R.I.P. South Street

I recently went to South Street for the first time in the better part of two years. Ever since I was a kid my father took me and my friends to South Street to go in all the wierd boutiques, shops, and used book stores. Back then it was a haven for people who were different to go and hang out. Over the years it had a few rough spots (being over run by skinheads and gangs), but then it started to rebound. These little boutiques started to flourish and even prosper. Word got out about this great bohemian street in Philadelphia and next thing you know it becomes a hip place to hang out. Soon developers and major chain stores started to smell the possibilities and the Cool Hunters were called in to find out how to best market this small piece of bohemian paradise. First came the Gap, then Taco Bell, and finally an Abercrombie and Fitch. There are a few indie record stores and of course Zipper Head. One of the only places still around from when I was a kid. A place Hot Topic wishes it could be. Now tourists are told to visit the hip bohemian paradise of South Street, but it is anything but that. Farewell South Street. You've been good to me over the years. Fortunately several of your once great stores have moved over to Olde City so I can still find solace there.