The original “Nor-View Rooster,” also affectionately dubbed “Old Abe” is still waiting to hear if the 4th Street Café in Bridgeport will be its official home, writes Russell Rubert for The Times Herald.

Originally, it stood vigil at the entrance of the Nor-View Farm on North Henderson Road in Upper Merion Township. The farm was owned by the Battista family from 1922 to 1999 when it was then sold to the township for preservation.

Old Abe was replaced by a new rooster in 2009 and since then he hasn’t had an official perch to call his own.

First, he was purchased by Fran “Shorty” Schultz in a charity auction and moved to his home, but then Schultz set up a new perch for the old bird in front of the Gateway Café in Swedeland. There it would be dressed up for festive occasions and Philadelphia Eagles games.

In March 2023, however, the diner was relocated by owners Ron and Peg Mahoney to Bridgeport under a new name: 4th Street Café. Old Abe has a beautifully decorated perch in front of the new café, but Bridgeport zoning officials still haven’t given permission for him to make it his permanent home.

Read more about Old Abe’s journey to Bridgeport in the Times Herald.

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