Supporters Cheer Obama's Arrival Just Outside Chestnut Hill

The crowd was small at first. Only about 15 people were gathered at the intersection of Huron Lane and West Allens Lane at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday in anticipation of President Obama's arrival at a fundraiser nearby.

"It would be great if we somehow we got a little recognition (from Obama)," Mt. Airy resident Mark Spiller said. "A thumbs-up, a wave."

But as the crowd slowly swelled, the number of Secret Service agents and police officers also grew. Agents told the crowd to back up on to the Allens Lane sidewalk, much to the dismay of some in attendance who wanted to be as close to the president as possible.

"We're not happy with how far the Secret Service wants us to move back," said Michelle Chew.

Chew, however, remained undaunted. "I think they're excellent," she said of her chances of seeing the president's face. "Because I'm going to get as close as I can get before anyone stops me."

Her optimism paid off. Excitement rippled through the crowd of about 100 soon afterward . Numerous motorcycles passed by, and when the second limousine in the seemingly endless stream of cars turned left on to Huron Lane at about 6:15 p.m., a cheer went up.

"There he is!" several people shouted. People in attendance were able to get a fleeting look at Obama as he did, in fact, wave to the crowd on his way in to at Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen's home.

Several people in the crowd wore Obama T-shirts to mark the occasion, while others just happened to be passing by during the early evening hours.

Spiller, who was wearing a "Go Phillies, Go Obama" shirt, said he'd seen Obama speak at but wanted to be near the president again.

H. Marco Nevers Jr. sat on his father's shoulders as he waited for the motorcade to arrive.

Unlike many others who were there, he had never seen the president.

"That's why I'm so excited," he said.

A helicopter circled overhead as a dog sniffed the area for anything out of the ordinary before Obama arrived. Agents patrolled the road, and people were routinely told to step back on to the sidewalk.

But things loosened up after Obama had made his way inside. People walked into the street and took photos of the row of Philadelphia police motorcycles parked along the street. Others shared stories and compared photos they had taken. (The consensus among many was that Andrew Domanski's photo of Obama waving was the best one anyone had taken. You can see that photo at right.)

Some attempted to keep the president's visit in perspective.

"Before, it was exciting, because there was a good possibility he would be elected," Coreen Davis said as she discussed Obama's presence during the 2008 campaign. "Now that he's been elected and it's going into the next term, hopefully, it's exciting to be a part of it again. Hopefully we can make history again."