Page:Morley--Travels in Philadelphia.djvu/174

 an interesting sight. Where Wood street cuts York avenue and Fourth street there stands a tall white flagpole, surmounted by an enormous weather-vane representing an Indian with bow and quiver, holding one arm outstretched. At its foot stands an iron drinking fountain of the S. P. C. A., dated 1868, and on the other side another water basin (now dry) with a white marble slab behind it. I thought that this might offer some inscription, but it is pasted over with a dodger commending "The coolest theatre in town." The Indian figure engaged my curiosity and I made for a nearby tobacconist to inquire. (I always find tobacconists genial people to supply information.) He referred me to Mr. William Renner, the maker of flags and awnings round the corner at 403 Vine street, and from Mr. Renner I learned many things of interest.

Startling pleasures accrue to the wanderer who starts upon his rambles in total ignorance of what he is going to find. Let me frankly confess that I know nothing of the history and topography of Philadelphia; I am learning it as I go. Therefore when I discover things they give me the vivid delight of a totally fresh experience. The Indian Pole, as it is called, may be an old story to many citizens; to me it was entirely new.

Mr. Renner, who has taken the landmark under his personal protection, tells me that the weather-vane was erected many years ago to commemorate the last Indian "powwow" held in Philadelphia,