Finding My Center City Flow: Decoding “Washington of ‘Philadelphia'”
Hey fellow crossword enthusiasts!
Today, we’re diving deep into a clue that had me channeling my inner Founding Father (and craving a cheesesteak). The puzzle posed the question: “Washington of ‘Philadelphia’.” Now, at first glance, it seems straightforward, doesn’t it? We all associate George Washington with Philadelphia, the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where he later served as president. But as any seasoned crossword solver knows, the obvious answer is rarely the correct one.
The beauty of crossword puzzles lies in their misdirection. They force us to think laterally, to consider alternative meanings and unexpected connections. And this particular clue, with its seemingly simple premise, is a masterclass in precisely that.
My initial instinct was to brainstorm historical landmarks in Philadelphia tied to Washington. I ran through Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell (ok, not
directly
Washington, but historically relevant!), various statues, and historical societies. I even considered the less likely, like streets named after him or institutions bearing his moniker. But none of these fit the bill, either because of length or the fact they weren’t precisely “Washington
of
Philadelphia.”
Then I started thinking about the subtle nuances of the clue’s wording. “Washington
of
‘Philadelphia'” suggests a possessive relationship, something that belongs to or originates from the city itself. It’s not just about Washington
being in
Philadelphia, but something
of
him that’s intrinsically linked to the place.
I explored more figurative interpretations, thinking about the impact Washington’s legacy had on Philadelphia’s identity. Did the clue refer to a particular philosophical principle he championed that resonated strongly within the city? Did it perhaps hint at a specific legal framework or political concept born from his time in Philadelphia? These avenues yielded interesting theoretical ground, but ultimately, nothing that could be neatly slotted into the grid.
I considered artistic interpretations, searching for paintings, sculptures, or literary works that capture Washington’s essence and were specifically commissioned or inspired by Philadelphia. I dove into the archives of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, hoping to unearth a hidden gem that would unlock the puzzle’s secret.
Finally, I started examining the crossword as a whole. What were the crossing answers? What letters were already in place? This context provided crucial parameters, shaping my search and eliminating possibilities that didn’t quite align with the overall structure. This, of course, is always crucial.
The strategic incorporation of pre-existing letters often shifts the focus away from purely historical or literal interpretations and guides you towards the more abstract, playful answer that crossword creators are known for. Did those letters suggest a person, a place, or something else entirely? Were there any unconventional spellings or abbreviations that needed to be considered?
As I patiently reviewed the adjacent clues and their intersecting letters, a new thought occurred to me. What if “Washington” wasn’t referring to George Washington at all? Could it be a surname, a place, or even an object that shared the same name? This opened up a whole new dimension of possibilities, forcing me to re-evaluate my assumptions and broaden my search.
The ‘Philadelphia’ part, encased in quotation marks, also seemed significant. Did it indicate a specific, well-known entity
within
Philadelphia? Perhaps a business, a sports team, or a local landmark that had adopted “Washington” as part of its identity?
So, armed with these new perspectives, I returned to the puzzle, ready to tackle “Washington of ‘Philadelphia'” with renewed determination. I’m confident the answer will be elegant, clever, and uniquely “crossword-y”. It will certainly be one of the more memorable clues.
Available Answers:
DENZEL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Adjusted Hours By Brian Callahan