Pap: Manila Police Station or Hike Shoe Factory? – Manila, Philippines c. 1946/1947

It’s been far too long since I last posted some of my grandfather's photographs of his service in the United States’ draft army and the time he spent in Manila, Philippines during the interim between World War II and the Korean War. In honor of Veteran’s Day today, I think it’s time to get back…

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My Veteran: Private First Class Thomas Alexander Piotrowski, Sr.

This Veterans Day, I’d once again like to say thank you to all of the veterans who have served and are still serving our country. In the past I’ve had the privilege of researching several Pennsylvania veterans’ lives for various articles I’ve written and I’ve gotten to talk to members of these veterans’ families as…

Pap: San Vicente de Paul Parish – Manila, Philippines c. 1946/1947

After conducting some online research and reaching out to my friend John Tewell, I believe that the  church in the background of this picture is San Vicente de Paul Parish, a Vincentian and Roman Catholic Church located along San Marcelino Street in Ermita, Manila.  (Remember: Ermita is the major business, commercial and cultural center of…

Happy Father’s Day!

My dad, "Coach Mike" enjoying a round of golf for Father's Day. He will probably kill me when he finds out I posted this here.  Sorry Dad!

Pap: Hot and Humid – Manila, Philippines c. 1946/1947

It's going to be a hot weekend here in Pittsburgh, with temperatures reaching almost 90 degrees.  Whew!  Summer is back in Western PA.  In this picture, it looks like Pap and his unidentified friend are taking advantage of Manila's equally hot weather to show off!  Located in the tropics, Manila is obviously a pretty hot…

Pap: Outside Intramuros – Manila, Philippines c. November 1946

I am guessing this shot was taken in the Intramuros district in the general vicinity of the Pasig River, as that looks like the Manila Post Office at the top right of this photograph, with Taft Avenue running up to it. My new friend John Tewell, who I've asked for help identifying sites in Manila, sent me…

Pap: Finance and Legislative Buildings, Intramuros Walls, Recoletos Church – Manila, Philippines c. 1946/1947

I've been on a little hiatus from my daily photo posts after reaching a frustrating stumbling block in identifying historical sites in Manila.  Thanks to the kindness and knowledge of John Tewell, who is currently posting a collection of historical photographs on Flickr, I've now got some clarification.   I highly recommend you check out his Flickr photostream for a…

Happy Mother’s Day

Pap: Finance Building Ruins – Manila, Philippines c. 1946/1947

Here is yet another piece of Filipino architecture ravaged by war.  It is truly sad and unbelievable to see just how  much culture, art and history that the city of Manila lost during World War II. I had a little bit of difficulty researching this building and trying to figure out whether it was the Finance…

Pap: Legislative Building Ruins – Ermita, Manila, Philippines c. 1946/1947

I'm not sure who this serviceman and woman are, but they are posed in front of the ruins of the Legislative Building located on Padre Burgos Avenue in Ermita, which is considered the financial, cultural and commercial district of Manila.  This view looks north-northwest down Taft Avenue.   If this shot were wider, we would be able…