Tiptoe along the cobblestones and check out the 32 homes once owned by the nations earliest craftsmen, merchants and artisans. Elfreths alley philadelphia 2020 all you need to know. Stop by the gift shop at house 124 where all proceeds go to the preservation and education efforts on the alley. The tightness of the alley and the narrowness of the homes give the street almost a miniature, dollhouse character. Elfreths alley in the old city of philadelphia is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country. 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. Make way for fete day at elfreths alley metro philadelphia. Elfreth s alley is the oldest street in philadelphia where people have lived continuously since it was first constructed. 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. This narrow cobble stoned alley, is lined each side with brick houses that were built between the 1720s and 1830s. We recommend booking elfreths alley tours ahead of time to secure your spot. It doesnt get more charming than elfreths alley, americas oldest continuously inhabited street. I visit elfreth s alley which is the oldest street in the usa, dating back to 1707.
Tickets can be purchased at the museum before a tour based on availability. The official trail of philadelphias historic district. Oldest residential street in america opens its doors for semiannual tour. People have been living on this skinny street for more than 300 years. Philly is so steeped in history and visiting a place like this alley give you are good sense of that history. My friend joe lex gave me an awesome book with old philadelphia photos. History visit events partners press newsletter donate back to top. Elfreths alley the oldest street in the usa youtube. 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. If youre into history, elfreth s alley is a cool spot in philly thats worth checking out.
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. Elfreths alley is a real hidden gem within the history of philadelphia. Elfreths alley the oldest residential street in america. Wander through elfreths alley, the oldest continuouslyinhabited street in america. If youre lucky, youll catch one of elfreth s alley s occasional special events, such as concerts and special demonstrations by local artisans. Elfreths alley historic street in philadelphia landmarks. Deck the alley is elfreths alleys roughly 10th annual selfguided tour of private homes festooned with christmas and holiday decorations. Elfreths alley museum center city east 126 elfreths aly. The birthplace of the nation is rich in history lots and lots of history. People are really getting in touch with their roots. 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 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.
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, philadelphia, pennsylvania, united states. In the coming years portions of land fronting the alleyway were sold and houses were built to face it. Elfreths alley museum 126 elfreths aly philadelphia pa 19106. The agent behind the listing says the history surrounding the property could. Elfreths alley museum 126 elfreths aly philadelphia, pa. 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. Elfreths alley rowhouse showcases history inside and out by sally a. A home on americas oldest residential street with airbnb potential. The 18th century house at 124126 elfreths alley has been turned into museum to display a house renovated to colonialera times. Where can i find the oldest photo or daguerreotype of.
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. Its a pedestrianonly alleyway lined with colonialera homes. In the 1770s, onethird of the households were headed by women. Elfreth s alley 20 colonial ambiance attracts visitors, but continuing research reveals a longer, more varied history on elfreth s alley. History visit events partners press newsletter donate elfreth s alley. Nov 1, 2015 explore lindabalabins board quarter inch project. Not only can you can explore these historic homes, the event also often features live music, games, book signings, colonial crafts, demonstrations. 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. But elfreths alley is certainly the oldest in philadelphia, and probably pennsylvania itself. Elfreths alley is a historic street in philadelphia, dating back to 1702. Fete day, formerly called elfreths alley day, is an event that originated in conjunction with the associations preservation efforts. In december, was able to get an exclusive behindthescenes look at. But no peeking in windows real folks still live there. They are often forgotten and not written in the history books.
Deck the alley is elfreths alley s roughly 10th annual selfguided tour of private homes festooned with christmas and holiday decorations. Thirtytwo houses now line elfreths alley, each constructed between the years of 1728 and 1836. The agent behind the listing says the history surrounding the property could make it an attractive airbnb. Book your tickets online for elfreths alley, philadelphia.
National park service colonials and patriots elfreths alley. Save time and money with our best price guarantee make the most of your visit to philadelphia. 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 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. Taking a stroll down elfreths alley in philadelphia. Elfreths alley museum philadelphia 2020 all you need. 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. But, its also the oldest residential street in america too. Hidden history elfreths alley while touring philadelphia recently, we discovered a little street tucked away from some of the other sights, called elfreths alley. 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. Instruments, apparatus, and rare books all relating to chemistry and its related sciences.
The history of philadelphias elfreths alley enchanted. The first annual elfreths alley designer show house will take place inside the museum itself. If you are touring the historic district of philadelphia, especially on foot, take a stroll through elfreth s alley. Elfreths alley philadelphia, pennsylvania monument. Elfreths alley is named for jeremiah elfreth, an 18thcentury blacksmith and property owner. Book your elfreth s alley tickets online and skiptheline.
However, despite the slew of history that occurred along elfreths alley, what makes it special is something entirely different. 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. Pretty surreal that a banner advertising luxury condos obscures the historical site marker for elfreth s alley. On elfreths alley, grocers, shoemakers, cabinet makers, tailors and others worked out of the first floor of their houses. Philadelphia is by far one of my favorite american cities. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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. The alley was not solely composed of artisans, though. 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. Book your elfreths alley tickets online and skiptheline.
Elfreths alley philadelphia updated february 2020 top. 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. One of the fascinating aspects of elfreths alley history is the womens history that runs throughout it. One of the 32 historic homes on elfreths alley just went on the.
If youre a sucker for old citys brick sidewalks and history. The first elfreths alley day was held by dolly ottey in the summer of 1934 to rally the public to the alleys aid. In 1934 the association initiated preservation of elfreths alley, one of the first historical districts. 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. 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. Today, elfreths alley is an exceptional example of early american structures built between 1720 and 1830 according to the historic marker designated in 2016. This was the scene at deck the alley on elfreths alley, held on december 5th. Elfreths alley is named after jeremiah elfreth, an 18thcentury blacksmith and property owner. The museum offers tours that tell the story of a pair of dressmakers who ran a sewing business there. Once upon a nation storytelling benches visit philadelphia. The first houses on elfreths alley were built in 1702, though those standing today date from between 1728 and 1836. Elfreth s alley is americas oldest continuously occupied residential street. Elfreths alley is the oldest street in philadelphia where people have lived continuously since it was first constructed.
Elfreths alley philadelphia 2020 all you need to know before. Demand for land in proximity to the delaware river erased penns dream of a bucolic country town composed of wide streets. 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. Elfreths alley is a historic street in philadelphia, dating to 1702. Elfreths alley in the old city of philadelphia is the oldest continuously inhabited. 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. The alley would be named elfreths alley after blacksmith jeremiah elfreth who lived on the alley in the 18th century.
View more property details, sales history and zestimate data on zillow. National park service colonials and patriots elfreths. The pennsylvania center for the book elfreths alley. 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. If youre a sucker for old citys brick sidewalks and history, it doesnt get much better than elfreth s alley.
The nations oldest residential street, elfreths alley, beckons visitors to take a stroll back in time to colonial days. 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. It is referred to as our nations oldest residential street. 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. 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. It has landed on commercials, postcards, and book covers. Teachers, merchants, and clergy dwelled in elfreth s alley, many times conducting business out of their homes. 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. May 28, 2018 fmr national security adviser susan rice threatens snoop dogg s life on twitter duration. November 6, 2018 neil frauenglass left and george case have retained stone floors and exposed brick in their rowhouse on philadelphias historic elfreths alley. Elfreths alley engagement photos george street photo. The eaa helped save the street from demolition, and also lobbied the city to restore the alleys name to elfreths alley. Elfreths alley in philadelphia is a walk through history.
Elfreth had acquired title, through these two wives, to land on both sides of the alley at its second street end. Elfreths alley homes on americas oldest street for sale at. Dec 06, 2009 this may sound like the book a childs christmas in wales, but no. In 1934, the elfreths alley association eaa was founded to preserve the alleys historic structures while interpreting the streets 300year history. Worth a stroll down this alley for the history though some of the homes are looking a bit tired.
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. 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. 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. 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. See more ideas about philadelphia, historic philadelphia and miniture things. Encyclopedia of greater philadelphia elfreths alley. Brochures available at the museum provide information about the history of the other homes on the street as well. Elfreths alley philadelphia, pennsylvania atlas obscura.
Many of the homes are historic landmarks because they still have 80% or more of the original work in the house walls, floors, etc. But very rarely do you see the homes of people that made america. This may sound like the book a childs christmas in wales, but no. Our nations oldest continuously residential street. Elfreths alley philadelphia 2020 what to know before you. Presentday elfreths alley is the product of cycles of urbanization, decay, and on going. Among the alleys residents were tradesmen and their families, including shipwrights, silver and pewter smiths, glassblowers, and furniture builders. 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. Elfreths alley homes on americas oldest street for sale. Philadelphias elfreths alley the history fangirl podcast. There s also a very short path around a corner to a side nook with the lovely bench in the garden. 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. Whats the most coveted real estate block in philadelphia.
Elfreth s alley is the oldest continually residential street in the united states. Our tour guide gave a very informative description of the alley and its residents throughout us history. During the eighteenth century, most businesses operated out of peoples private residences. A home on americas oldest residential street with airbnb. Old alley houses like number 112 bear the seal of the philadelphia historical. As of 2012, there are 32 houses on the street, which were built between 1728 and 1836. Elfreths alley museum philadelphia 2020 all you need to.
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. It is a very old and lovely neighborhood, still the homes of citizens, and goes back to before 1800. Elfreth s alley is a historic street in philadelphia, dating back to 1702. View a number of architectural styles and buildings that date to the citys founding, and hear about americas history and founding fathers as well. Jan 17, 2020 however, despite the slew of history that occurred along elfreths alley, what makes it special is something entirely different. We did get some information about the history of the alley but not much that i hadnt read before we got there. Although elfreths alley, in the citys historic district close to the delaware river, is erroneously touted in many. It was an ideal activity when you only have a couple of hours to spend. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. 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. Its historical significance is cool in and of itself. Elfreth s alley, which has existed for three centuries as a residential enclave, was not included in william penns original plans for philadelphia. One of the 32 historic homes on elfreths alley just went. 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.