In 1692, a young Welsh carpenter, William Powel, opened a ferry over the Schuylkill River at the foot of the present Spring Garden Bridge.

[citation needed] Powelton Village, the neighborhood just south of Mantua, was named for the family of William Powell, whose son purchased additional land.

Despite the crime, Wrice's Young Great Society and Jenkins' Mantua Community Planners fought to incorporate urban renewal programs, such as the planting of trees and building of housing units.

The movie theaters, retail outlets, and galleries that resided in Mantua during the 1950s were replaced by small delis and grab-and-go beer stores.

The neighborhood saw an influx of college students from Drexel University, among other institutions, move into the area in search of affordable housing.

Born in Mantua, Durham served on City Council from 1967 to 1974, and was appointed to the Common Pleas Court.

He was a strong advocate for the community, and was deeply involved in the struggle for civil rights and was part of the first black caucus on Council.