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October 15, 1995 was dedication day in Philadelphia of a 4-block radius in the neighborhood where Bobby Rydell was born and
raised.11th Moyamensing Streets in South Philadelphia will forever
be known as Bobby Rydell Boulevard. The street signs proudly proclaim an entire
city’s admiration of their favorite native son. Philadelphia is a city rarely known
to give such an honor, yet, it was a task easily achieved by Bobby’s loyal fan
club, lead by longtime fan club president, Linda Ferrino Hoffman.
Dedication ceremonies consisted of a parade down 11th Street. Neighbors decorated their homes with
balloons and pictures of Bobby in their windows.The Mummers lead the
parade, followed by Bobby in a pink convertible Cadillac accompanied by his
beaming daughter, Jennifer & grandson Robert.The city arranged for an old trolley car to
deliver Bobby’s family and friends in the parade.
There were various speakers at the ceremony,
including the Mayor of Philadelphia (Edward Rendell/currently the Governor of
Pennsylvania).WOGL Radio broadcast
Bobby’s music from speakers thru the neighborhood.T-shirts proclaiming Bobby Rydell Blvd’s new street signs were given out by
WOGL Radio and the entire event was MC’d by the fabulous Don Cannon.After the Mayor & Bobby unveiled the
signs, there was a complimentary food festival arranged by various Philadelphia
restaurants and food suppliers. Bobby mingled with the crowd, partied and ate,
posed for pictures, he even donned an apron and cooked Italian sausage!
It was a day that will live on in the memories of those who
attended, as will the name of Bobby Rydell for generations to come, at least on S. 11th Street. |
