Sharswood, a neighborhood in North Philadelphia, is roughly bordered by Cecil B. Moore Avenue to the north, 19th Street to the east, 25th Street to the west, and College Avenue to the south.
Neighborhood History
Sharswood's name originates from former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice George Sharswood. He lived in an estate in what is today’s Sharswood.
With the arrival of the Ridge Avenue Passenger Railroad in 1859, the landscape began to change. German Lutherans primarily lived in the area at this time, soon followed by a migration of African Americans in the 20th century. Sharswood became a hub of entertainment, with jazz venues peppered along the Ridge Avenue corridor.
The neighborhood was not just an epicenter of art, but also the fight for civil rights. Sharswood saw tensions culminate in the race riots along Columbia Avenue in 1964 and community members were victorious in desegregating Girard College in 1968.
Today, the Philadelphia Housing Authority has a significant presence in the neighborhood and has been pushing revitalization efforts. But residents and neighbor-led organizations such as the Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition and Brewerytown Sharswood Community Civic Association keep community interests and the neighborhood’s collective memories at the forefront.
What to Eat
If you’d like to grab a bite, stop by Saidi’s Spot. This halal cafe is located at the border of Brewerytown and Sharswood. Open Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this is the perfect place to meet up with friends over coffee at any hour of the day. You can grab a Dubai chocolate bowl, a berry bowl, or a fresh fruit smoothie.
On a hotter day, visit Jordana’s Water Ice on Ridge Avenue for the quintessential Philly sweet treat.
What to See
Many iconic landmarks of Sharswood’s past are no longer standing, such as the Pearl Theatre, which hosted performances by musical legends such as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Pearl Bailey, and the Jefferson Street Grounds, which was once home to the Philadelphia Athletics. However, historical markers tell the history of these spaces and important figures.
A display honoring Dox Trash’s work is located outside the Cecil B. Moore Library. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)
The printmaker and painter Dox Thrash once lived at a home at 24th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Though the house is vacant, preservationists have been working hard to keep Thrash’s legacy alive.
Several murals commemorate the neighborhood’s past and present. “Ridge on the Rise” depicts Sharswood’s jazz history, iconic figures, and protests. The “Run the Road” mural is depicted on one of Sharswood’s newer affordable housing projects, incorporating design that makes play accessible beyond just parks and playgrounds.
What to Do
If you have a green thumb, be sure to visit the North Philly Peace Park. The green oasis is run by volunteers, with programs focused on urban farming, health and wellness, and community livelihood. A community fridge is also accessible at this site.
Sanctuary Farm is another space leading environmental and agricultural efforts for the neighborhood’s surrounding communities. The farm runs cooking classes, therapeutic gardening, and youth summer camps. Its main site is at 24th and Berks Streets, but it operates a satellite site and farm stand at 22nd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
The Cecil B. Moore Library is an anchor for the community, serving multiple neighborhoods including Sharswood, Brewerytown, North Central Philadelphia, and Strawberry Mansion. Originally opened in 1962, the library regularly hosts cooking classes and movie nights, and even has a rock climbing wall patrons can access.
If you’re looking for a workout beyond the library’s climbing wall, Philly Fitness has a location right along Ridge Avenue.
How to Get There
If you’re headed over on SEPTA, you can catch bus routes 3, 33, or 61 to travel along the main corridors.
Want to keep exploring? Check out our guide to Brewerytown, the next neighborhood over.
