Tacony is celebrating
its history

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Lou M. Iatarola doesn’t remember going to Tacony History Day every year as a kid.
The event, which includes a parade through the streets of Tacony and a festival at the Disston Recreation Center, took place maybe two or three times in Iatarola’s youth. It’s a different story for today’s children.
"Kids growing up now wouldn’t know what it’s like without a parade every year," said Iatarola, whose father, Louis A., heads the Historical Society of Tacony, which puts on the affair.
But now Tacony residents, many of whom are struggling to hold on to their roots as crime and drugs creep into their community, have something to be proud of every year. This year’s 16th annual Tacony History Day and Disston Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. The parade begins at Torresdale and Magee avenues.
Bianca Ryan, a Mayfair resident and last year’s winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, will serve as grand marshal for the parade, which features string bands and jug bands, youngsters from area schools, Eagles cheerleaders, dance troupes and classic cars. The Disston Festival will include memorabilia, entertainment, rides, games and food. Dozens of local groups pitch in to put on the show each year.
The Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) provided major help to this year’s event with a $10,000 check, which accounts for half the cost of the day’s events. Edward Vassallo, spokesman for the group, thinks the event brings out the good in Tacony.
"The more residents and businesses take pride in their neighborhood, the easier it is to keep it a great neighborhood and make it even better," he said. "This positive community event breaks down barriers, brings neighbors together and celebrates the rich history of the area."
While the 15th Police District recently reported that violent crime is down in Tacony, the community was rocked in July when Timmy Clark, 15, and Damien Holloway, 27, were shot and killed while walking along the 6900 block of Vandike St. after a late-night snack run. Their killer has not been found. Other issues continually plaguing the neighborhood include absentee landlords, drug dealing and prostitution.
"Depending on your perspective, things have changed for the better, some things have changed for the worse," Iatarola said.
The better comes in the form of strong community activism. Tacony has an active Town Watch and civic association, of which Iatarola is vice president. Tacony residents regularly attend the community forums recently formed by the 15th district.
While Iatarola admits that Tacony has not always worked easily with groups in other communities, he said that he and other leaders have started presenting a united front to address the common problems they’re facing.
Iatarola, a real estate appraiser and salesman, said people are still interested in living in Tacony for its varied housing stock, proximity to major roadways and public transportation, and ties to riverfront development. He has two clients looking to buy houses in the area.
And once they move to the community, traditions like Tacony History Day might help them see past the problems to the pride.
"It’s a labor of love," Iatarola said. "We all have our feet firmly planted here." ••
The Historical Society of Tacony still needs volunteers and classic cars for the Tacony History Day event. For more information, call the group at 215-338-8790. The rain date is Sept. 29.
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com