Harriett’s Bookshop: Fishtown’s new awakening and Harriett’s impact

Philadelphia is a huge city that has many neighborhoods that are all unique in their own way. Among these neighborhoods, Fishtown is a vibrant community with a rich history marked by waves of change and renewal. One such transformation that has recently impacted Fishtown is the opening of Harriett’s Bookshop, a beacon of literature community engagement and hope. This post explores the fascinating history of Fishtown, the birth of Harriett’s Bookshop, and its profound influence on the neighborhood’s culture and identity.

A Journey Through Fishtown’s History 

Before delving into Harriett’s Bookshop history, it’s essential to understand the historical backdrop of Fishtown. This area along the Delaware River saw the arrival of European settlers in the late 17th century. The neighborhood got its name from the fishing industry that thrived along the river’s banks during the 18th and 19th centuries. By the late 18th century, manufacturing outside of the maritime started to rise, such as glasswork shops and linen printing factories. These companies began the industrial phase of Fishtown (Workshop). In 1830, William Cramp and Sons Ship and Engine Building Company became one of the world’s largest manufacturers of iron ships. It was known for creating clipper ships, commercial ships, and warships for the US Navy (Destroyer). These companies and others helped to establish Fishtown as a place where working-class immigrants, particularly Irish and German communities, sought employment in the city’s burgeoning industries (Workshop).

However, by the 20th century, Fishtown was on the decline. They went through deindustrialization and had an economic decline that increased crime rates and a decline in jobs. Many people left Fishtown, which left the town slightly deserted. It wasn’t until the 21st century, attracted by its affordability and potential, that artists and young professionals started moving into Fishtown. Through gentrification, the new generation created restaurants, galleries, and apartments out of the abandoned factories and warehouses. A local business known as the Garage established its second store in an old factory and made it look like a garage. Another company emerged from the ruins of an abandoned factory, Frankford Hall, giving Fishtown a new cultural identity with a German cuisine restaurant (Goulet). The neighborhood’s identity evolved as waves of residents came and went.  

Harriett’s Bookshop: A Literary Haven Takes Root 

On February 1, 2020, nestled amid the charming streets of Fishtown, Harriett’s Bookshop journey began. Founded by Jeannine A. Cook, a passionate advocate for literature, social justice, and community engagement, Harriett’s Bookshop was named in honor of Harriett Tubman, the iconic abolitionist and advocate for literacy. Jeannine Cook envisioned Harriett’s as more than just a bookstore. It was conceived as a haven for marginalized voices and a platform for authors, particularly women and people of color, whose stories and perspectives had long been underrepresented in the literary world (Poitevien). She wanted it to be a place of celebration for Black women authors, activists, and artists. It was a place to find people who think the same as you but are willing to challenge you to make you better. This mission resonated deeply with the Fishtown community, which was itself a diverse blend of cultures and backgrounds. Jeannine was aware of how some of the people of Fishtown would react, and she was prepared for it. The logo on her bookshop is a manchette, and it’s used to symbolize her ability to protect herself. In a video on her website, she talked about not wanting others to defend her and being able to protect herself. This bookshop is a demonstration of her independence and ability to make sure that others can be able to defend themselves and advocate for themselves (Harriett’s).

Harriett’s Bookshop’s Unique Approach 

Harriett’s Bookshop’s Unique Approach 

What sets Harriett’s Bookshop apart from the average bookstore is its commitment to social justice and community engagement. The bookstore hosts various events, including author readings, book clubs, and workshops on issues like racial justice and feminism. The book selection, carefully curated by Jeannine Cook, reflects a dedication to diversity and inclusion. Initially, she gave out Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X books for free to celebrate black female authors when COVID was high and the Black Lives Matter movement was at its peak (She Founded). 

The Impact on Fishtown 

The opening of Harriett’s Bookshop had an immediate and lasting impact on Fishtown. It provided a space for residents to connect over a shared love of literature, fostering a sense of unity in an ever-changing neighborhood and bringing about activism and hope for the future. In the midst of uncertainty, Harriett’s bookshop was able to petition a bill and have it passed in Philadelphia, proclaiming March 10 as Harriet Tubman Day. This is just one of how this bookstore is helping the community. They have had sit-ins and protests against those threatening the store (McCutcheon). The bookstore’s vibrant events and programs have become essential community gathering points, promoting dialogue and understanding among Fishtown’s diverse inhabitants. Harriett’s bookshop makes it a point to keep up with the news and to maintain the importance of activism and locality.
Harriett’s bookshop also became a catalyst for supporting local authors and artists. Its shelves proudly display the works of talented individuals from the neighborhood, giving them a platform to showcase their creativity and talent. This nurturing environment has spurred the growth of the local arts scene and helped boost Fishtown’s identity as a cultural hub within Philadelphia.

Harriett’s bookshop represents a need for books about women for women. Daphne Spain, the author of Constructive Feminism, discusses feminist bookstores being created to showcase a need for women’s texts. Her discussion helps to create a foundation of different identities coming together to enjoy reading and having books that also represent them. Harriett’s bookshop creates this atmosphere by showcasing local authors and female authors in their bookstore. They display their books in the window to showcase their values and to make it easy for people to relate and feel safe going into their bookstore. It also creates it through having events and establishing an atmosphere that is safe to hang out in and socialize. Another article, Liberation Literacy, discusses black bookstores and how they are used as “information centers.” Although that is a facet of Harriett’s bookshop, they also focus on making it a welcoming place for anyone who needs a safe place to be themselves.
Harriett’s bookshop, located in the heart of Fishtown, has become more than just a place to buy books; it symbolizes hope, unity, and social change. By honoring the legacy of Harriett Tubman and championing underrepresented voices in literature, Jeannine Cook and her team have transformed Fishtown into a literary oasis where residents come together to celebrate diversity, engage in meaningful conversations, and forge connections that transcend the pages of a book.
As Fishtown continues to evolve and adapt, Harriett’s Bookshop is a shining example of how a small, independent bookstore can make a significant impact on a neighborhood, reinvigorating its spirit and fostering a sense of community pride. In the years to come, we can only imagine the further transformations and positive changes that will emerge from the pages of this remarkable neighborhood story.
Here is my timeline of events for Harriett’s bookstore and the events that they have had in the past:

Note: This article was written with the help of ChatGpt. I have modified it by changing sentences throughout to make it more unified. I also added more examples of the history of Fishtown and the bookshop. All of the pieces written about the reflection of our in-class readings are written by me as well.

“Destroyer History — William Cramp and Sons Ship & Engine Building Co., Philadelphia, PA.” Destroyer History Foundation, destroyerhistory.org/destroyers/cramp/#:~:text=William%20Cramp%20%26%20Sons%20Ship%20%26%20Engine,ships%20and%20other%20commercial%20ships. Accessed 7 Oct. 2023. 

“For Harriett’s Bookshop Owner Jeannine Cook, at the Root of Everything …” Oprah Daily, www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a39186848/jeannine-cook-harrietts-bookshop/. Accessed 8 Oct. 2023. 

Goulet, Emily. “Fishtown: An Oral History (so Far).” Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, 25 Nov. 2019, www.phillymag.com/news/fishtown-oral-history-philadelphia/. 

“Harriett’s.” Our Sister Bookshops, www.oursisterbookshops.com/harrietts#:~:text=Just%20weeks%20before%20the%20pandemic,fight%20for%20space%20and%20sovereignty. Accessed 7 Oct. 2023. 

Joyce, Jennifer. “Sit-in Protest Held at Harriet’s Bookshop in Fishtown in Show of Support.” FOX 29 News Philadelphia, FOX 29 News Philadelphia, 13 Oct. 2020, www.fox29.com/news/sit-in-protest-held-at-harriets-bookshop-in-fishtown-in-show-of-support. 

Maule, Bradley. “Defining ‘Historic Fishtown.’” Hidden City Philadelphia, 9 Sept. 2019, hiddencityphila.org/2016/05/defining-historic-fishtown/. 

McCutcheon, Lauren. “How Black Bibliophile Jeannine Cook Became the Voice of Philadelphia.” The Philadelphia Citizen, 14 Nov. 2022,https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/jeannine-cook-philly/y/

Poitevien, Jessica. “This Philadelphia Bookstore Honors Harriet Tubman’s Legacy with Literature, Art, and Activism.” Travel + Leisure, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2022, www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/harrietts-bookshop-philadelphia.

She Founded a Black Bookstore in a White Neighborhood. Then … – Inc.Com, www.inc.com/gabrielle-bienasz-changing-the-world-through-books.html. Accessed 8 Oct. 2023. 

“‘sisterhood’ Trolley Tour Celebrates Black Women Owned Businesses.” PhillyVoice, 13 Feb. 2022, www.phillyvoice.com/sisterhood-trolley-tour-black-women-owned-businesses-harrietts-bookshop/.  

“Workshop of the World.” Fishtown, www.workshopoftheworld.com/fishtown/fishtown.html. Accessed 7 Oct. 2023. 

Images  

Detroit Publishing Co., Publisher. A Glimpse of Cramp’s i.e. William Cramp & Sons Ship and Engine Building Company shipyard, Philadelphia, Pa. [?] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2016805314/> 

“Workshop of the World.” Fishtown, www.workshopoftheworld.com/fishtown/fishtown.html. Accessed 7 Oct. 2023. 

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY LUNDIN AND KAITLYN COLLINS; HTTPS://WWW.TRAVELANDLEISURE.COM/TRIP-IDEAS/HARRIETTS-BOOKSHOP-PHILADELPHIA