“…a man with a one-track mind and a capacity for
putting every fiber of himself into whatever enterprise was immediately before
him” (p. 47).
The Book
Anthony J.
Drexel Biddle was the grandson of Anthony J. Drexel, the founder of Drexel
University. A part of a historic and wealthy family of Philadelphia, Drexel
Biddle brought his own unique twist to high society. My Philadelphia Father by Cordelia Drexel Biddle as told to Kyle
Crichton presents the reader with this unique twist.
Drexel
Biddle had numerous interests and passions: boxing, writing, interacting with
all types of people, Christianity, pet alligators, and the Marines. The Drexel
Biddle Bible Class helped launch the idea of Athletic Christianity,
combining Bible study with boxing lessons. Prior to the United States entering
World War I, Drexel Biddle was a prominent member of the preparedness movement.
This is when he began his long association with the Marines, helping to train
soldiers in hand-to-hand combat for World War I and World War II. Drexel Biddle was a larger
than life personality who seemed to genuinely care about whatever was happening
at the moment.
My Philadelphia Father has both a conversational and reminiscent flow to it. It feels like you
are listening to an older relative tell stories of their life, with one story
leading you to another. There is no real order to the book, but it is a fun a
quick read. It provides the reader a peek into high society and the impact one
man can have on his family and country. In 1967, My Philadelphia Father was made into a Disney film: The Happiest Millionaire, introducing
a new generation to the Drexel Biddle family.
The Place
Full disclosure: I am a third generation
Drexel University graduate and the only time I set foot on campus was for my
graduation from the Master of Science program. Despite being on campus for one
day, I was impressed with the facilities and location. Drexel University is located
in the heart of Philadelphia. The architecture is a blend of original and
new-pointing students and visitors towards the school’s roots and future.
The campus is easy to explore and close to several other places of interest:
Penn Museum, Independence Hall, Mutter Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences,
and the National Constitution Center. A visit could also entail a campus tour
for high school students interested in a university offering both academics and
a co-op experience.
