Preserving Elfreth’s Alley: Bulldoze in the Name of Progress?

• Divide the class into three groups
• Have them examine the Google map and the 1842 map of the area around Elfreth's Alley
• Have the class read the background information
• Read the three newspaper clippings to the class.
• Have a brief discussion after each clipping is read concerning the position the writer is taking in the public debate
• Have students list what they believe the central positions, needs, and problems are in the situation
• Assign each team a position:

• "Strict preservationist" - don't destroy the streetscape or the access to the river
• "Progress" Take down as many houses as necessary to build the highway
• "City Fathers" -- judges in the debate of what should be done

• Have student teams debate the issues: "progress" vs. "preservation". They should present cogent arguments around each position and may use the clippings and any other contemporary periodical to back up their arguments.