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Ann Marie Doley

@annmariedoley

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UPenn’67, G’Town’81🏠Activist:☮️🗳️🚫isms. Work:Bread & Roses, teacher, writer. Love:Daughters, cats, Irish 🎶, art, poetry. Now:Save GT YWCA,🚫MAGA, hate.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day to my family, friends, others -- Irish & otherwise. 💚🍀1st photo: 1950's of my sister Barb & me with our grandmother Margaret Doley AKA Maggie O'Donovan. She emigrated to the U.S., to Boston in 1909, with her sister Catherine (Kate Ann) from Skibbereen, County Cork (southern tip of Ireland). She was born in 1887 or 1889. Her father Richard was a carpenter & her mother Mary nee Driscoll, a dressmaker. Both spoke English & Irish, but her dad could not read or write. To me, this seems like a courageous, adventurous, maybe desperate, but definitely hopeful act for two sisters to take, to leave their family & small town & cross the ocean to the unknown. I wish I had known to ask my grandmother questions. In 1915, my grandmother married Percival Richard Doley in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He came from England. My grandfather spent most of his working life as a chauffeur (and landscaper I believe) working for a wealthy mainline Irish family.They lived in West Phila. until - as the story goes - the wealthy family bought them this house in Wayne. There were four children. My Aunts Mary, Anne and Ellen & my dad, John Richard Doley, the only one who attended college. I loved them all.Photo 2: My grandparents, handsome dad, sister Barb & brother John. Three more children came later (Bill, Charlie, Theresa). We often went to my grandparents for Sunday dinners which were delicious. I loved their house; everything was old & beautiful. My grandfather liked the backyard which had many pine cones. He was a man of few words & passed away suddenly when I was in elementary school. My grandmother would press a dollar in each of our hands as we left. She lived a long life. Photo 3: My grandparents looking quite fancy. I believe this chair was in their living room. Photo 4: O'Donovan's store (candy & more) & home in Skibbereen. This was a family compound with some buildings in the back including a casket making business. I spent the night in the 1970's. Have sadly lost touch. Photo 5: My grandmother's delicious Irish bread recipe. Photo 6: Bread now made by brother Bill!! The tradition continues. 💚🍀PS I’m the youngest girl in photos! by @annmariedoley

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Why does the Germantown YWCA still matter?In a new op-ed, preservation advocate for the Y Ann Marie Doley (@annmariedoley) reflects on the building’s deep roots in Germantown. From supporting working women in the 1800s to hosting civil rights programming, arts, and youth activities that shaped generations of neighbors.This Saturday, on Valentine’s Day, community members are invited to honor that legacy through a “Heart-Showering,” placing handmade valentines outside the historic building as a symbol of collective care and hope for its future.The event is part of a long-running preservation tradition highlighting beloved historic sites across Philadelphia.📅 Saturday, Feb. 14🕚 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.📍 5820 Germantown Ave.Doley also invites folks out TONIGHT, from 5-7 p.m. at Das Good Cafe, to a Heart-Making event ahead of the event. Read the full op-ed to learn the history and more. by @annmariedoley

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Friends, please join Lisa Jo Epstein, myself (annmariedoley) & others at Das Good Cafe on Tuesday, March 25 from 5 pm onward to make signs for the big NO KINGS MARCH & RALLY taking place in Philly and 3000 other locations this coming Saturday, March 28! For those who wish to have a tasty meal or snack, you will receive 15% off your bill! Considering the unprovoked war against Iran costing a billion every day, Trump's cruel pressure campaign against Cuba, the continued corruption and misuse of taxpayers' hard earned dollars, stalemate on ICE reforms, non-stop detention and deportation of non-criminal immigrants and so much more lawless and undemocratic behavior in the Executive Branch, this No Kings Day is more important than ever. October rallies drew 7 million, let's beat that number!Poster board and cardboard plus paints and markers will be provided. Please join us Tuesday to get ready for Saturday.Photos from Philly October 2025 No Kings!1 & 2 @ponsensuzanne with her 2 sided sign.3. I think this is by @kbweinstein -- what does it mean??4. Still waiting for Bondi and Trump to testify under oath!!5. My daughter Emaleigh is telling the truth; a word and behavior unknown to the liar-in-chief!!6. Alison with her militant Black Cat sign!!7. Alison and Emaleigh at LOVE statue!! 8. I think Don Maedche or Joe Gray may have taken this. No laughing matter but a great sign.What will your message be??Please spread the word about Tuesday and Saturday. If you don't live in Philly, go to the Indivisible link to find out where you can express your opposition. It's so important to do that at this moment. Thanks!!Ann Marie Doley@indivisiblephl @moveon @50501philadelphia@sunflowerleslie @joyceliporace @johnnydoley @darby_pammer @lilabricklin @ernieunique4real_bedstuychick by @annmariedoley

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Just heard on Fox TV news that Cunningham Piano Company is closing their Germantown restoration factory at 26 E. Coulter St. BiG SALE thru Mon. March 9 appt. only. See website.For those unfamiliar, they closed their showroom on Germantown Ave. circa 2016 & relocated to King of Prussia. It was in the beautiful old Masonic Hall, now home to @ubuntufineart photography & @kddtheatre dance studio. Owned by @phillyofficeretail, it is historically designated & close to 150 years old. (see 2017 article @hiddencityphila)Third photo shows 2018 poster for @germantowncdc event there prior to redevelopment. Masonic Hall has a PA Historical Marker as there use to be a mansion there called Pine Place where author, abolitionist & suffragette Louisa Mae Alcott (1832-1888) was born. The family returned to New England when Louisa was just two, but she still made it onto the YWCA’s “Women of Germantown” mural! My guess is the 2001 Y committee chose her because Alcott’s views aligned with the modern Y’s mission of empowering women & eliminating racism. One last off topic note, I believe the YWCA of Germantown may have rented space at this address when it was founded in 1870. Still trying to untangle that mystery.Back to Cunningham’s, as I said, they relocated to King of Prussia a decade ago, and are now consolidating their operations by taking the restoration part of their business there too. Times change, still it makes me sad. Did you know Cunningham’s was founded in 1891 by an Irish immigrant, Patrick Cunningham? ☘️🙂You can read more about the company’s illustrious past & present on the website.Now Germantown has another old building to repurpose! I surely hope the iconic signs will remain and the building gets a good new life! Photos by AMD☘️💚🎵🎶☮️PS Germantown's rich history is told through its buildings, architecture, street names, cemeteries, parks & the people who’ve called this neighborhood home since it was founded in 1683. Get to know it, preserve & protect it. A good way is to check out the 26 tours @historic_germantown is hosting for the sesquicentennial - starts this month!@gtowninfohub @masonfromblendini @oscar.beisert @alison_crouse by @annmariedoley

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Since the “Heart-Sharing” decor is no more, here are some of the 150+ Valentines displayed at Germantown YWCA Feb. 14th - 20th. Thanks to “community sourced” photos! Event was hosted by Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance @yfpaphilly who chose the Y for this annual event highlighting a vacant historic building in need of TLC & redevelopment. Friends for the Restoration of the Germantown YWCA Building @savegermantownywca was grateful the 20-year vacant Y was chosen & happy to be a community partner. Info on some hearts/photos: 2. Germantown resident & activist lawyer Irv Acklesberg at “Heart-Making” @dasgoodcafephilly organized by @lisajoepstein & Pat Burks @ppat76873. Heart honoring Clarice Gamble Herbert (1916-2006), Germantown Y’s 1st Black Director. Clarice came from Ohio in the 50’s to be Teen Director after 1946 passage of Interracial Charter calling all Y’s to integrate facilities. In Germantown, from 1918, we had separate but connected women’s Y’s — the “main association” at 5820 & “Branch Y” or “the Colored Branch” at 6128 both Germantown Ave. Branch closed in ‘52 (now Settlement Music). From ‘68 to ‘79, Clarice was the much beloved Executive Director. She helped found Center in the Park, 1st called Center for Older Adults NW. Clarice appears on “Women of Germantown mural done by David McShane in 2001! She attended the dedication with daughter Ann Perrone — a scoutmaster at @fumcogphilly — who has long advocated the Y’s redevelopment. She spoke on 1/22/15 at 1st public meeting on the Y’s future, hosted by @germantowncdc 11 years ago! 5. Typed Valentine by Barbara McDowell Dowdall, member of Y from the 50’s til closure early 2000’s!! @bjmcdd 7. Quote from writer Bell Hooks on love being an action not just a feeling from Lynn Fields Harris @lynnmariefh Ex. Dir. of @centerinthepark for 15 years, who also spoke at 1/22/15 mtg.12.Heart-makers (@emaleighsays @alison_crouse @ernieunique4real_bedstuychick @annmariedoley + others!13.Valentine by @irishrebel16 quoting Ben Franklin on persistence.13. Quote from #MaggieKuhn (1905-1990) Y staff 1930-41. Gray Panthers founder. Also on mural. “Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.”Thanks!! by @annmariedoley

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❤️ It’s Easy to Remove Paper Valentines; but the History of the Germantown YWCA Endures as does Community SupportAttendees at Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance’s 2026 “Heart-Showering,” on Valentine’s Day at the Germantown YWCA, knew decorating the long-vacant City owned building was temporary. While drawing attention to the Y’s neglect, we knew paper hearts could not withstand wind & rain. Still, we were disappointed when the Valentines were deliberately removed Feb. 20th!The hearts were ephemeral, but the “legacy and ongoing significance of the Germantown YWCA” as “a vital community anchor, supporting working women… nurturing youth programs, and advancing racial equity…” as expressed in the Preservation Alliance’s newsletter is not. “Even after decades of vacancy and physical decline, the building’s symbolic value endures.”This month, please send a letter to @phillymayor at: https://www.phila.gov/departments/mayor/mayors-correspondence-form/ Ask her to support making the YWCA affordable housing, coinciding with her H.O.M.E. initiative. Share memories of the Y & your vision of its future. Ask her to instruct Phila. Redevelopment Authority (PRA) to put out an RFP for a local developer experienced in historic repurposing. The last RFP was 2016 after the Councilwoman rejected a plan for subsidized senior housing, a great need in Germantown. The Y is by Center in the Park (CIP), Maple Village & public transit! Please send a copy to: @savegermantownywca or SavetheGermantownYWCA@gmail.comThank you. Friends for the Restoration of the Germantown YWCA BuildingFacts:1869: YWCA of Germantown founded 1915: Y Building opens1984: Y historically designated2006: PRA lends G’Town Settlement $1.6m to buy Y2010: GS goes bankrupt2010 & 2012: fires; Y ruled “imminently dangerous.”2013: PRA pays $425,000 to get Y from bankruptcy2014: Partnership (Philly Office Retail, Mission 1st Housing & CIP) submit senior housing plan for Y; Councilwoman blocks.2015: Demolition looms; Friends of Y formed. Millions spent on stabilization2016: Out-of-town developer KBK chosen; no progress; revoked in ‘21, ‘24; still backed by Councilwoman2026: Time for Change!💯❤️ by @annmariedoley

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❤ GERMANTOWN YWCA “HEART SHOWERING"An awesome one-hour event took place in Germantown on Valentine’s Day! 50+ folks came out to express love for the Germantown Y Building: opened in 2015, closed in 2005, vacant since. Many made, strung & hung hearts at this community work-a-thon. Friends for the Restoration of the Germantown YWCA Building* is so grateful that Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance chose the Y for 2026’s “Heart-Showering.” Warmed our hearts & inspired hope. Teens to octogenarians came out. Some had memories of the YWCA of Germantown (1870-1999), the dynamic organization or “movement” that owned the Y building. Barbara McDowell Dowdall* typed a Valentine of her "Y life" from the ‘50’s 'til closure. Hearts honored women leaders past & present.Renee Cunningham* E.D. @centerinthepark (CIP) oversaw the making of 100 Valentines, helped by CIP members, Maple Village residents & her mom, Myra. Honored were Clarice Herbert (1st Black Director ‘68-’78) & Maggie Kuhn (staff ‘30-’41), both on the iconic mural; also, Margaret Riegel & Laura Nichols (co-founders of CIP in the Y in 1968!). Hearts named Lynn Harris & Rennie Cohen, past CIP directors and acknowledged the vital partnership with Bryn Mawr College Praxis. @lisajoepstein* masterfully orchestrated the decorating, with help from Suzanne Ponson* & new friend, Adrienne O’Hanlon. YFPA under Hanna Stark & Ha Leem Ro’s direction made the Y into a glorious sight! Thanks for coming Paul Steinke & Ian Smith @presalliancephl. On the scene were Y Friends Lorraine & Gerry Givnish, Garlen Capita, Irv Acklesberg, Don Madche, Pat Burks & Ruth Seeley!Thank you St. Rep. Andre Carroll & event photographer Joseph Ginchereau; other photogs Ruth, Sean, Don, Renee, Aine, Lisa Jo & Pat. Thanks Paula Paul & son; Kristin Haskins & son for repping Yvonne; Dennis Barnebey, Jayson Massey. Kudos to Chestnut Hill Local & Rasheed Ajamu @Gtowninfohub & all not mentioned who came or helped. Renee this AM: “Good news. It’s still up!”Arleen Olshan* this PM: “I drove by the Y. It made me happy to see such a joyful scene."❤️We'll let you know what's next! Pics: J.Ginchereau. S.Paul. R.Seeley,R.Cunningham. Collages:AMD by @annmariedoley

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