What you’re now reading is another of my walking around while looking at things stories, this time an examination of my escapades last week on the day after Valentine’s Day. I’ve written scads of such stories since inaugurating this website in 2015. Hell, they probably account for one-third of my output. And why is that? Well, because walking around while looking at things is one of the activities I most like to do. It’s part of my fabric. Has been for decades. But I didn’t consciously realize that until the recaps of my mini-adventures started flowing naturally and happily from my keyboard four years ago. Yeah, writing sometimes teaches you about yourself. Learning is good!

The 15th of February began in a cloud-covered, uncertain fashion in the Philadelphia suburbs where I reside. However, all signs, as indicated on the all-knowing weather.com, pointed towards bright skies and warm temps in a handful of hours. Itching to stretch my legs and to feel the Sun upon my wrinkled, age-spotted visage, I gathered my iPhone, a water bottle and a packet of trail mix, and jumped into my car when it became apparent that the weather prediction was correct. Eight miles later, at a few minutes past noon, I parked across from the public library in Ambler, Pennsylvania. The game was on! Another edition of walking around while looking at things was about to start.
For sure, in my neck of the woods there aren’t a whole lot of towns worth walking around in, including my own. That’s because most are uninviting, not looking like towns at all. What they do look like are hodgepodge collections of strip malls, large shopping centers, office buildings and residential sections. Eh!

Ambler, however, is a different story. It boasts a long, traditional main drag, Butler Avenue, that is filled with old and not-so-old structures containing eateries, non-food-related businesses of all manner, an art house cinema (Ambler Theater) and a stage theater (Act II Playhouse). And there are streets of interest that run perpendicular to Butler Avenue, including the misnamed Main Street, which decidedly is secondary to Butler. Whatever, much of Ambler, whose history dates back to the early 1700s, looks like a true village. The town, by the way, is named after Mary Johnson Ambler, a civic leader during the mid-1800s.


Now, my walk around Ambler wasn’t a walk for the ages. It was on the mild side, on the casual side. But a good walk it was, about three miles in length and nicely invigorating. Meandering from here to there as instinct and whimsy called, I enjoyed the hell out of the unseasonably warm temperature (58°F/14°C) and soft blue heavens, as I kept my eyes open for interesting sights, including good-looking women. Hey, it’s every girl’s dream to have a wrinkled, age-spotted geezer looking her over, right? Don’t answer that!


And, of course, I took photos of that which seemed worth documenting, such as street scenes, sharp buildings and signs, and the most interesting door that I could find in town. It belongs to Calvary United Methodist Church.

Did I stumble upon anything I hadn’t expected to run across? Indeed I did. Near the town’s railroad tracks I saw a huge, smokestacked old building, now known as Ambler Boiler House. It’s an office building, but once was a power plant for the asbestos products factories that, for about 100 years, had been Ambler’s industrial core. Due to health concerns and governmental regulations though, asbestos, a carcinogen, eventually went out of favor, as well it should have. As a result, almost needless to say, Ambler’s fortunes fell swiftly, reaching a low point in the late 1980s when the remaining segment of its asbestos industry went kaput. That low point didn’t budge for many years.


These days, though, Ambler is a lively place. Its revival can be pegged to the birth of the Act II Playhouse in 1998 and to the rebirth of the Ambler Theater in 2003, and to the restaurants that opened in their wake. My wife and I have been to Ambler probably about 150 times during the 21st century. And that’s mostly because of the cinema and the eateries. Many a night we’ve caught a movie and stuck around for dinner.
Ours is a world full of problems. Humans are skilled at creating problems, whether intentionally or not. In Ambler the main problem is the mountains of asbestos waste materials that were dumped in the southern end of town over many decades. The federal government has dealt with, and is still dealing with the situation. The asbestos is contained, supposedly, and poses no immediate threat, supposedly. But who really knows? (You can read a very good article about the situation by clicking here).

Me, I become trembly and irritable when thinking about or confronted with problems too much. That’s one of the reasons why I favor walking around while looking at things. And it’s also one of the reasons why I enjoy sitting in pizzerias, where I can ingest my favorite food while letting my mind wander. Speaking of which, two-thirds of the way into my stroll through Ambler, I noticed The Pizza Box, a cute-as-a-pin establishment that I’d never paid attention to before. Inside I went, and was glad that I did, because the two slices of traditional pizza that I ate were very good. They helped ease my worried mind over the next half hour, as I further poked around Ambler before walking back to my car.
The above paragraph would have been a good one with which to end this essay. However, during the day that followed my mighty stroll it dawned on me that I, an ambler, had ambled in Ambler. And that many amblers amble in Ambler every day. It would have been oh so wrong of me not to point this out. Thanks for reading. Goodbye till next time!
(As I always say, please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this article. Thanks.)
(If you click on any photo, a larger image will open in a separate window)
Haha! 🙂 I love your closing.
Aren’t downtowns wonderful? So much better than malls!
So sorry to hear about the asbestos problem though – rather worrisome.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I never knew anything about Ambler’s former asbestos industry until I went on the walk last week.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ambling and rambling. Not a bad way to spend a day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right. It’s a healthy and enjoyable way to pass the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neil, you were born an amblin’ man!
I agree with you–Ambler is one of the best Philly suburbs. What is that beautiful building with the turret?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know its history, but currently it’s a restaurant called Gypsy Blu.
LikeLike
Very enjoyable, Neil. Like you, I enjoy taking pictures of doors: they’re the doorway to… well, the inside of the building, generally, but they often make a statement of their own. Ambler sure is picturesque.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi. I’ve discovered that Thursday Doors is a theme for many essays on WordPress sites. One of these days maybe I’ll do a story on doors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Well, because walking around while looking at things is one of the activities I most like to do.”
You are an observer.
Which also means you are creative.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And it forces me to get off my couch and spend time outdoors, which I probably don’t do enough of. Thanks for stopping by, Cindy. See you!
LikeLike
Ambled in ambler… very apt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello there. That town definitely is a good one to amble in. I’ve walked in Ambler countless times, but never before as extensively as I did last week.
LikeLike
Neil, a delightful whimsical amble in a town living up to its name! 😀 I do enjoy these articles and learn along the way. The Boiler House first reminded me of the Northern woollen mills … they look equally striking but at least didn’t have such a catastrophic background. The town must have and still is suffering terribly from the asbestos history. Great weather for you at the moment and equally unseasonably warm in the U.K.! Long may it last … although I feel a blast of winter is never far away. Happy Wanderings! 😀
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ah, the warm day last week was outstanding. But right now snow has started to fall in my area. Winter’s not over!
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have this walking around thing in common. Eight miles though!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Alison. You go on eight mile walks? That’s excellent. I suppose that five miles is the longest walk I’ve been on in recent years.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I guess I misread your blog. I thought you said “…eight miles later…”. I have done 8 mile days but not often. I am in Paris for a month and am averaging a little over 6 miles a day here where it’s so easy to walk around while looking. I have to re-read your post now and see what I misread!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And now I see you drove your car 8 miles. Aha. Well done on your walk and pics. Enjoyed it very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning, Neil. I have time on my hands this morning – sitting in bed nursing my new hip! – so, I decided I would have an amble around Ambler also. Like you, I started at Wissahickon Valley Public Library on Race St. and loved the amount of trees on the sides of the streets. I followed Linderwood Avenue onto East Butler Avenue and wandered along there. Now, to be honest, the shopping area wouldn’t have a lot to attract me but it is interesting to see the shops in another country. I haven’t an idea what a “Beverage Exchange” might be – bring beer and swap for the shop’s beer? I found the First Presbyterian Church, Act II Theatre, Ambler Saving Bank, Bridget’s Steakhouse – the name struck me as very Irish! – Ambler Cinema with Luckywell across the street.
I liked the name, “Spring Garden Street” as we have a “Spring Garden Alley” here in Waterford. The turreted building was on that junction and I think I spied your pizzeria across street beside Ambler Dept Store. Home Financial is a very imposing building – on the junction with Main St. After Main St and the railway line it seems to open up, a sense of going out of town. I wandered about more and am impressed by the space given to the individual houses and the number of trees planted – it all makes for more pleasant living.
Many thanks for the tour – it is far better with your commentary!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Paddy, you now know more about Ambler than I do! You’re right about the railroad tracks — south of there, the village area ends and it becomes pretty wooded. It seems that Spring Garden is a popular name. Philadelphia has a Spring Garden Street that runs for miles east/west. See you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks to Google Maps!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve packed a lot into a what, at first glance, is a casual essay on, well, ambling. These include the blight of strip development, alive and well in Maine, too; the death of a sustaining industry that has supported a community; the pollution left behind by that industry; and finally, the ability of the arts to bring life back to a community. Keep on ambling, Neil. And, of course, writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Morning, Laurie. I suppose that humans just can’t help messing up the landscape with strip malls, etc. —- Goodbye woods, farms and meadows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s beyond comprehension how we can so easily make ugly what was once beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s one of our species’ specialties.
LikeLike
It was a very pleasant stroll with historical and cultural facts, Neil. I enjoyed it very much. 8 miles was a long walk, with the sun and blue skies, nothing beat it. Have a great rest of the week! Isabelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last Friday (the day I wrote about), the weather was warm where I live. Today there’s snow. I have to go out and do some shoveling. Enjoy the weekend, Isabelle. Be seeing you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I could show you a picture of how it looks like outside the doorway in my winter wonderland. We’re technically drowned in the snow ❄️ Catch up soon 😊
LikeLike
☃️☃️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sigh.
LikeLike
The 15th was a warm and sunny day. 5 of us toured Glencairn . We were able to go up the tower and look out for miles even see Philadelphia skylight. I often also go to Ambler for movies, plays and eating. I like Alice’s for coffee, sandwiches and dessert.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi. I’ll have to give Alice’s a try.
LikeLike
You’re not a walker/ambler, you are an industrial hiker. 😉 Great way to inspire a post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Eden. Nah, I rarely go on strenuous hikes. Usually I take my time. Have a great rest of the week.
LikeLike
Enjoyed the walk’n’talk, Neil. You had me worried for a minute, with all this exercise & fresh air stuff, but then you found a pizzeria, so everything seems ok now. And what did they do with all that asbestos? Pizza ovens, for one thing – some of them have transite linings on the bottom. It’s too bad that asbestos is so dangerous, it’s useful stuff.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Next time I walk thru Ambler I’m going to try and identify the areas where all the asbestos waste was dumped. There are countless tons of the waste in Ambler I guess. They dumped the stuff for somewhere around 100 years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, I wonder how many folks around there ended up in the hospital. One of my grandmothers was from Tamaqua, and her dad was a miner, so I’d heard about black lung, and I think the asbestos exposure is similar = horrible.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Right. And the whole town of Ambler was exposed to the stuff, not just the workers in the factories.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Delightful amble, not something I do (though I did it on a train once, going from Chicago to California. Now that was fascinating). I see your point about the last paragraph. Hmm… A bridge too far maybe?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I couldn’t resist!
LikeLike
Walking around looking at things is a very fine thing to do. I like it too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and me have the right idea. See you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this Neil. The world would be a better place if more people ambled. Driving through towns make them seem dis-interesting and similar. Walking on the other hand, gives you insight into the many interesting facets of what makes them unique.
Perhaps you can amble in Nova Scotia’s towns some time.
A place I’d like to amble?
Ambleside, England (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambleside)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Indeed, Ambleside sounds really good. I haven’t been to that section of England. I’d like to go there. Maybe one of these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot of those old towns are making a comeback. My son was married in Hudson NY which has really had its ups and downs. Those old factories are being used as wedding venues! (my town is nothing special to walk through either)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi JT. I was in Hudson for a couple of days. This was around 8 years ago. I think that there’s a lot of ups and downs in various towns in that general region.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad Ambler is making a comeback (and certainly hope they figure out how to safely get rid of the asbestos…). Thanks for sharing your amble there!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey there, Ann. I think that the agencies involved with the asbestos problem in Ambler have covered the asbestos with mesh materials, trying to more or less encase it. Presumably the situation has been stabilized, sort of. It’s a SuperFund site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess that makes sense. I know that when they find it in a house, it’s supposed to be okay unless you disturb it, then the dust goes everywhere. But if it’s covered, they usually leave it. Hope that is true for the larger amounts too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so glad to know that the ambler got to amble on Ambler. But tell me, Neil, what, oh what happened to your trail mix?
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was delicious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear it. I thought you had foregone the healthy trail mix for the not-so-healthy pizza. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Neil, I wish you many more happy days of ambling and good luck with the girl watching. Jerry
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jerry, life would be pretty dull without girl-watching. Bye till next time!
LikeLike
Good to see you’re still avoiding home improvement projects by writing. I love the sense of place you evoke.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi there, George. Yes, the beat goes on. See you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoy these “walking around” posts, Neil. They’re such a great reminder to stop and smell the roses. I live in a historical area of Kansas City, Mo, so there’s lot’s of great stuff to see around here. Time for a walk! – Brian
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy! It’s good to stretch the legs and take a look at what’s going on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neil, I love to walk around and look at things too. Whether its a small town, big city, nature trail, or industrial area, there are an infinite number of attractive and interesting walks out there. Your post confirms that you don’t have to go half-way around the world to travel or look at pretty girls.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad to learn that we are of the same mind. Thanks for stopping by, Joe. Have fun on your next walk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I saw that 7-Up sign on Butler Avenue, I was sure a pic of the local 5&10 (maybe a Woolworth’s) would be next. We have towns like that in my neck of the woods–towns where time stopped, sort of–or at least crawled. Regarding the asbestos, all assurances aside, I’d hold my breath as long as possible next trip back.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You know, the asbestos industry was a huge part of Ambler’s history. And somehow I’d never heard about it till the other day. Since then, I’ve spoken with several people who visit Ambler, and they didn’t know about it either. Pretty odd.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m surprised there hasn’t been some major class action suit. The mother of one of my kid’s classmates was exposed to asbestos as a child (her dad worked in construction) and she was part of a BIG class action suit. Sadly, she died at age 40 from asbestos lung cancer, but her family got a million+ dollars in the settlement.
LikeLike
Hi. I googled a bit. Don’t see any mention of class action suits. The info I found talks about individual suits.
LikeLike
Weird, for some reason this conversation just popped up in my Inbox today. Anyway, it was definitely a class action suit–maybe 50/60 families around 1996-97. The woman was originally from California. There’s some info here and some examples: https://www.mesothelioma.com/lawyer/lawsuit/class-action/ These cases seem to be heard in Pennsylvania though I’m not exactly clear on why. The story continues …
LikeLike
Thanks Amy.
LikeLike
I enjoy your “walking around while looking at things” and stuff. One of the reasons we connect.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, CB. I’m glad that you and I have “met.” We’ve got a lot in common.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup. Common ground works.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for taking me along on your walk. I too, enjoy walking around and looking at things, especially things out of the ordinary.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like looking at the things that catch your eye and make their way onto your blog. Take care, Candice. Have a real good weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I’m glad you get some enjoyment from my posts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy your blogs ’cause they remind me of Seinfeld, you know, how nothing ever really seemed to happen…but yet, a lot did.
And always a bunch of nice photos to hone in the story!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Stacey. I appreciate that a lot. See you!
LikeLike
I’m an “ambler” myself, though these days it’s not something I get to enjoy quite like I used to. Nevertheless, thank you for taking me along the various paths and sights of Ambler. Wonderful pics, as always. And that 7-Up sign brought back memories (I do so enjoy sighting old signs that evoke a big of nostalgia). Take care, my friend, and please take us along a few more fascinating paths. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Tyler. Thanks for adding your thoughts. I like that 7Up sign a lot too. It’s got a classic feel to it.
LikeLike
I enjoyed taking that walk with you and seeing the town through your eyes 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks John. See ya!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great pastime, just ambling around.
Sad that the town’s fortunes were based on asbestos but how great that it has now become a kind of arts hub. Hope you enjoy many more cinema and theatre trips there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Alyson I might go to Ambler today to see a movie at the cinema there: Peter Jackson’s doc about World War One.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That film has been shown on television over here – a wonderful piece of history.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! Ambling is the only way to truly experience the world around us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Mitch. Right, it’s how you get up close and personal. See ya!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your third image intrigues me. What a structure! It reminds me a bit of Milwaukee, where the architecture is a delightful hodgepodge from across two centuries.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi. That building looks like a combo of Dutch and Gothic styles. To my eyes, anyway. It’s got a lot of presence.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does, esp since it looks solitary in its corner rather than overcrowded by more modern fare.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A delightful amble and read indeed! I don’t think we do enough walking around and looking at things. Your post is a great reminder to do that–and now I want some pizza too. Walking around and looking at things–and thinking–builds an appetite for pizza especially. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Cecilia. Pizza rules! I had some yesterday and probably will have it again on Wednesday or Thursday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely variety of architecture. You see you set this up as if there’s going to be nothing much to look at, then you spin a whole series of fascinating glimpses, and soooo much space between them. Well ambled, indeed. What a glorious day you picked, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Cath. I’ll be back to Ambler soon most likely. There are two or three movies that I want to see at the cinema there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does look like a nice cinema – with an interesting list of films too, then? Lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do so love walking around looking at things through your lens, Neil. Keep them coming!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks, Pam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great… Having just eaten beans on toast whilst finding your blog and reading this post… I now want pizza!
Great post, I do like your photography style. I too like to walk around looking at things.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hello there, Stuart. Many thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it a lot.
LikeLike
Loved your blog !! Do read my new post https://wp.me/p8NgVO-ez . Like and follow my blog if you find it worth !!
LikeLike
Well, Ambler looks like a pleasant place for an amble!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi there. It’s a good town to stretch your legs in. Plenty to look at.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post! I’m with you on letting off steam by walking around. Some of the old structures were so beautifully designed -you don’t get to see that level of elegance too often anymore. Thanks
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Kimberly. Good to hear from you. Right, as time goes by, many old, distinctive buildings get knocked down and replaced. Towns and cities can lose a lot of charm because of that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, that’s what I do too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’re birds of a feather. See ya!
LikeLike
Ambling. A great to enjoy and observe life. Thanks for taking me on this stroll.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Nice photos Neil. One day all of your photographs will prove to be so valuable. If it were not for urban photographers like yourself, Neil, the scenes of nostalgia would be non-existent. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s really nice of you to say that. Thanks!
LikeLike
Hi Another Blogger, I’ve just ‘ambled’ around your amble, so to speak! Ambling is a great activity…and one I have indulged in over the years, especially when younger. Have you ever visited the UK? I used to do contract work (s.typing) so worked in the East and West End of London, with their enticing alley-ways, door-ways and cobbled squares, etc., A feast for the eyes,if not feet…Prague is another wonderful place for ambling (spent our golden wedding anniversary there. Magic!) Long may you amble, sir! Best wishes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hello there, Joy. I’m a London fan too. I’ve been lucky to spend a few weeks of my life there. Terrific city to explore on foot.
Many thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the weekend.
Neil S.
LikeLike
I only wish I had becone an urban photographer years ago. I would have collected a wealth of information.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know that that’s true. But don’t regret it too much. After all, you’re doing great with your blog — you have all kinds of interesting stories on it.
LikeLike
This looks like an interesting place. The asbestos building is surprisingly beautiful.
Thanks for taking us on this walk.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the visit, Ruth. I appreciate it a lot. You know, I’ve been to Ambler many times, but never had paid any attention to the building you mention until I took the walk that I write about here. It’s very sturdy and has a lot of character. They don’t build them like that anymore!
LikeLike
This One’s Actually Good!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s what I do too. Great story and great photos.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’re birds of a feather!
LikeLike
Great post, Neil!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hello there, and thanks.
LikeLike
I really enjoyed reading this!! You had me laughing quite a few times. The walking thing is also a huge hobby of mine.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks!
LikeLike