A GUIDE BOOK OF
ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND
HISTORIC INTERESTS IN
PENNSYLVANIA
[Illustration: READING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
_Painted by Edwin A. Abbey. © M. G. Abbey_
_From a Copley Print, © Curtis and Cameron, Publishers, Boston_]
A GUIDE BOOK OF
ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND
HISTORIC INTERESTS
IN PENNSYLVANIA
EDITED BY
A. MARGARETTA ARCHAMBAULT
ILLUSTRATED
[Illustration]
PHILADELPHIA
THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY
1924
Copyright, 1924, by
THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY
_All rights reserved_
PRINTED IN THE U. S. A.
STATE FEDERATION OF PENNSYLVANIA WOMEN
_President_
MRS. JOHN B. HAMME
_Art Committee for the Guide Book_
MISS A. MARGARETTA ARCHAMBAULT, _Chairman_ Philadelphia
MRS. ROSS BARROWS Lock Haven
MRS. EARL BARNES Philadelphia
MISS MARY S. GARRETSON Pittsburgh
MRS. ETHEL HERRON HAYES Monongahela
MISS ALICE HENRY Pittsburgh
MRS. ROBERT MCKELVY Titusville
MISS IRENE B. MARTIN Allentown
MISS SARAH R. PAISTE West Chester
MRS. JOHN G. READING Williamsport
MRS. WALTER KING SHARPE Chambersburg
MRS. ANDREW THOMPSON Honesdale
HAIL! PENNSYLVANIA
Hail! Pennsylvania,
Noble and strong!
To thee with loyal hearts
We raise our song.
Swelling to heaven, loud
Our praises ring;
Hail! Pennsylvania,
Of thee we sing!
Majesty as a crown
Rests on thy brow;
Pride, Honor, Glory, Love,
Before thee bow.
Ne’er can thy spirit die,
Thy walls decay;
Hail! Pennsylvania,
For thee we pray.
Hail! Pennsylvania,
Guide of our youth!
Lead thou thy children on
To light and truth;
Thee when death summons us,
Others shall praise,
Hail! Pennsylvania,
Through endless days!
_Edgar M. Dilley, U. of P., 1897._
_Lo, sons of no mean Commonwealth,_
* * * * *
_We exultant speak the name of State,_
_Proclaim the great “experiment” that wrought,_
_As if by necromance ’mong doubting men,_
_Fruition sure--beyond his ardent thought,_
_Yet hidden in very heart of Penn!_
_And bear the message, flash it sea to sea,_
_Who freedom serve must of themselves be free!_
_Harvey Maitland Watts._
THE PLAN OF THE BOOK
This Guide Book of Art, Architecture, and Historic Interests in
Pennsylvania, commenced by advice of Mrs. Edward Biddle of Carlisle, and
fostered by Mrs. Samuel Semple of Titusville, during their presidency of
the “State Federation of Pennsylvania Women,” for the use of tourists,
is arranged chronologically, beginning with the counties first formed;
towns in each county follow each other in location as closely as
possible. Works of good art in the state have been catalogued, together
with a story of most interesting pioneer history, that each one of the
sixty-seven counties should have a chapter in the book; those that have
no art have the Indian trails and thrilling experiences of our first
brave pathfinders.
Serious effort has been made to have all the information verified; in
some instances, two or three counties have made the same claims for
various historic firsts, which have here been given their proper record,
through consultation with the State Historians at Harrisburg. To keep
the book small, facts are scarcely more than outlined; further
information about them may be obtained from the bibliography of this
book.
The chapter of each county was written by a most responsible person, who
lived there, judges, clergymen, historians, and a few by officers of the
women’s clubs, thus giving inside knowledge that a stranger could never
get. All dry-as-dust statistics are omitted, and only that which is of
prominent interest is given. Authorities consulted have differed, and
mistakes will occur; there will be sins of omission and commission in
the work, according to the point of view of the reader; but they are few
in comparison with the wealth of real information brought together
within this cover.
To the many earnest helpers who have given their knowledge, time and
patience in obtaining and sending these reports, warmest thanks and
sincere appreciation are heartily given; all honor is due to them. We
would like to give their names, but some have asked that they be
withheld and it is thought best to do so with all.
A. MARGARETTA ARCHAMBAULT, Editor.
Philadelphia, June 15, 1917.
ADDENDA
This book, finished for publication in 1917, was placed in the vaults of
the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, as all money was needed for our
soldiers. The present committee, appointed by Mrs. Hamme, has decided to
publish the work as compiled in 1917, and not delay it by trying to
bring the sixty-seven counties up to date. Conditions have been so
unfavorable for new construction, since the war, that little has been
done. The population of towns, however, has been advanced to the 1920
statistics.
A. M. ARCHAMBAULT.
Philadelphia, June 30, 1924.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
STATE FEDERATION OF PENNSYLVANIA WOMEN v
HAIL! PENNSYLVANIA vi
THE PLAN OF THE BOOK vii
PHILADELPHIA HISTORIC FIRSTS 1
CHAPTER
I. THE COMMONWEALTH, OR STATE OF
PENNSYLVANIA (PENN’S WOODS) 24
II. BUCKS COUNTY 161
III. CHESTER COUNTY 175
IV. LANCASTER COUNTY 183
V. YORK COUNTY 193
VI. CUMBERLAND COUNTY 201
VII. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 207
VIII. BERKS COUNTY 215
IX. BEDFORD COUNTY 223
X. NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY 227
XI. WESTMORELAND COUNTY 231
XII. WASHINGTON COUNTY 235
XIII. FAYETTE COUNTY 241
XIV. FRANKLIN COUNTY 247
XV. MONTGOMERY COUNTY 253
XVI. DAUPHIN COUNTY 271
XVII. LUZERNE COUNTY 277
XVIII. HUNTINGDON COUNTY 285
XIX. ALLEGHENY COUNTY 289
XX. MIFFLIN COUNTY 301
XXI. DELAWARE COUNTY 307
XXII. LYCOMING COUNTY 319
XXIII. SOMERSET COUNTY 323
XXIV. GREENE COUNTY 327
XXV. WAYNE COUNTY 331
XXVI. ADAMS COUNTY 337
XXVII. CENTER COUNTY 341
XXVIII. BEAVER COUNTY 347
XXIX. CRAWFORD COUNTY 351
XXX. ERIE COUNTY 355
XXXI. VENANGO COUNTY 363
XXXII. WARREN COUNTY 367
XXXIII. BUTLER COUNTY 371
XXXIV. MERCER COUNTY 375
XXXV. ARMSTRONG COUNTY 379
XXXVI. INDIANA COUNTY 381
XXXVII. CAMBRIA COUNTY 385
XXXVIII. CLEARFIELD COUNTY 391
XXXIX. TIOGA COUNTY 395
XL. MCKEAN COUNTY 399
XLI. POTTER COUNTY 403
XLII. JEFFERSON COUNTY 407
XLIII. SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY 409
XLIV. BRADFORD COUNTY 413
XLV. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY 419
XLVI. LEHIGH COUNTY 425
XLVII. LEBANON COUNTY 429
XLVIII. UNION COUNTY 433
XLIX. COLUMBIA COUNTY 437
L. PIKE COUNTY 439
LI. PERRY COUNTY 443
LII. JUNIATA COUNTY 445
LIII. MONROE COUNTY 449
LIV. CLARION COUNTY 453
LV. CLINTON COUNTY 455
LVI. WYOMING COUNTY 461
LVII. CARBON COUNTY 463
LVIII. ELK COUNTY 469
LIX. BLAIR COUNTY 473
LX. SULLIVAN COUNTY 477
LXI. FOREST COUNTY 481
LXII. LAWRENCE COUNTY 485
LXIII. FULTON COUNTY 489
LXIV. MONTOUR COUNTY 493
LXV. SNYDER COUNTY 495
LXVI. CAMERON COUNTY 501
LXVII. LACKAWANNA COUNTY 505
BIBLIOGRAPHY 509
ILLUSTRATIONS
READING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE _Frontispiece_
PAGE
FOURTH OF JULY IN CENTER SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA 28
JOHN MARSHALL, CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE UNITED
STATES, 1808-1835, PHILADELPHIA 32
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, PHILADELPHIA 34
CAPTAIN NICHOLAS BIDDLE, PHILADELPHIA 52
A QUIET HOUR, PHILADELPHIA 58
THE TRAGIC MUSE, PHILADELPHIA 66
BISHOP WILLIAM WHITE, PHILADELPHIA 86
THE DUCK GIRL, PHILADELPHIA 112
GEORGE WASHINGTON, PHILADELPHIA 116
BRONZE TABLET IN BOULDER, CHESTER COUNTY 176
BAYARD TAYLOR MONUMENT, LONGWOOD, CHESTER
COUNTY 180
MAIN BUILDING, FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE,
LANCASTER, LANCASTER COUNTY 186
CAVALRY STATUE, ERECTED IN 1904, CENTER SQUARE,
HANOVER, YORK COUNTY 198
DICKINSON COLLEGE, “OLD WEST,” CARLISLE, CUMBERLAND
COUNTY 204
THE JAIL, AT READING, BERKS COUNTY 216
TRINITY CHURCH, READING, BUILT IN 1791, BERKS
COUNTY 220
THE VICTOR, FRANKLIN COUNTY 250
PERKIOMEN BRIDGE, BUILT IN 1798, COLLEGEVILLE,
MONTGOMERY COUNTY 256
THE JOY AND BURDEN OF LIFE, DAUPHIN COUNTY 274
GALLERY OF THE SCULPTURE HALL, CARNEGIE INSTITUTE,
PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY COUNTY 292
THE CROWNING OF LABOR, ALLEGHENY COUNTY 296
THE BLOCK HOUSE, PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY COUNTY 298
OLD STONE ARCH ON JACK’S CREEK, MIFFLIN COUNTY 304
ALFRED O. DESHING MEMORIAL ART GALLERY,
CHESTER, DELAWARE COUNTY 310
LYCOMING CREEK NEAR WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING
COUNTY 320
STEPPING STONES, KIMBERLY RIVER, SOMERSET COUNTY 324
RIVERSIDE PARK, IRVING CLIFF, HONESDALE, WAYNE
COUNTY 334
OLD PITTSBURGH AND PHILADELPHIA PIKE, ADAMS
COUNTY 338
COURT HOUSE AND GOVERNOR CURTIN MEMORIAL,
BELLEFONTE, CENTER COUNTY 344
DRAKE MONUMENT WITH STATUE OF THE DRILLER,
TITUSVILLE, CRAWFORD COUNTY 354
WASHINGTON STATUE, ERIE COUNTY 358
IRON FURNACE, OIL CITY AND VICINITY, VENANGO
COUNTY 366
VINEYARD HILL, BUTLER COUNTY 374
MURAL PAINTING IN THE DOME OF MERCER COUNTY
COURT HOUSE, MERCER COUNTY 376
THE DEVIL’S ELBOW, EAST OF INDIANA, INDIANA
COUNTY 382
MONUMENT TO THE UNKNOWN DEAD OF THE JOHNSTOWN
FLOOD, CAMBRIA COUNTY 386
THE GAP BELOW JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY 388
ANTIQUE CAPITAL, CHESTER PLACE, WELLSBORO, TIOGA
COUNTY 396
KINZUA BRIDGE, MCKEAN COUNTY 400
ON THE SINNEMAHONING CREEK, POTTER COUNTY 404
DEFENSE OF THE FLAG, BRADFORD COUNTY 416
HENRY CLAY IRON MONUMENT, POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL
COUNTY 422
ZION REFORMED CHURCH, ALLENTOWN, SCHUYLKILL
COUNTY 426
THE OLDEST CANAL TUNNEL IN THE UNITED STATES,
LEBANON COUNTY 430
SAWKILL FALLS, MILFORD, PIKE COUNTY 442
THE SUSQUEHANNA TRAIL, CLINTON COUNTY 456
ST. MARK’S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MAUCH
CHUNK, CARBON COUNTY 466
MAPS
PAGE
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY 25
COLONIAL WALKS NO. 1 27
COLONIAL WALKS NO. 2 36
GERMANTOWN 146
BUCKS COUNTY 162
CHESTER COUNTY 174
LANCASTER COUNTY 184
YORK COUNTY 192
CUMBERLAND COUNTY 200
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 208
BERKS COUNTY 214
BEDFORD COUNTY 222
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY 226
WESTMORELAND COUNTY 232
WASHINGTON COUNTY 236
FAYETTE COUNTY 242
FRANKLIN COUNTY 246
MONTGOMERY COUNTY 254
DAUPHIN COUNTY 272
LUZERNE COUNTY 278
HUNTINGDON COUNTY 284
ALLEGHENY COUNTY 290
MIFFLIN COUNTY 302
DELAWARE COUNTY 306
LYCOMING COUNTY 318
SOMERSET COUNTY 322
GREENE COUNTY 328
WAYNE COUNTY 332
ADAMS COUNTY 336
CENTER COUNTY 342
BEAVER COUNTY 346
CRAWFORD COUNTY 350
ERIE COUNTY 356
VENANGO COUNTY 364
WARREN COUNTY 368
BUTLER COUNTY 370
MERCER COUNTY 376
ARMSTRONG COUNTY 378
INDIANA COUNTY 382
CAMBRIA COUNTY 386
CLEARFIELD COUNTY 390
TIOGA COUNTY 394
MCKEAN COUNTY 400
POTTER COUNTY 402
JEFFERSON COUNTY 406
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY 410
BRADFORD COUNTY 412
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY 418
LEHIGH COUNTY 424
LEBANON COUNTY 430
UNION COUNTY 434
COLUMBIA COUNTY 436
PIKE COUNTY 440
PERRY COUNTY 444
JUNIATA COUNTY 446
MONROE COUNTY 448
CLARION COUNTY 452
CLINTON COUNTY 456
WYOMING COUNTY 460
CARBON COUNTY 464
ELK COUNTY 468
BLAIR COUNTY 472
SULLIVAN COUNTY 478
FOREST COUNTY 480
LAWRENCE COUNTY 484
FULTON COUNTY 490
MONTOUR COUNTY 492
SNYDER COUNTY 496
CAMERON COUNTY 500
LACKAWANNA COUNTY 504
PHILADELPHIA HISTORIC FIRSTS
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 dated July 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 was _Die 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 issued _The 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 Promoting and 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 schooner _Argo_, 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. The first 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 ship _Polly_, 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,
and Dr. 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 was established 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 in the 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 in _The Aurora_ for 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, the _Philadelphia_, was
built in 1800, by Joshua Humphreys, near Washington Avenue.
The first mercurials made in the United States were produced 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 the teaching 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.
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 was _The 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 was _The 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
United States, 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, the only 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 and
treated 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.
I
THE COMMOMWEALTH, OR STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA (PENN’S WOODS)
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
[Illustration: PHILADELPHIA COUNTY
SCALE IN MILES
0 4 8 12 16
MONTGOMERY CO.
BUCKS CO.
DELAWARE CO.
PHILADELPHIA
NEW JERSEY
DELAWARE RIVER
POQUESSING CR.
PENNYPACK CR.
WISSAHICKON CR.
SCHUYLKILL RIVER
COBBS CR.
SOMERTON
BUSTLETON
FOXCHASE
CHESTNUT HILL
MT. AIRY
OAKLANE
GERMANTOWN
MANAYUNK
OLNEY
TORRESDALE
HOLMESBURG
FRANKFORD
W. PARK
NICETOWN
BRIDESBURG
KENSINGTON
LOGAN
CAMDEN FERRY
KINGSESSING
WOODLAND AVE.
PASCALVILLE
SOUTHWARK
PASSYUNK
FT. BREEZE
L.I.
GERMANTOWN AVE.
LANCASTER AVE.
MARKET ST.
BALTIMORE AVE.
WOODLAND AVE.
BROAD ST.
] 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.
[Illustration:
8ᵗʰ 7ᵗʰ 6ᵗʰ 5ᵗʰ 4ᵗʰ 3ʳᵈ 2ʳᵈ FRONT WATER DELAWARE