In Manayunk

banana.rep_1
Originally uploaded by ujima.

We went shopping today in Manayunk (about 20 minutes from home).
During the Civil War, Manayunk was the world's textile center
because of the many mills there. The composition of the buildings
was Wissahickon mica shist. The nearby canals of theSchuylkill River
provided the water power. There were also amny paper mills in Manayunk
in the past.
Manayunk means "our place for drinking" in the Lenape language.
It is an apt name today because Main Street is where many
popular upscale bars and clubs are located.
It is fitting that Banana Republic and other clothing stores are housed in
these former textile mills.We looked, touched in many stores but didn't
buy anything except lunch at The Couch Tomato Café.