City Cast Philly logo
September 8, 2025

The Fights That Made South Street Iconic

City Cast Philly

The Fights That Made South Street Iconic

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

Today is the launch of our three-part series on the history and future of Philly's most iconic street: South Street. You've probably danced and shopped on it. You've definitely gotten a beer and eaten a cheesesteak on it. But this one-lane, one way strip from the Schuylkill to the Delaware has seen Philly history happen. In this episode we're going back to colonial times to understand how South Street has always been a hot spot – for shopping, for civil rights struggles, and for entertainment. Host Trenae Nuri interviews political scientist Richardson Dilworth, journalist Dan Biddle, and Selena Austin of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. We also use archival tape from the Philadelphia Department of Records.

What’s your South Street memory? Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly

We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly

You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation. Sign up for the newsletter and follow us on social.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
November 12

Eagles Are Cooked But Fans Keep Grilling. Plus: Bad Bar Behavior & Early Holiday Shopping

With a seventh straight loss the Eagles’ season appears to be over, but home cooks continue to tailgate and serve up deliciousness outsid...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 11

Can We Ticket the PPA for Blowing Off City Council? Plus: Mayoral Exodus & Philly Rules

The Philadelphia Parking Authority just blew off a City Council hearing to address the thousands of tickets and tows it carried out aroun...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 10

Argue With a Stranger! Also: Restricting AI Ads & Ways to Get Cozy This Winter

The temperatures are dropping, which means it's time to get cozy. Host Trenae Nuri, senior creative producer Abby Fritz, and contributor...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 9

How Philly Needs Dems to Deliver. Plus: Safety in Foster Care & the City’s Hidden Gems

We talk about the criteria for places that can be called true “hidden gems.” Contributors Jacen Bowman and Conrad Benner join host Trenae...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 8

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A ‘Rage Room’ That’s Saving a City — Presented By City Cast Philly

It’s fall in Philly, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city government i...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 6

Will State Democrats Now Deliver? Plus, LOVE Park Hosts 1,000th Wedding & BalletX Portrays 1920s Philly

We review Pennsylvania Democrats’ long wish list for policy changes now that the party controls the legislature and governor’s office. Ho...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 5

Voting? Done. Next? How You Can Help Get Potholes Fixed & Streets Cleaned Up

Election Day is over, but the work you do in your community doesn’t stop. There are so many ways you can get involved, speak up on issues...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 4

Shapiro Crushes GOP Challenger. Is the White House Next? Plus: Rabb Goes to D.C.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro won a landslide victory against Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. We talk about how that happened, w...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 3

Can PA Dems Win Trifecta? Plus, Taxing Waymo & Very Early Holiday Decor

It’s Election Day. So what’s at stake? While Pennsylvania has a Democratic governor and control of the state House, Republicans maintain...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 2

SEPTA Funds, Minimum Wage Hike & Legal Weed: Philly's Only GOP State Senator Has Some Thoughts

We’re sitting down with State Sen. Joe Picozzi, who represents the Northeast. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk to P...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art