls Fishtown — inspired by an actual white, blue-collar neighborhood of the same name in Philadelphia — Murray sorts through demographic data to present a startling picture. Women in Fishtown now routinely have children outside of marriage. Less than a third of its children grow up in households that include both biological parents. The men claim physical disability at astounding rates and are less likely to hold down jobs than in the past. Churchgoing among the white working class has declined, eroding the social capital that organized religion once provided."

Just three years later, Fishtown is filling up quickly with yuppies. I've known this neighborhood since the late 80's. Walking around it yesterday, I was astounded. An old timer said, "A friend of mine went to jail for four years, and when he came out, he couldn't believe his eyes." Trendy bars and stores have popped up. At a little park, there's a sign, "WELCOME TO FISHTOWN. STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES." And, "WE WISH YOU WELL." Many house number signs have a fish image on it, and many businesses dangle a steel fish sculpture. A trash can has a fish head as its opening.

A boutique hotel is being built. Fishtown, in short, is becoming Philly's Williamsburg.



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