About the 195th District
Donna Bullock is the Democratic Candidate for State Representative of the 195th Legislative District. The 195th Legislative District includes the 15th Ward, the 24th Ward (Divisions 1-5, 9-15, 18, and 19), the 28th Ward, the 29th Ward, and the 32nd Ward (Divisions 1-4, 10, and 13-31).
» 195th District Map
All of the neighborhoods of the 195th District are communities that work hard to improve the quality life of its residents. Supported by strong community and civic associations, every day residents cultivate community gardens, create public art and murals, organize block clean ups, support local businesses and affordable housing, and welcome their neighbors. Together, the history, culture, and people of our neighborhoods help us preserve our past and plan for our future.
The 195th District represents the following neighborhoods:
Brewerytown
Brewerytown earned its name as early as the 1860s, when the area was filled with small brewers and distillation facilities. The area flourished because of its close proximity the river and nearby farmland. However by the 20th century, Prohibition had driven most of the local brewers out of the neighborhood. Today, the remaining brewery sites have been converted into residences, and new and old small businesses thrive on Girard Avenue, the neighborhood’s commercial corridor.
Fairmount
Fairmount, named after the largest hill in the area is home to the Fairmount Water Works, Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Art Museum. Fairmount neighborhood consists of an eclectic mix of tourist attractions, row homes, restaurants, public art, and green spaces. The neighborhood’s proximity to Center City and Fairmount Park has made it attractive to young professional families, graduate students, and singles.
Francisville
Francisville, once home to William Penn’s personal vineyard, is North Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhood. It is easily recognized from an aerial view because of its opposite street grid, in which the streets run east to west rather than north to south. This is because the neighborhood was built running perpendicular to Ridge Avenue, an ancient Native American trail.
Mantua
Mantua is a neighborhood in West Philadelphia named after a city in Italy. Mantua is primarily a residential neighborhood bordered by the Philadelphia Zoo, Drexel University and the commercial corridor along Lancaster Avenue. In 2014, Mantua was selected as one of five Promise Zones nationwide.
Powelton Village
Powelton, also known as Powelton Village, is a small residential neighborhood consisting of mostly historic twin Victorian houses. In recent years, the neighborhood’s large homes have been converted into student and other apartment housing. The neighborhood is conveniently located in the northern part of University City.
Sharswood
The Sharswood neighborhood is bordered by an old Native American Trail that once connected travelers to areas outside of the City. As North Philadelphia developed, Ridge Avenue became an important commercial corridor linking Center City and the northern neighborhoods. The neighborhood is anchored to the south by Girard College and was once home to the Women’s Medical College and Hospital. Professional baseball is also a part of Sharswood’s history. Jefferson Park, also known as Athletic Park was home to the Philadelphia Athletics of the American Association.
Spring Garden
Spring Garden was originally known as the city’s “Victorian area” for its impressive Victorian architecture. Spring Garden boasts one of the largest and oldest community gardens in the City of Philadelphia, the Spring Gardens. The neighborhood is a stone’s throw from the arts and culture of the Ben Franklin Parkway and a short walk to the attractions of Center City.
Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion, named after the historic mansion located in the East Fairmount Park adjacent to the neighborhood. Many residents consider the park to be the neighborhood’s backyard. In addition to the Strawberry Mansion, local residents enjoy other park treasures, such as Boxer’s Trail, Smith Memorial Playground, and the Dell Music Center. Strawberry Mansion is also home to the John Coltrane House, the Henry O. Tanner House, and many historic synagogues that have been converted to churches.
(Sources: Plan Philly, Philadelphia Planning Commission, and Wikipedia)
