PENNSPORT - is a neighborhood in South Philadelphia. It is bounded on the north by Washington Avenue, on the south by Snyder Avenue, on the east by the Delaware River, and on the west by Fourth Street. The name "Pennsport" was coined roughly 30 years ago when the federal government was spending money on urban renewal. As boundary lines were drawn, the city named certain communities.

The area of Pennsport was originally developed during the colonial period, and is rich in architecture. The area is also considered one of the oldest sections of South Philadelphia, and the neighborhood has properties with great historical significance. Some homes date back to 1815.

The newly revitalized Jefferson Square Park, at Third and Federal streets, is also a historic landmark. While President Lincoln was more than 100 miles away reciting the famous Gettysburg Address, his wife Mary was also giving the very same speech to soldiers camped at this very site.

Later, the neighborhood became the city's manufacturing sector. As a result of this era of increased job opportunities, many of the same families have been living there for generations.

Now a great Philadelphia tradition, The first official Mummers Parade in 1901 brought something unique to the community. String bands joined the uniquely dressed-up marchers a year later. Traditionally, the marchers would go door-to-door reciting a phrase that requested a ‘steaming hot bowl of Pepper Pot Soup’. This soup was originally created during the winter of 1777-1778, when George Washington’s army was down to tripe, peppercorns and various scraps of other food. The cook devised this dish and named it in honor of his hometown, Philadelphia.

Today, a century later, Mummer mania is still alive and strong. The main ‘New Year's Parade’ returned to South Broad Street last year, but the annual "Two Street" march never left.