History visit events partners press newsletter donate elfreth s alley. Elfreths alley philadelphia, pennsylvania atlas obscura. The eaa helped save the street from demolition, and also lobbied the city to restore the alleys name to elfreths alley. It doesnt get more charming than elfreths alley, americas oldest continuously inhabited street. He has appeared on abc s good morning america and the history channel and is the author of philadelphia then and now, atlantic city then and now both thunder bay and philadelphia in pictures random house. One of the 32 historic homes on elfreths alley just went. It is referred to as our nations oldest residential street. Fete day, formerly called elfreths alley day, is an event that originated in conjunction with the associations preservation efforts. Elfreths alley museum philadelphia 2020 all you need. Book your tickets online for elfreths alley, philadelphia. Elfreths alley philadelphia 2020 what to know before you.
The elfreths alley association and its director, susan winslow hodge, have once again exercised leadership by publishing, with the support of the quaker chemical foundation, a day book or diary of children born between 1824 and 1830. Jun 27, 2014 not only did the organization save the street, but they were also able to turn the 100 block of cherry street back into elfreths alley. Elfreths alley was not included in original plans for philadelphia. But very rarely do you see the homes of people that made america. I used to live there and run a photoaday website there, and its one of the best cities to live in if youre a history buff. It is a very old and lovely neighborhood, still the homes of citizens, and goes back to before 1800. In the coming years portions of land fronting the alleyway were sold and houses were built to face it. Where can i find the oldest photo or daguerreotype of. Book your elfreth s alley tickets online and skiptheline. Elfreth s alley 20 colonial ambiance attracts visitors, but continuing research reveals a longer, more varied history on elfreth s alley.
If youre lucky, youll catch one of elfreth s alley s occasional special events, such as concerts and special demonstrations by local artisans. November 6, 2018 neil frauenglass left and george case have retained stone floors and exposed brick in their rowhouse on philadelphias historic elfreths alley. Elfreth s alley is americas oldest continuously occupied residential street. Elfreth s alley in philadelphia is a walk through history often considered to be the nation s oldest intact colonialera residential street and one of the oldest continually occupied streets in the united states, elfreth s alley in philadelphia is a charming, narrow cobblestone thoroughfare that boasts row homes that were built between the. Thirtytwo houses now line elfreths alley, each constructed between the years of 1728 and 1836. Jan 17, 2020 however, despite the slew of history that occurred along elfreths alley, what makes it special is something entirely different. Hidden history elfreths alley while touring philadelphia recently, we discovered a little street tucked away from some of the other sights, called elfreths alley. Elfreths alley rowhouse showcases history inside and out.
Philly is so steeped in history and visiting a place like this alley give you are good sense of that history. Elfreths alley homes on americas oldest street for sale. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. See more ideas about philadelphia, historic philadelphia and miniture things. Elfreths alley is a historic street in philadelphia, dating to 1702. In december, was able to get an exclusive behindthescenes look at. Elfreths alley the oldest residential street in america. Stroll through elfreths alley and the old city, and stop to view landmarks such as christ church and the ghost house at franklin court. Elfreths alley museum 126 elfreths aly philadelphia, pa. Elfreths alley museum philadelphia 2020 all you need to. Elfreths alley a national historic landmark the oldest of the residential streets in the united states of america built in the early 1700s by a blacksmith and other residents in the alley were artisans preserved from deterioration, about 30 odd houses still stand as a symbol of historic architecture and a history themselves.
Elfreths alley museum 126 elfreths aly philadelphia pa 19106. As a part of design philadelphia, the local design studio 36 craven will transform this georgian city house on americas oldest residence street into a 21st century home. Instruments, apparatus, and rare books all relating to chemistry and its related sciences. By the time the alley came to be known by elfreth s name most of the present dwellings on the south side and two on the north side, at the west corner of bladens court, had been built. Elfreths alley is named for jeremiah elfreth, an 18thcentury blacksmith and property owner. Elfreths ally is the nations oldest occupied street and 9 is the first on the block and is dated as being constructed in 1703 and is a national historic landmark and certified with the philadelphia historic commission. Oldest residential street in america opens its doors for semiannual tour. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Philadelphia is by far one of my favorite american cities. Among the alleys residents were tradesmen and their families, including shipwrights, silver and pewter smiths, glassblowers, and furniture builders. In 1934, the elfreths alley association eaa was founded to preserve the alleys historic structures while interpreting the streets 300year history.
My friend joe lex gave me an awesome book with old philadelphia photos. The alley was not solely composed of artisans, though. We recommend booking elfreths alley tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Stroll through elfreth s alley and the old city, and stop to view landmarks such as christ church and the ghost house at franklin court. Presentday elfreths alley is the product of cycles of urbanization, decay, and on going. Our nations oldest continuously residential street. History visit events partners press newsletter donate back to top. The nations oldest residential street, elfreths alley, beckons visitors to take a stroll back in time to colonial days. As of 2012, there are 32 houses on the street, which were built between 1728 and 1836. Make way for fete day at elfreths alley metro philadelphia.
Elfreths alley historic street in philadelphia landmarks. In the house, next door to the building brittany and i met in housed two seamstresses who made mantuas, sort of loose gowns that you may know from your american girl days. Although elfreth s alley, in the citys historic district close to the delaware river, is erroneously touted in many tourist guides as the oldest continuously used residential street in the. Tickets can be purchased at the museum before a tour based on availability. We did get some information about the history of the alley but not much that i hadnt read before we got there. National park service colonials and patriots elfreths. Although elfreths alley, in the citys historic district close to the delaware river, is erroneously touted in many. View more property details, sales history and zestimate data on zillow. We walked all over elfreths alley and took lots of pictures.
Today, elfreths alley is an exceptional example of early american structures built between 1720 and 1830 according to the historic marker designated in 2016. The heroic efforts of residents and local historians from the 1930s to 1960s preserved the alley as a typical colonial street, led by resident dolly ottey. Philadelphias elfreths alley the history fangirl podcast. I n cities like boston, new york, and baltimore, it is not difficult to find examples of eighteenth century rowhouses in the older residential sections. Elfreths alley, the nations oldest continuously inhabited residential street, was home to the eighteenthcentury. The first elfreths alley day was held by dolly ottey in the summer of 1934 to rally the public to the alleys aid. Bob skiba is an acclaimed tour guide and an expert on philadelphia history and culture. Once upon a nation storytelling benches visit philadelphia. Elfreths alley formed in the early 1700s after two landowners combined properties to make a cart path to the river has seen and survived multiple uses and nonuses in. This may sound like the book a childs christmas in wales, but no. Brochures available at the museum provide information about the history of the other homes on the street as well.
Aug 09, 2004 that still happens, said beth richards, executive director of the elfreth s alley association, which was founded in the 1930s to preserve the street s history. Elfreths alley, philadelphia, pennsylvania, united states. Elfreths alley formed in the early 1700s after two landowners combined properties to make a cart path to the river has seen and survived multiple uses and nonuses in its more than 300 years. Tiptoe along the cobblestones and check out the 32 homes once owned by the nations earliest craftsmen, merchants and artisans. Our tour guide gave a very informative description of the alley and its residents throughout us history. Elfreths alley in the old city of philadelphia is the oldest continuously inhabited. Elfreth s alley is a historic street in philadelphia, dating back to 1702. May 28, 2018 fmr national security adviser susan rice threatens snoop dogg s life on twitter duration.
Consider this the essential 23stop guide to philadelphias historic district, an area that spans from the delaware river to seventh street and from vine to lombard streets. Taking a stroll down elfreths alley in philadelphia. Many of the homes are historic landmarks because they still have 80% or more of the original work in the house walls, floors, etc. Elfreths alley the oldest street in the usa youtube. A home on americas oldest residential street with airbnb. The first annual elfreths alley designer show house will take place inside the museum itself. Dec 06, 2009 this may sound like the book a childs christmas in wales, but no. Elfreths alley is named after jeremiah elfreth, an 18thcentury blacksmith and property owner. View a number of architectural styles and buildings that date to the citys founding, and hear about americas history and founding fathers as well.
Encyclopedia of greater philadelphia elfreths alley. Elfreths alley philadelphia, pennsylvania monument. The first houses on elfreths alley were built in 1702, though those standing today date from between 1728 and 1836. This narrow cobble stoned alley, is lined each side with brick houses that were built between the 1720s and 1830s. Elfreths alley homes on americas oldest street for sale at. They are often forgotten and not written in the history books. Elfreth s alley is the oldest continually residential street in the united states. Elfreths alley philadelphia updated february 2020 top. Worth a stroll down this alley for the history though some of the homes are looking a bit tired. The pennsylvania center for the book elfreths alley. Not only can you can explore these historic homes, the event also often features live music, games, book signings, colonial crafts, demonstrations. Its historical significance is cool in and of itself. Old alley houses like number 112 bear the seal of the philadelphia historical. But no peeking in windows real folks still live there.
Nov 1, 2015 explore lindabalabins board quarter inch project. Elfreths alley philadelphia 2020 all you need to know. If youre a sucker for old citys brick sidewalks and history. Elfreth s alley is the oldest street in philadelphia where people have lived continuously since it was first constructed. The elfreths alley museum located at houses 124 and 126 celebrates the working class of america who helped build this country through sweat and commerce. Named for blacksmith and property owner jeremiah elfreth, elfreth s alley was home to the eighteenthcentury artisans and tradespeople who were the backbone of colonial philadelphia.
Elfreth s alley, which has existed for three centuries as a residential enclave, was not included in william penns original plans for philadelphia. Whats the most coveted real estate block in philadelphia. It was an ideal activity when you only have a couple of hours to spend. The majority of the homes are occupied, so be mindful and dont be like me and accidentally peer into what you believe to be an empty home. Children can pick up a story flag at any once upon a nation storytelling bench locations, then collect a star from every storyteller on their journey. The official trail of philadelphias historic district. One of the fascinating aspects of elfreths alley history is the womens history that runs throughout it. Elfreths alley philadelphia 2020 all you need to know before. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Elfreths alley the constitutional walking tour of philadelphia. I visit elfreth s alley which is the oldest street in the usa, dating back to 1707. Photograph for the encyclopedia of greater philadelphia by jamie castagnoli. If youre a sucker for old citys brick sidewalks and history, it doesnt get much better than elfreth s alley. It is a credit to the elfreths alley association that tourists from all over the country and the world are able to explore the cobblestone street and its history.
Demand for land in proximity to the delaware river erased penns dream of a bucolic country town composed of wide streets. Elfreths alley in philadelphia is a walk through history. Flags with all the stars can be redeemed for a history hero certificate and a free carousel ride on the parx liberty carousel at franklin square. Elfreths alley museum center city east 126 elfreths aly. Its a pedestrianonly alleyway lined with colonialera homes. Pretty surreal that a banner advertising luxury condos obscures the historical site marker for elfreth s alley. The agent behind the listing says the history surrounding the property could make it an attractive airbnb. However, despite the slew of history that occurred along elfreths alley, what makes it special is something entirely different. On elfreths alley, grocers, shoemakers, cabinet makers, tailors and others worked out of the first floor of their houses.
Save time and money with our best price guarantee make the most of your visit to philadelphia. Elfreths alley is the oldest street in philadelphia where people have lived continuously since it was first constructed. Visit the betsy ross house where the philadelphia patriot believed to have made the first american flag and see how. Elfreths alley rowhouse showcases history inside and out by sally a. One of the 32 historic homes on elfreths alley just went on the. Wander through elfreths alley, the oldest continuouslyinhabited street in america. Apr 17, 2019 9 elfreth s alley, with origins dating to the mid1700s, is on the market for the first time in nearly 40 years. The history of philadelphias elfreths alley enchanted. Book your elfreths alley tickets online and skiptheline. In the 1770s, onethird of the households were headed by women. Ottey fought to combat deterioration of the alley in the early 20th century and lead efforts to form the elfreths alley association eaa in 1934.
It has landed on commercials, postcards, and book covers. Mostly seen in fictional, magical movies or in 19thcentury classic romantic movies, elfreths alley in philadelphia is a reallife fantasy for couples who want to have a unique and artistic engagement photo session elfreths alley has been around since 1702 and is one of the nations oldest residential streets. Elfreths alley engagement photos george street photo. If youre into history, elfreth s alley is a cool spot in philly thats worth checking out.
Elfreths alley is a real hidden gem within the history of philadelphia. This was the scene at deck the alley on elfreths alley, held on december 5th. Elfreths alley is a historic street in philadelphia, dating back to 1702. Im sure the museum at elfreths alley could direct you to a daguerreotype if they have one if one exists or the historical society of pennsylvania as mel blumberg said. Elfreths alley in the old city of philadelphia is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country.
The agent behind the listing says the history surrounding the property could. Deck the alley is elfreths alleys roughly 10th annual selfguided tour of private homes festooned with christmas and holiday decorations. Although elfreths alley, in the citys historic district close to the delaware river, is erroneously touted in many tourist guides as the oldest continuously used residential street in the. Over 300 years later, the historic 32 houses that line the street remain hot properties, and this ittybitty cobblestone alley is a designated national historic landmark.
People have been living on this skinny street for more than 300 years. During the eighteenth century, most businesses operated out of peoples private residences. National park service colonials and patriots elfreths alley. The birthplace of the nation is rich in history lots and lots of history.
The tightness of the alley and the narrowness of the homes give the street almost a miniature, dollhouse character. Title searches were made to establish the physical development of the alley and definitive historical and genealogical research begun to determine the background, relationships, and activities of the people who lived on and were associated with elfreth s alley. The 18th century house at 124126 elfreths alley has been turned into museum to display a house renovated to colonialera times. The history of 126 elfreth s alley is the bestdocumented of the houses, due to its status as one the only two houses there, permanently open to the public.
The alley would be named elfreths alley after blacksmith jeremiah elfreth who lived on the alley in the 18th century. In 1934 the association initiated preservation of elfreths alley, one of the first historical districts. There s also a very short path around a corner to a side nook with the lovely bench in the garden. A home on americas oldest residential street with airbnb potential.
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