Vance Lehmkuhl on Veg History in Philadelphia

In this episode of The Glen Merzer Show, host Glen Merzer speaks with Vance Lehmkuhl, who shares his journey to veganism and discusses the American Vegan Center in Philadelphia. Vance reflects on his 25 years as a vegan, the history of the American Vegan Society, and the significance of various historical figures in the vegan movement, including Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Lay, and Anthony Benazé. The conversation also touches on the establishment of vegetarian activism in Philadelphia and the contributions of the Grimke sisters and Bronson Alcott to the movement. This conversation explores the rich history of veganism and vegetarianism in Philadelphia, highlighting key figures such as Carol and Earl White, Henry Club, Mildred Norman, Jay Dinshaw, Freya Dinshaw, and Alfonso Austin. It delves into the connections between the abolitionist movement and animal rights, the evolution of the American Vegan Society, and the thriving vegan food scene in Philadelphia, including the significance of the vegan cheesesteak.

takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vance Lemkul and the American Vegan Center

01:06 Vance's Journey to Veganism

03:30 The American Vegan Society and Its History

04:29 Overview of the American Vegan Center

07:24 Historical Figures in Veganism

10:12 Benjamin Franklin's Vegetarianism

14:28 Benjamin Lay: A Forgotten Pioneer

20:09 Anthony Benazé and His Activism

25:19 The Establishment of Vegetarian Activism in Philadelphia

30:07 The Grimke Sisters and Their Impact

32:59 Bronson Alcott and His Influence

34:55 The Pioneers of Animal Welfare

35:54 Henry Club and the Vegetarian Society

37:48 Mildred Norman: The Peace Pilgrim

39:07 Jay Dinshaw and the American Vegan Society

41:55 Freya Dinshaw's Contributions to Veganism

42:50 Alfonso Austin and the Vegan Food Scene

45:12 The Evolution of Veganism in Philadelphia

47:04 Abolitionism and Veganism: A Shared History

54:05 The Future of the American Vegan Society

55:26 Sylvester Graham and the Birth of Vegetarianism

01:02:34 The Vegan Cheesesteak Revolution

01:06:47 The Thriving Vegan Restaurant Scene in Philadelphia

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