Elfreths alley the constitutional walking tour of philadelphia. It is referred to as our nations oldest residential street. Elfreth s alley is america s oldest continuously occupied residential street. The 18th century house at 124126 elfreths alley has been turned into museum to display a house renovated to colonialera times. 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. Located in the old city neighborhood, elfreth s alley is between north 2nd street and. Elfreths alley in the old city of philadelphia is the oldest continuously inhabited. Browse expedias selection of 1456 hotels and places to stay closest to elfreths alley. History visit events partners press newsletter donate elfreths alley. Thanks for such a well written overview of the alleys long history, joanne. 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. This was the scene at deck the alley on elfreths alley, held on december 5th.
However, despite the slew of history that occurred along elfreths alley, what makes it special is something entirely different. Ritz east cinema movie theater 125 s second street, philadelphia pa. I am sure i cannot do it justice, but if you want to look up the story there is a book which you can order and read to your children or classroom. The museum offers tours that tell the story of a pair of dressmakers who ran a sewing business there.
Elfreths alley museum s patrons can find places to park in the area. Elfreths alley the oldest residential street in america. Choose from more than 1,500 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. Whether youre looking for artistic inspiration or to brush up on your art knowledge, elfreths alley museum in philadelphia is the museum for you. Jun 18, 2014 amy bluemle and david cohen, the sellers of the latest elfreth s alley home to hit the market, took great pride in preserving and living in a part of american history. The oldest residential street in the us, elfreths alley is strikingly beautiful, with vibrant col. Amy bluemle and david cohen, the sellers of the latest elfreths alley home to hit the market, took great pride in preserving and living in a part of american history. Elfreths alley philadelphia 2020 all you need to know.
The first houses on elfreths alley were built in 1702, though those standing today date from between 1728 and 1836. Taking a stroll down elfreths alley in philadelphia. 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. Instruments, apparatus, and rare books all relating to chemistry and its related sciences.
And search more of istocks library of royaltyfree stock images that features alley photos available for quick and easy download. 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 united. Also, in the 18th century, german adam clampfer owned both and 2 while he kept a tavern and store on 4 elfreths alley. Elfreths alley association historical society of pennsylvania. Elfreths alley museum parking find the best parking rates.
Philadelphia is by far one of my favorite american cities. The scale of the alley is amazing, it almost feels 34 the size of what we would think of as livable today. Elfreths alley philadelphia 2020 all you need to know before. History visit events partners press newsletter donate history. Once upon a nation storytelling benches visit philadelphia. The houses that line this narrow lane remind us of the ways philadelphias earliest artisans lived and worked it is the homes and lives of ordinary people, said bob bernstein, executive director of the elfreths alley association, a nonprofit group aimed at preserving the alley and educating the public about the sites history. I am sure i cannot do it justice, but if you want to look up the story there is a book which you can. Stop by the gift shop at house 124 where all proceeds go to the preservation and education efforts on the alley. As of 2012, there are 32 houses on the street, which were built between 1728 and 1836.
Continuously occupied by philadelphians since 1702, it holds the proud distinction of being in longer continual occupancy, than any other residential street in the nation the alley and it deserves that name, as it is very narrow can be found just off 2nd street northsouth, between the eastwest streets of arch. Just at the mouth of elfreths alley is one of these spots. We recommend booking elfreths alley tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Elfreths alley museum center city east 126 elfreths aly. Elfreths alley is the nations oldest continuously inhabited residential street, dating back to the 1720s. Check out the new 42foot, interactive touchscreen digital wall to find out what to do in philadelphia and enjoy an 8minute film in an openwalled.
Encyclopedia of greater philadelphia elfreths alley. Every summer, the alley hosts fete day, celebrating the history of the alley by opening every home to visitors, dressing in colonial garb, and more. 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. Consider a session at elfreths alley and capture a part of your own history.
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. But, since 1966, elfreth s alley has been designated a national historic landmark because it remains the united states oldest residential street. His brothers and sisters included samuel, merchant. Download this elfreths alley in old city district of philadelphia pennsylvania usa photo now. See more ideas about philadelphia, historic philadelphia and miniture things. Not only can you can explore these historic homes, the event also often features live music, games, book signings, colonial crafts, demonstrations. 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. Named for blacksmith and propertyowner jeremiah elfreth, elfreths alley was home to the 18thcentury artisans and tradespeople who were the backbone of colonial philadelphia, when most businesses were homebased. Yesterday, june 3, 2016, elfreths alley received a long overdue historical marker from the pennsylvania historical and museum commission. Elfreths alley in philadelphia is a walk through history often considered to be the nations oldest intact colonialera residential street and one of the oldest continually occupied streets in the united states, elfreths alley in philadelphia is a charming, narrow cobblestone thoroughfare that boasts row homes that were built between the. Deck the alley is elfreths alleys roughly 10th annual selfguided tour of private homes festooned with. He is the former editor of historic traveler and american history magazines. Elfreths alley is full of history, and a location with three centuries inside it. On elfreths alley, grocers, shoemakers, cabinet makers, tailors and others worked out of the first floor of their houses this practice changed during the industrial revolution in the nineteenth century, when work shifted to neighborhood factories.
History visit events partners press newsletter donate visit the elfreth s alley museum house this season. Philadelphias elfreths alley the history fangirl podcast. Thanks to all of these features and more, elfreth s alley is a mustvisit tourist attraction, so be sure to stop in at this historic site during a visit to philadelphia. Keep up to date with our activities in the meantime on facebook, instagram, and twitter. The elfreths alley museum is located in the former home of dressmakers and has been restored to showcase their lifestyle. There are 32 houses on the street, which were built between 1703 and 1836. A young man named joe told us a great story of revolutionary history that took place right here. Elfreths alley in old city district of philadelphia. Start at the independence visitor center for information, free amenities, philadelphiathemed souvenirs and ticket sales for more than 100 attractions and tours in the historic district and throughout the region. Deck the alley is elfreths alleys roughly 10th annual selfguided tour of private homes festooned with christmas and holiday decorations. Elfreths alley, is a residential street located between north second street and north front street, right within reach of the delaware river. On todays episode, we talk about the amazing elfreths alley, the oldest continually livedon residential street in the country hard to fit that on a title belt, but still pretty cool.
If you book with viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. 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. Old alley houses like number 112 bear the seal of the philadelphia historical. Our nations oldest continuously residential street. Save on popular hotels near elfreths alley, philadelphia. Elfreths alley is the oldest continually residential street in the united states. 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. I absolutely love walking and exploring the cobbled elfreths alley. Due to the covid19 pandemic and the measures issued by the state and local governments, the new season is delayed indefinitely. The agent behind the listing says the history surrounding the property could.
Two of these buildings served as the elfreths alley museum with a modest admission price. Book parking online to save money and avoid the worry of finding parking. 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 the 18th century house at 124126 elfreths alley has been turned into museum to display a house renovated to colonialera times. View 19 photos for 112 elfreths aly, philadelphia, pa 19106 a 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,480 sq. Moses mordecai, attorney, planter, and first of the name to live in raleigh where his name was given to the historic mordecai house, was born in new york city, the oldest child of jacob 17621838 and judith myers mordecai 176296 and the grandson of noted new york silversmith myer myers.
It has landed on commercials, postcards, and book covers. During the eighteenth century, most businesses operated out of peoples private residences. And search more of istock s library of royaltyfree stock images that features alley photos available for quick and easy download. There is currently construction from the national near the front. Often referred to as our nations oldest residential street, elfreths alley, located in philadelphia, pa, dates back to the early eighteenth century. Its nice to see a comment from long time alley resident rob kettell. This narrow cobble stoned alley, is lined each side with brick houses that were built between the 1720s and 1830s. Hidden history elfreths alley while touring philadelphia recently, we discovered a little street tucked away from some of the other sights, called elfreths alley. The history of philadelphias elfreths alley enchanted. Yesterday, june 3, 2016, elfreths alley received a long overdue historical marker from the pennsylvania historical and.
Located in the old city neighborhood, elfreths alley is between north 2nd street and north front street, in the block between arch and quarry streets. A home on americas oldest residential street with airbnb potential. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. Overview named for blacksmith and property owner jeremiah elfreth, elfreths alley was home to the eighteenthcentury artisans and tradespeople who were the backbone of colonial philadelphia. On one side of each page turn is the way a site used to look circa 1900s and later, and the way it appears now. Elfreths alley museum philadelphia 2020 all you need to. People have been living on this skinny street for more than 300 years. But elfreths alley is certainly the oldest in philadelphia, and probably pennsylvania itself. Id often take visitors here for a taste of colonial philadelphia. A home on americas oldest residential street with airbnb. Elfreth s alley is a historic street in philadelphia, dating back to 1702. Pretty surreal that a banner advertising luxury condos obscures the historical site marker for elfreths alley. The alley is in stark contrast with nearby historic sites, by celebrating the working class of america who helped build this country through sweat and commerce. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund.
The agent behind the listing says the history surrounding the property could make it an attractive airbnb. Limited edition pencil print, original drawing by n. Pretty surreal that a banner advertising luxury condos obscures the historical site marker for elfreth s alley. Our tour guide gave a very informative description of the alley and its residents throughout us history. Today, elfreths alley is an exceptional example of early american structures built between 1720 and 1830 according to the historic marker designated in 2016. For instance, in the 19th century josiah elfreth, whose grandfather was the alleys namesake, lived at 7 elfreths alley for a period of time with his wife and children. Elfreths alley homes on americas oldest street for sale. Elfreths alley museum in philadelphia, pennsylvania trekaroo. The museum contains artifacts and interpretation to help show visitors what life was like for those who once lived on the street. As soon as you enter the alley, it will take you to the colonial times. Discover the true stories scattered throughout philadelphias historic district in the places they actually happened with once upon a nation storytelling benches throughout philadelphias historic district, guests will find storyteller benches featuring free, three to five minute tales and secret stories told by uniformed, professional storytellers.
Search our parking map, compare discounted parking rates and book parking near the elfreths alley museum. Tour guides are available to discuss life of the residents through the years as well as tour the alley for the stories of the homes along the way. The elfreths alley museum, located at 124 and 126 elfreths alley provides visitors with the unique experience of actually entering two of elfreths alley historic homes. Aug 08, 2019 start at the independence visitor center for information, free amenities, philadelphiathemed souvenirs and ticket sales for more than 100 attractions and tours in the historic district and throughout the region. 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. This may sound like the book a childs christmas in wales, but no. See more ideas about history, philadelphia pa and historic philadelphia. The pennsylvania center for the book elfreths alley. Elfreths alley, the nations oldest continuously inhabited residential street, was home to the eighteenthcentury. On elfreths alley, grocers, shoemakers, cabinet makers, tailors and others worked out of the first floor of their houses. Nov 1, 2015 explore lindabalabins board quarter inch project. It was an ideal activity when you only have a couple of hours to spend. Find cheap deals and discount rates among them that best fit your budget. Elfreths alley in philadelphia is a walk through history.
History visit events partners press newsletter donate elfreth s alley. Old city, philadelphia fresh pine boughs, gingerbread, logs on the fire and the first snowfall of the year. Jan 17, 2020 however, despite the slew of history that occurred along elfreths alley, what makes it special is something entirely different. Elfreths alley museum philadelphia 2020 all you need. Elfreths alley is one of the many attractions of old city philadelphia. Elfreths alley museums patrons can find places to park in the area. Elfreths alley is americas oldest continuously occupied residential street.
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