THE first parks in North America provided for the pleasure of the people were dedicated by William Penn at the settlement of Philadelphia in 1682. They were the North Eastern, South Eastern, North Western, South Western, and Centre Squares, now known respectively as Franklin, Washington, Logan, Rittenhouse, and Penn Squares.
In a letter dated 1683, William Penn alludes to the glass-house of the Free Society of Traders. Soon after this a glass-house was erected at Frankford by English Friends.
The first almanac printed in America was “Kalendarium Pennsilvaniense, or, America’s Messinger. Being an Almanack for the Year of Grace, 1686.” It was edited by Samuel Atkins, and published by William Bradford, 1685.
The first paper mill in America was built by William Rittenhouse, on the banks of the Wissahickon Creek, in the year 1690.
“A new Primmer or Methodical Direction to attain the True Spelling, Reading and Writing of English.” This was the first American school textbook; though it was published in New York in 1698, its author was Francis Daniel Pastorius, founder of Germantown.
The first presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in the United States was formed in Philadelphia in 1705. It was composed of seven ministers, and included Philadelphia, Maryland, Delaware, and the Eastern shore of Virginia.
The first botanical garden in America was started in 1705 by Dr. Christopher Witt, at the southeast corner of Germantown Avenue and High Street. John Bartram began his famous gardens in 1728 at Gray’s Ferry on the Schuylkill River.
The first Mennonite Church in America was erected in Germantown, at Germantown Avenue and Herman Street, the first service being held therein, May 23, 1708.
The first institution in America for the care of the poor was the Friends’ Almshouse, established in Philadelphia in 1713.
First municipal care of the poor in the United States was begun by the City of Philadelphia in a rented building September 1, 1713; the first building was erected in 1731.
The first Dunkard (Tunker) Church in America was formed in Germantown, December 25, 1723, at Germantown Avenue and Upsal Street. The first love-feast celebrated in this country was observed by them the same evening.
The first association for the benefit of workers (or labor organization) in America was the “Carpenters’ Company,” established in Philadelphia, in 1724.
The first mariner’s quadrant, invented by Thomas Godfrey, a glazier, of Nineteenth Street and Church Lane, Germantown, was made in 1730. First used in Delaware Bay by Joshua Fisher.
In 1727 a literary society was formed here by Franklin and eleven associates. This was the famous “Junto,” and from it originated the Library Company of Philadelphia, the first library of a public nature in America. The instrument of association was datedJuly 1, 1731, and the charter granted by the proprietary May 3, 1742.
The first club in America organized as a dining and fishing club was the “Colony in Schuylkill,” 1732. The name was afterwards changed to the “State in Schuylkill.”
The first German newspaper in America wasDie Philadelphische Zeitung, published by Benjamin Franklin, May 6, 1732. There were but two numbers issued.
The first type made in America was made by Christopher Saur, the Germantown printer, in 1735.
The first volunteer fire company in America, “The Union Fire Company,” was founded by Franklin and four associates, December 7, 1736. It lasted for eighty-four years.
February 13, 1741,The American Magazine, or a Monthly View of the Political State of the British Colonies, was published by Andrew Bradford. This was the first magazine published in America. Three days later, February 16, 1741, Franklin issuedThe General Magazine and Historical Chronicle for all the British Plantations in America.
The first German Bible printed in America was by Christopher Saur, in Germantown, 1743. Saur also published the New Testament in German. He issued seven editions in the years 1745, 1747, 1748, 1751.
The first institution in America devoted to science and learning was the “American Philosophical Society,” organized in 1743. By Articles of Agreement, dated January 2, 1769, there took place a union between this society and “The American Society for Promotingand Propagating Useful Knowledge, held at Philadelphia,” the latter an outgrowth of the famous “Junto” established by Franklin and his associates in 1727. From the date of union until the present time but one society has existed, known as the “American Philosophical Society.”
The first lightning rod was placed upon the home of its inventor, Benjamin Franklin, at 141 (now 325) Market Street, in 1749.
In December, 1749, certain Scotchmen living in Philadelphia organized the “St. Andrew’s Society at Philadelphia in Pensilvania.” The object of the society was the relief of poor and distressed Scotsmen. It was the first organization of the kind in this country.
The first hospital in America was “The Pennsylvania Hospital,” chartered by Assembly of Pennsylvania, May 11, 1751.
The first American work on botany was by John Bartram and was published in 1751. Its title was “Observations on the Inhabitants, Climate, Soil, Divers Productions, Animals, etc., made in his travels from Pennsylvania to Onondaga, Oswego, and the Lake Ontario.”
The first fire insurance company in America was the “Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire.” It was organized April 13, 1752, and twelve directors chosen at that time, who held their first meeting May 11, 1752. At this meeting was adopted the well-known seal which has given the company its nickname of “Hand-in-Hand.”
The first expedition fitted out in the United States for Arctic exploration and the discovery of a northwest passage, sailed from Philadelphia on the schoonerArgo, Captain Charles Swaine, March 8, 1753.
The first cartoon published in America was the famous snake divided into eight parts, representing the colonies: New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and bore the motto, “Join or die.” It was published by Benjamin Franklin in “The Pennsylvania Gazette,” May 9, 1754, and was called forth by the massacres of colonists in the French and Indian wars.
The first life insurance company in this country was the “Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund of Philadelphia,” founded in 1759.
The first mention of Shakespeare (discovered to date, April, 1916) in any American work occurs in “Science, A Poem,” by Francis Hopkinson. Published by William Dunlap in Philadelphia, 1762.
The first night school in America was opened in the Germantown Academy, October 14, 1762. The sessions were from 6.00 p. m. to 9.00 p. m., each scholar to find his own candle and pay 2 shillings 6 pence for firewood; the compensation was 10 shillings per quarter.
The first observatory erected in this America was on South Street near Front, and was built for Mason and Dixon in 1763.
The first religious magazine in America was the “Geistliches Magazine,” published by Christopher Saur in 1764.
The first medical school in America was begun by the University of Pennsylvania, May 3, 1765. Thefirst medical commencement was held June 21, 1768, when ten students were given degrees.
“Captains of Ships Charitable Club” was instituted July 4, 1765, and incorporated February 4, 1770, as “The Society for the Relief of Poor and Distressed Masters of Ships, their Widows and Children.” This was the first society of its kind organized in America.
The first permanent theatre in America was the “Southwark Theatre,” erected at South and Leithgow Streets, Philadelphia. It was opened by David Douglass, November 21, 1766.
The first American play was “The Prince of Parthia,” by Thomas Godfrey, Jr., a young Philadelphia poet, and the son of the inventor of the mariner’s quadrant. It was produced at the Southwark Theatre, April 23, 1767.
The first American publication on pedagogy was “A Simple and Thoroughly Prepared School-Management,” by Christopher Dock, “the pious schoolmaster of Skippack.” It was published in Germantown by Christopher Saur, 1770.
“The Pennsylvania Packet; and the General Advertiser,” was first issued October 28, 1771. This was a weekly publication printed by John Dunlap. In 1784, Dunlap had taken as his partner David C. Claypoole, and on Tuesday, September 21, 1784, they issued “The Pennsylvania Packet, and Daily Advertiser.” This was the first daily newspaper published in America.
The first active protest against the importation of tea, on account of the obnoxious tax, occurred in Philadelphia (not Boston) in 1773. An immense meeting was held in the State House Yard October 16, 1773.Under date of November 27, 1773, a broadside was issued warning against an attempt to land any of the objectionable article. On Christmas Day the shipPolly, Captain Ayres, reached Chester. Captain Ayres was brought to Philadelphia and informed of the situation. On December 27th he started on his return trip to England, taking his cargo of tea with him. The people of Boston held their tea party December 16, 1773, and cast the tea into the harbor, thus entailing a heavy loss upon the innocent merchants.
“The Garden of the Soul: Or, a Manual of Spiritual Exercises and Instructions for Christians who (living in the World) aspire to Devotion.” London; Printed. Philadelphia: Re-printed, by Joseph Cruikshank, on Market Street, between Second and Third Streets (1774). This was the first Roman Catholic prayer book printed in English in America.
“The Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery” was founded in Philadelphia in 1774. It was the first society in the country formed for this purpose. It was reorganized February 10, 1784, as the “Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully held in Bondage, and for Improving the Condition of the African Race.”
The earliest mention of the manufacture of carpets in this country is that of William Calverly of Loxley’s Court, date supposed to be 1774.
The first joint-stock company formed for the manufacture of cotton was the “United Company of Philadelphia for Promoting American Manufactures.” The first general meeting was held February 22, 1775, andDr. Benjamin Rush was elected president. This is believed to be the first joint-stock company for any kind of manufactures in this country.
The first piano made in the United States was in 1776, by John Behrent, Jr., joiner, on Third Street below Brown.
The first United States flag is believed to have been made in Philadelphia in 1777.
In 1780 was the first abolition act of America providing slavery be abolished in Pennsylvania.
July 17, 1780, the “Pennsylvania Bank” opened for business. This was the first bank in the United States, and existed until 1784. “The President, Directors, and Company of the Bank of North America” was chartered by the Continental Congress, December 31, 1781. This bank is still in existence and is the only bank in the United States operating under the National Banking Act which is not required to carry the word “National” in its official title.
The first Bible in English produced by an American press was the work of Robert Aitken, the Philadelphia printer, in 1782. It was issued in two volumes. On the back of the title page of the first volume of the copy in the British Museum is this note, in the handwriting of Robert Aitken: “The first copy of the first edition of the Bible ever printed in America in the English language, is presented to Ebenezer Hazard, Esq., by the Editor.”
The “Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture,” formed in 1785 and incorporated in February, 1809, was the first agricultural organization in this country. Its membership was limited to farmers only.
The first General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States was held in Christ Church, Philadelphia, September 27 to October 7, 1785. There were present delegates from seven states, and it was at this convention that the Church was organized in America, and the changes made in the Prayer Book necessary for its use in the new nation. Rev. William White, D.D., was chosen president of the convention.
The first free dispensary in the United States devoted to the relief of the sick and suffering was the Philadelphia Dispensary, founded January, 1786. It was opened in Strawberry Alley, April 12, 1786. It is still in existence, and is located at 127 South Fifth Street.
First steamboat in the world was built by John Fitch, a Philadelphian. The boat was successfully operated on the Delaware River, July 26, 1786. Another boat, 80 feet long, was built, and on October 12, 1788, successfully made the trip from Philadelphia to Burlington, carrying thirty passengers.
The first “College of Physicians” in America was formed in Philadelphia, January 2, 1787.
The first Roman Catholic Church for Germans was organized in Philadelphia in 1787. Ground for a building was purchased at the northwest corner of Sixth and Spruce Streets. Articles of incorporation were granted October 4, 1788, under the title of “The Trustees of the German Religious Society of Roman Catholics, called the Church of the Holy Trinity in the City of Philadelphia.”
The first medical library in the United States wasestablished in connection with the College of Physicians in Philadelphia, in April, 1788.
“The Free African Society” was founded April 12, 1788, by Absalom Jones and Richard Allen, two negro clergymen of Philadelphia. The “African Church,” the first church in America exclusively for and controlled entirely by negroes, was built by this Society, and opened for public worship July 17, 1794. It was incorporated March 28, 1796, as “The Minister, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, in the City of Philadelphia.”
In 1789, Lucian’s “Dialogues,” first Greek book printed in America, was by Joseph James at Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Stock Exchange, the first in America, originated in 1790, in a building at the southwest corner of Front and Market Streets, known as the “London Coffee House.” It was known as the “Philadelphia Board of Brokers” until the 8th of December, 1875, when it was changed to its present name, “The Philadelphia Stock Exchange.”
The first law school in America was opened by the University of Pennsylvania, December 15, 1790, President Washington and the members of his cabinet taking part in the exercises.
Turkish and Axminster carpets were first made in this country in 1791, by William Peter Sprague, in the Northern Liberties.
First Bank of the United States, was established in Philadelphia, February 25, 1791.
The first patents for machines for threshing grain inthe world were awarded to Samuel Mulliken, of Philadelphia, March 11, 1791.
In 1791, Charles Willson Peale established a drawing school, which was succeeded in 1794 by “The Columbianum,” also established by Charles Willson Peale. This was the first society in the United States for the promotion of the fine arts.
The first canal in the United States was the “Schuylkill and Susquehanna Navigation Company,” chartered here in 1791. There were 2000 shares of stock at two hundred dollars per share, and the officers were Robert Morris, president; Timothy Matlack, secretary; and Tench Francis, treasurer.
The first United States Mint was built in Philadelphia, at what is now 37 and 39 North Seventh Street. The corner stone was laid July 31, 1792, and the first coins, consisting of dimes, half-dimes and cents, were struck in October of the same year. David Rittenhouse, a Philadelphian, was the first director.
The first company organized in America to do a marine insurance business was the “Insurance Company of North America,” organized March, 1792, though it did not receive a charter until April 14, 1794. In spite of the fact that the granting of the charter was delayed, the company commenced doing business immediately after its organization in 1792, and there is recorded the payment of the first loss June 10, 1793, and the first dividend on its stock was paid in January, 1794.
“The Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Company,” the first constructed in the United States. The organization of the company was effected in 1792,under authority granted by the Legislature. The road was completed in May, 1796. The first regular stage left Lancaster at five o’clock in the evening, and reached Philadelphia at five o’clock the next morning, bringing ten passengers. The original officers of the company were William Bingham, president; William Moore Smith, secretary; and Tench Francis, treasurer.
The first successful balloon ascension in America was made from the old jail yard at the southeast corner of Sixth and Walnut Streets, January 9, 1793, by the French aëronaut, J. P. Blanchard.
Sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) was first made in America by John Harrison in 1793. He was also the first to attempt to produce nitric acid.
“The Female Society for the Relief of the Distressed” was the first society organized in this country for the temporary assistance of the distressed. It was formed in November, 1793; and the first meeting was held in the house of Isaac Parrish, at the southeast corner of Second Street and Pewterplatter Alley.
Ice cream was first made in this country by Peter Bossu, a Frenchman, who settled in Philadelphia in 1794. The first advertisement of ice cream appears inThe Aurorafor July 22, 1800.
The first printing press made in America was constructed by Adam Ramage, in 1795.
“The United States Gazetteer,” the first in this country, was compiled by Joseph Scott, and printed by Bailey at 116 Market Street, Philadelphia, in the year 1795.
The “First American Edition” of Shakespeare’s complete works was issued in Philadelphia in 1795, by Bioren and Madan.
To “Ambroise & Company,” Mulberry Street (now Arch Street), between Eighth and Ninth, belongs the honor of being the first in America to manufacture inflammable gas and exhibit the effect of gas light. This exhibition took place in August, 1796, in connection with a pyrotechnic display.
Philadelphia introduced the first municipal water works in America, using a steam pump. Ground was broken March 12, 1799; the first brick was laid May 2, 1799; the first pipe (which was of wood) was put in place June 18, 1799; and the same day was begun the foundation of the engine house in Centre Square. The first water was sent through the pipes January 27, 1801.
The first person to make “artificial mineral water,” or soda water, in America, was John Hart, a Philadelphia druggist. He did this about the beginning of the Nineteenth century (exact date not known), at the suggestion of Dr. Physick, to imitate waters found in certain mineral springs.
The first United States Navy Yard was established in Philadelphia in 1800. It occupied about twelve acres and extended from Prime Street (now Washington Avenue) to Wharton Street, and from Front Street to the Delaware River. In 1875 it was moved to League Island and the old property sold.
The first frigate of the United States Navy, thePhiladelphia, was built in 1800, by Joshua Humphreys, near Washington Avenue.
The first mercurials made in the United States wereproduced in 1801 by Dr. Adam Seybert, a druggist, whose shop was at 168 North Second Street.
The oxy-hydrogen blowpipe was invented in 1801, by Professor Robert Hare of Philadelphia.
Charles Eneu Johnson, in 1804, produced the first printing ink made in America. His firm is still in business and is known as Charles Eneu Johnson & Company.
The first land steam carriage, or automobile, in the world was invented by Oliver Evans, in 1804. The Eruktor Amphibolis, a machine for cleaning docks, mounted on a wagon, was propelled along Market Street, from Centre Square to the Schuylkill River. At the river a stern wheel was attached and the vessel launched; the machine was navigated by steam on the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, and was used to deepen the docks.
In 1804, Samuel Wetherill and his son, Samuel, Jr., erected a white lead manufactory at the northwest corner of Broad and Chestnut Streets, and it was here that the first white lead in this country was produced. English manufacturers were so opposed to this industry being established in the United States that they sent an emissary to this country, who destroyed the works by fire. They were rebuilt in 1808 at Twelfth and Cherry Streets, and in 1847 moved to West Philadelphia on the banks of the Schuylkill, where the business is still carried on by the fifth succeeding generation.
The first commission house in the United States for the sale of American manufactures was established in Philadelphia, in 1805, by Elijah Waring.
The first institution in the United States for theteaching of art was the “Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.” The Articles of Agreement were signed December 26, 1805, by seventy-one citizens. George Clymer was chosen president. The charter was granted March 28, 1806, and it was opened to the public in 1807.
The first orphan society in the United States was the “Roman Catholic Society of St. Joseph for Educating and Maintaining Poor Orphan Children.” It was organized by Rev. Leonard Neale, in 1806, and received a charter the following year.
The first riveted hose for fire use in the United States was made in Philadelphia in 1808.
“American Ornithology” was the work of Alexander Wilson, a resident of Philadelphia. Eight volumes were issued, the first in September, 1808. It was published in Philadelphia by Bradford, and was the first book upon ornithology published in this country.
The first American shot was made in Philadelphia, two towers being completed at practically the same time. The advertisements appear under the following dates:
Bishop & Sparks, October 20, 1808.Paul Beck, October 27, 1808.
Bishop & Sparks, October 20, 1808.Paul Beck, October 27, 1808.
Bishop & Sparks, October 20, 1808.Paul Beck, October 27, 1808.
The first Bible Society in America was instituted December 12, 1808, and was incorporated January 30, 1810, as the “Bible Society of Philadelphia.” By an amendment to the charter, dated March 7, 1840, the name was changed to the “Pennsylvania Bible Society,” which name has been retained to the present day.
The first cotton goods printed from engraved cylinders in the United States were produced near Germantown in 1809 by Thorp, Siddall & Co., from cylinders brought from England.
The first experimental railroad track in the United States was constructed by Somerville, a Scotch millwright, for Thomas Leiper of Philadelphia, and laid down in the yard of the Bull’s Head Tavern, on Second Street above Callowhill, in the Northern Liberties. It was sixty-four feet in length. The test was made July 31, 1809, and was so successful that Leiper had a railroad constructed at his quarries on Crum Creek, in Delaware County, September, 1809. This was the first practical railroad built in the United States.
First institution in the United States chartered to do a trust business was the “Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities.” Application for charter made January, 1810; refused by the House of Representatives, but finally granted March 10, 1812.
The first chemical society in America was the “Columbian Chemical Society,” formed in Philadelphia in 1811.
The first soup society in America was the “Northern Soup Society,” on Fourth Street above Brown, formed January, 1817.
The “Academy of Natural Sciences” was the first of its kind in the United States. It was organized January 25, 1812, by John Speakman, Jacob Gilliams, and four others. The society was incorporated by the Pennsylvania Legislature, March 24, 1817.
The first lithograph published in the United States was a portrait of Rev. Abner Kneeland, by Bass Otis, in 1818.
John Farr, a chemist of Philadelphia, in 1818 introduced into this country the manufacture of Seidlitz powders. He associated with him in business Abram Kunzi, and as Farr & Kunzi, located on Arch Street near Twelfth, they manufactured the first quinine in the United States. This firm, by various steps, has become a part of the Powers-Weightman-Rosengarten Company.
First savings bank, the “Philadelphia Saving Fund Society,” commenced business December 2, 1816. Chartered February 25, 1819.
The first church in the world for seamen was erected in Philadelphia about 1820, under the leadership of Rev. Robert Eastburn. It was known as the “Mariner’s Bethel.”
The “Philadelphia Law Library,” first in the United States, was established in 1821, under the auspices of “The Society for the Promotion of Legal Knowledge and Forensic Eloquence.”
The “Philadelphia College of Pharmacy” was the first institution of its kind in the world. The organization meeting was held in Carpenters’ Hall, February 23, 1821. Instruction was begun in the fall of the same year, with Charles Marshall as president of the institution. The charter was granted March 30, 1822.
The first engraved cylinders for calico printing made in the United States were made in Philadelphia, in 1822, by David H. Mason and Matthew W. Baldwin.
In 1827, William Ellis Tucker, of Philadelphia, was the first in America to manufacture porcelain and chinaware. In 1831 he started the first American queensware factory.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the first of its kind in America, was organized at a meeting held in the hall of the Franklin Institute, Seventh Street below Market, November 24, 1827. It was incorporated March 23, 1831.
The first one-cent newspaper in the country wasThe Cent, published in 1830, by Dr. Christopher Columbus Conwell, at Second and Dock Streets, Philadelphia.
The first building and loan association in the United States was the “Oxford Provident and Building Association,” organized in Frankford in 1831. The officers were Isaac Whitelock, president; Isaac Shallcross, secretary; and Samuel Pilling, treasurer.
In 1832, George D. Rosengarten made the first morphine in the United States.
The first public high school in the United States was established in Philadelphia in 1836. The first building was erected in 1837-38 on Juniper Street fronting on Penn Square, now occupied by the Wanamaker Store. The school was opened October 26, 1838, when a class of sixty-three pupils was admitted.
The first daguerreotype portrait in America was made in Philadelphia by Robert Cornelius, November, 1839, at 710 Chestnut. (Portrait of himself.)
The first homeopathic medical college in the world, the “North American College of Homeopathic Medicine,” was organized in Allentown, Pa., in 1835. The second was the “Homeopathic Medical College of Philadelphia,” organized in 1848. The next in order was the “Washington Medical College of Philadelphia,” chartered May 2, 1853. This last named institution changed its name, July 17, 1867, to the “Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia.” The first of these institutions lasted a very short time; and by act of Legislature, dated April 2, 1869, the second and third were united under the title of the “Hahnemann Medical College of Pennsylvania.” This institution can thus claim to be the oldest of its kind in the world, and though not technically the first, it is practically so.
The first American grand opera, “Leonora,” was composed by William H. Fry, a Philadelphian; the words were written by his brother, Joseph R. Fry. It was produced at the Chestnut Street Theatre, June 4, 1845, by Pratt & Wemyss.
The first free college for orphan boys in the United States was established in Philadelphia under the will of Stephen Girard. Girard College was opened January 1, 1848, with a class of one hundred boys.
The first comic weekly in America wasThe John Donkey, edited by Thomas Dunn English and G. G. Foster. Illustrated by F. O. C. Darley and Henry L. Stephens. Published in Philadelphia by G. B. Zieber & Company, 1848.
“The Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania” is the oldest college in the world organized to train women in the medical profession. It was incorporated March 11, 1850.
The Spring Garden Institute, the first of the mechanics institutes in the United States, was chartered April 12, 1851. The corner-stone of the building was laid July 8, 1851, and the building was dedicated November 12, 1852.
The first English translation of the Hebrew Bible published in America was the result of eighteen years’ work of Rev. Isaac Leeser. It was published in Philadelphia in 1854.
The first Republican National Convention met in Musical Fund Hall, June 18, 1856, with Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, as Chairman. John C. Fremont was nominated for president of the United States, and William L. Dayton, of New Jersey, for vice-president.
The process of sugar-coating pills was begun in 1856 by William R. Warner & Co., manufacturing chemists of Philadelphia. This was done in a pan suspended by a chain over a charcoal fire. The original pan is still preserved by the firm.
The first society in America distinctively devoted to numismatic research was the “Numismatic Society,” organized in Philadelphia, December 27, 1857, by seven men. It received its charter February 19, 1858. On March 23, 1865, the name was changed to “The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society.”
The “Zoölogical Society” was incorporated in 1859; and in Fairmount Park, north of the Spring Garden Water Works, began the first zoölogical garden in the United States. They later moved across the river to their present site, and the new buildings and grounds were opened to the public July 1, 1874.
April 8, 1861, John Wanamaker opened a men’s clothing store at Sixth and Market Streets. Fifteen years later, 1876, having been removed to Thirteenth and Market Streets, it had “six departments for the outfitting of men and boys.” On March 12, 1877, it was resolved into a general store having sixteen departments covering all classes of dry goods. This is believed to have been the first “department store” in the UnitedStates, probably in the world. This same store, in 1865, made the first announcements of the “one price system,” and that anything sold could be brought back for refund of money. The Wanamaker store at Thirteenth and Market Streets was lighted by electricity on the night after Christmas, 1878, being the first store ever so lighted.
First bank chartered under the National Banking Act, the “First National Bank of Philadelphia,” June 20, 1863. The first “National Currency” was issued by this bank.
The first Stock Exchange Clearing House in the United States was established here in August, 1870.
The first organization in the world for the insurance of real estate titles was “The Real Estate Title Insurance Company of Philadelphia,” chartered March 28, 1876. By an amendment to the charter, under date of December 3, 1881, the title was changed to “The Real Estate Title Insurance and Trust Company of Philadelphia.”
The first international fair held in this country was the Centennial Exhibition held in Philadelphia, May 10 to November 10, 1876. It is the only fair of its kind that has paid its own expenses, and received no appropriation from Congress.
Philadelphia is known as the city of the Easter lily. It was brought from Bermuda in 1879 by Mrs. Mary Rogers, who propagated it until in three years there were 100 specimens; then William K. Harris, a florist, Fifty-sixth Street and Springfield Avenue, introduced it in both Philadelphia and New York.
The Philadelphia Bourse, the first and, as yet, theonly one in the United States, was chartered June 25, 1891, and completed and opened for business October 1, 1895.
The “Wistar Institute of Anatomy,” founded in 1892, by General Isaac Wistar, and connected with the University of Pennsylvania, is the first anatomical and neurological institute established in the United States.
Philadelphia was the first city to inaugurate a service by pneumatic tubes for the general carriage of firstclass mail. A six-inch tube connecting the Bourse station with the Central Post Office at Ninth Street was put in service February 17, 1893, and is still in operation. Eight-inch tubes have been used in lines since installed, and have a capacity of 7,200,000 letters per day each way.
The first concrete arch highway bridge in the United States was built in 1893 by the City of Philadelphia at Pine Road over the Pennypack Creek.
The first institution established in the United States for the advancement of business and trade in all branches, both domestic and foreign, was the “Commercial Museum.” It was projected by Dr. William P. Wilson, and established by ordinance of Philadelphia City Council, approved June 15, 1894.
The first successful electric automobile was designed and built by two Philadelphians, Henry G. Morris and Pedro G. Salom. It was patented August 31, 1894.
The first hospital train sent out during the Spanish War, for the relief of the fever-stricken soldiers in the mobilization camps, was sent by the University of Pennsylvania, and the soldiers were brought to andtreated in the Hospital of that institution. This train left Philadelphia August 17, 1898.
The first Automatic Restaurant (Automat) in America was opened June 9, 1902, at 818 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, by the Horn & Hardart Baking Co.
WITH a royal grant for 40,000 square miles of land in the New World, William Penn, thirty-eight years old, came up the Delaware River in 1682 and landed at the Blue Anchor Inn, built by the Swedes in 1636. The state now covers 45,126 square miles.
No eastern state contains forests of such varied and abundant timber, or extensive mineral deposits. According to official reports of the state geologist, one and one-third billion dollars’ worth of mineral products were taken from below ground in 1916; of these coal is the greatest wealth producer, over $1,000,000,000 annually, the production being nearly one-half that of the entire United States; the supply is still ample and new fields are being opened. Over $100,000,000 in coke; and more than $42,000,000 in its by-products. Petroleum counts for $26,000,000. Gold, silver, platinum, and asbestos are found in small quantities. Natural gas has been used in this state for manufacturing purposes since 1874. This is the greatest manufacturing region in the world, and has the richest agricultural land in the United States. Pennsylvania stands first among the states in the Union in the number of towns over 5000 in population, making it a remarkable selling market.Philadelphia, the chief city, and third in population, 1,823,779, in the United
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia County
States, is on the site of a village of the Lenni Lenape or Delaware Indians, called Coaquanarck. Through William Penn’s liberal policy to early settlers, and later being the seat of government of the United States, many national institutions were originated here, and many more historical buildings are here than in any other city in America. It comprises the whole of Philadelphia County, and has a distinctive character of its own, reminiscent of the old Quaker life, which is given in this book in two Colonial Walks; the Revolutionary Period is given in automobile routes, framed on Washington’s itinerary; and modern institutions, many of them continuing from colonial times, are in chapters, schools, galleries and museums, hospitals, libraries, music, churches. Philadelphia was the leader in the fight for “Liberty of Conscience.”
The obvious picturesqueness of Philadelphia is in the Pennsylvania Hospital, Independence Hall, Christ Church, Old Swedes’, St. Peter’s. Down in lower Spruce Street and neighboring streets are beautiful colonial houses, stately doorways, decorative ironwork, dormer windows, great gables, facing each other at street corners in harmonious proportions. In not another town were the old streets so well worth keeping unchanged. The early Friends, when they left England, packed up, with their “Liberty of Conscience,” the love of beauty in architecture and the money to pay for it. In a fine period of English architecture, they got good English architects—Wren is said to have been of the number—to design, not only their public buildings, but their private houses; and carried over in their personal baggage, paneling, carvings, ironwork, furniture and the various details they were not likely to procure in Philadelphia.
Long straight lines of streets give the town serenity and repose.
1. Independence Hall. 2. Independence Square. 3. Philosophical Society. 4. U.S. Custom House. 5. Carpenters’ Hall. 6. Bank of North America. 7. Christ Church. 8. Site St. George and the Dragon Inn. 9. Betsey Ross House. 10. Friends’ Meeting House. 11. St. George’s M. E. Church. 12. St. John’s Lutheran Church. 13. Christ Church Burial Ground. 14. Free Quaker Building. 15. Fort Rittenhouse. 16. Mikveh Israel Synagogue. 17. First U. S. Mint. 18. Site Robert Morris Residence. 19. Site President Washington’s Residence. 20. Site Pennsylvania National Bank. 21. Franklin Institute.
1. Independence Hall. 2. Independence Square. 3. Philosophical Society. 4. U.S. Custom House. 5. Carpenters’ Hall. 6. Bank of North America. 7. Christ Church. 8. Site St. George and the Dragon Inn. 9. Betsey Ross House. 10. Friends’ Meeting House. 11. St. George’s M. E. Church. 12. St. John’s Lutheran Church. 13. Christ Church Burial Ground. 14. Free Quaker Building. 15. Fort Rittenhouse. 16. Mikveh Israel Synagogue. 17. First U. S. Mint. 18. Site Robert Morris Residence. 19. Site President Washington’s Residence. 20. Site Pennsylvania National Bank. 21. Franklin Institute.
The Quaker City; Penn’s “Green country towne.”
Start at theState House, calledIndependence Hallin 1776; open free 9A.M.to 4P.M.; south side of Chestnut Street between Fifth and Sixth. The most interesting building historically in the United States. Architect, Andrew Hamilton, speaker in the Assembly; Georgian, brick; erected for the Provinceof Pennsylvania as a Colonial State House. Tower has wooden cupola built in 1828, containing clock and bell, presented to the City by Henry Seybert, in 1876.
First occupied by the Assembly in 1735. Second Continental Congress met here May 10, 1775. George Washington was chosen Commander in Chief of the Continental Army June 15, 1775. Declaration of Independence approved July 4, 1776. Articles of Confederation and perpetual union between the States were adopted and signed July 9, 1778. Constitution of the United States of America, long the pride of Americans, and the model for friends of freedom throughout the world, was formed and signed September 17, 1787.
Lafayette was received here in 1824.
The body of Abraham Lincoln rested in state, April 22-24, 1865.
Second National Encampment, Grand Army of the Republic, January, 1868, when annual Memorial Day, May 30, was instituted by Major General John A. Logan. It was observed the same year by posts of the Grand Army of the Republic and the public.
The Liberty Bell was rung July 8, 1776, in celebration of the Declaration of Independence; inscription on bell, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof” (LeviticusXXV: 10). It was hung in the tower in 1755, and it was cracked while being tolled for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall July 8, 1835; not rung since 1843.
Portraits of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, painted chiefly by Charles Willson Peale, and his portrait of Washington are here. Benjamin West’s
FOURTH OF JULY IN CENTER SQUARE, PHILADELPHIAPainted by John D. KrimmelCourtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
FOURTH OF JULY IN CENTER SQUARE, PHILADELPHIAPainted by John D. KrimmelCourtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
FOURTH OF JULY IN CENTER SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA
Painted by John D. KrimmelCourtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
painting, “Penn’s Treaty with the Indians”; a large collection of portraits of Pennsylvania men notable in the government of the Commonwealth; and a collection of forty-five small historic portraits in pastel by James Sharples. On Chestnut Street front is a marble statue of Washington; sculptor, J. A. Bailey; erected in 1869 by contributions of the public-school children of Philadelphia.
The building was renovated and restored in 1897 to its early appearance. Small buildings connecting west, contain colonial relics; east, Revolutionary relics. West, open porch leads toCongress Hall, corner of Sixth Street, built in 1789 for Court House of Philadelphia County; Georgian, occupied by the Federal Congress, 1790-1800, after necessary alterations by Major L’Enfant. First floor, House of Representatives; second floor, Senate Chamber; gallery added in 1795. Here Washington was inaugurated President, second term, March 4, 1793; and John Adams, second President of the United States, in 1797. National Currency was established. First National Bank founded. Army and Navy organized. Jay’s Treaty determining relations with England considered and ratified. Official announcement of Washington’s death in 1799 was made, and resolution offered by Chief Justice John Marshall, to pay honor to the man “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Contains sculptures in wood by William Rush; statue of Washington carved in 1815; also eagle on globe, portrait of Michael Hillegas, first Treasurer of the United States until 1789, and other paintings.
Building restored 1896, through the PennsylvaniaSociety, Colonial Dames of America; architect, William Ziegler.
Corner of Fifth Street,Supreme Court House, or the oldCity Hall, built in 1789. Second floor occupied by the First Supreme Court of the United States, 1791-1800. Mayor’s Office until 1896. Later headquarters Boy Scouts and Grand Army of the Republic. Now restored to first appearance; museum, Colonial and American Indian collections, paintings.
In 1783,State House Yardwas improved, elms planted, walks laid out, and seats placed. Contains statue of Commodore Barry. 104 South Fifth Street, in State House Yard, the American Philosophical Society, built 1789, brick, Georgian; originated in “The Junto,” formed by Benjamin Franklin 1727. See Historic Institutions.
Southeast corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets, site residence of William Moore Smith, son of first provost of the University of Pennsylvania. Washington’s portrait was painted here by Gilbert Stuart.
Northeast corner of Fifth and Sansom Streets, site Philadelphia Library 1790-1830.
427 Chestnut Street, site of Lawrence mansion, Howe’s headquarters, 1777-78.
421 Chestnut Street, site of United States Hotel. Charles Dickens stayed here March, 1842, first visit to America.
South side of Chestnut Street, below Fifth, United States Custom House; marble, classic; Doric portico; built 1819; architect, John Haviland.
Northwest corner of Fourth and Chestnut Streets, Provident Life and Trust Company, of Philadelphia,modern; contains oil portraits of the directors; among the artists represented are Bernard Uhle, Cecilia Beaux, and Thomas Eakins.
Southeast corner of Fourth and Chestnut Streets, site of Friends meeting-house in 1701, later site of Mathew Carey’s book store in 1800.
320 Chestnut Street, head of Carpenters’ Court.Carpenters’ Hall; open free daily 9A.M.to 3P.M., Saturdays to 12.30P.M.; Georgian, brick; built, 1770 for use of the Carpenters’ Company, founded in 1724.
307 Chestnut Street, Bank of North America; founded in 1781 on the same ground; oldest and first bank, chartered by Congress, in the United States. Through Robert Morris, the first president, victory was made possible to Washington and the Continental Army. Contains portrait of Robert Morris.
Third Street above Chestnut; Post Office in 1713; later Judd’s Hotel during war of 1812.
27 South Third Street, site United States Post Office, 1792.
250 Chestnut Street, site first United States Treasury, 1798.
243 Chestnut Street, site of residence of Governor Thomas Lloyd in 1684, appointed by William Penn.
Letitia Street, west side above Chestnut, east of Second; site of Letitia House, William Penn’s residence, moved to Fairmount Park.
Southeast corner of Second and Black Horse Alley, above Chestnut Street, site Bradford House and printing office, used for colonial Post Office, 1728; Andrew Bradford, postmaster; in 1719 he published the firstnewspaper in Pennsylvania,The Mercury, a weekly, second in America.
Southwest corner of Front and Market Streets, site of London Coffee House, in 1754, where, in 1780, Robert Morris met with others to consider the establishment of the first bank. Horses, slaves, and cattle were sold here.
About 221-23 North Water Street, site Stephen Girard’s last residence.
111 Spring Street, west of Front, above Race, said to have been residence of Benjamin Franklin 1723-26; brick, three stories and attic; still standing.
Jones’s Alley, above Market Street, west from 14 North Front Street, site Robert Grace’s residence, where the “Junto Club” met in 1727.
110 Market Street, site Robert Aitken’s Printing Office in 1782; he printed the first English Bible in America.
Southwest corner of Second and Market Streets, site Friends’ first meeting-house, 1695-1808, on land donated by George Fox, founder of the Society.
Middle of Market Street, at Second, facing east, site of old Court House, built 1710; used as town hall and seat of the Legislature until the State House was built in 1735. Acceptance of the United States Constitution was here proclaimed to the people December 13, 1787; shown in large painting by Birch, made in 1829, now in City Hall, Broad and Market Streets.
25 North Second Street, officePeter Porcupine’s Gazette, edited by William Cobbett, a keen satirist.
Christ Church, west side of Second Street, north of Market, built 1695. (See Churches.)