"There was a lot of energy," as people were "bouncing ideas off each other," he said. ". . . There were a few heated debates but no arguments."
The general sense of those who were awake seemed to be that the camp-in crusade for a fairer economy has been proceeding peacefully in Philadelphia.
In New York, where the protests began as Occupy Wall Street, and Boston, dozens of arrests have been reported, with some claims of injuries.
"Everything is going well," said Xio Martin, 39, who's been volunteering with a first-aid squad since the local protest started last Thursday. No serious injuries or emergencies so far, she said, and the police have kept their distance.
The spirit has been upbeat, said Ashlee Niedospial, 23, of Fishtown, before heading off to a job as a woodworker. "I have never before seen such camaraderie," she said.
Rain, forecast to possibly get heavy today, wasn't likely to clear the courtyard anytime soon, she said. "I think people are going to be here for the long haul . . . as long as it takes, unless we get some positive progressive change."
Less likely to last are some of the many cardboard signs, with messages such as "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do" and "I am your neighbor. I (heart symbol) weed."
A forward-looking sign lay on the ground of an empty tent: "FUTURE HOME OF THE OCCUPY PHILADELPHIA SUKKAH." It explained that the weeklong Jewish holiday of Sukkoth starts tonight.
At a "comfort" station under a tent, where toiletries and other useful items were being offered, Terry Plessel, 61, of South Philadelphia said more donations were needed, especially "raincoats and warm coats."
A cardboard list taped to a table included blankets, pillows, ponchos, umbrellas, socks, "ziplock bags," shower supplies and towels.
Food and beverages also were needed, said West Philadelphia teacher Ian Winter, 23, inside the food tent, as peanut butter-slathered bagels and bags of Cheerios were handed out.
Coffee disappeared as soon as it was donated, he explained to a man in the line going by.
Several hundred people get fed at each meal, Winter said.
Since he started volunteering Saturday, people have been happy to see the makeup of the encampment shift, from mostly students to include the truly disadvantaged - transients and the homeless, he said.
Another wish: "More tents," said Martin.
Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.
