I stumbled across this amazing illustration while browsing the online Popular Graphic Arts collection at the Library of Congress. (I figure if you're going to procrastinate, might as well do something more constructive than play Angry Birds.) The listing doesn't specify where this originally appeared; the name on the shelf list card is "Webster & Hunter." But it does reminds me of those beautiful, elaborate illustrations that used to appear in Joseph Pulitzer's New York World. Click on the image above for a much more detailed look.
Once upon a time, Philly had the world's tallest habitable building -- our City Hall -- and kept that title until 1908. The other buildings weren't too shabby, either... though I wonder how many still exist. Just off the top of my head, I know the Masonic Temple (#10) and Land Title Building (#15) are still around, and of course they haven't torn down either City Hall or Independence Hall (#9). But the others...? Feel free to share in the comments section, especially if you know where this illustration may have first appeared.
(Illustration courtesy the Popular Graphic Arts collection, Library of Congress.)
4 comments:
Love this illustration. I remember when a building couldn't be taller than Billy Penn's hat. I remember going up there as a child and walking on the brime..or did I just think I did.. heard about it from my Grandmother so many times. Thanks for posting! Love my Philly!
Janet: I'm pretty sure visitors can't walk on the brim (though there is a crawlspace for maintainence). But there is an observation deck right below the statue, and it's pretty stunning. If you're ever back in town for a visit, check it out!
Regarding the ones you didn't mention:
I know the Harrison building was knocked down for Centre Square.
Pretty sure these are still there:
- Witherspoon (on or just behind Broad on the east)
- Stephen Girard on 12th is still there.
- Penn Mutual on Washington Square is still there.
- is the Odd Fellow Temple now the Racquet Club (on 15 or 16th St?)
- Girard Trust building is now the Ritz Hotel.
- Pretty Crozer is the cool old building east of Broad with the blue roof that's still there.
don't know about the others.
Thanks for that rundown, Scoats. At the risk of sounding like a cynic, I'm kind of stunned so many of these buildings are still around. Next time I'm downtown I'll bring the camera and snap a few of these.
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