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Home : Quarterly Archives : Volume 3 |
Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society |
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Source: October 1940 Volume 3 Number 4, Pages 74–83 Old Philadelphia days and doings A word of explanation about the material in the following article may prove of interest. Some of it has been gleaned from a large collection of old family papers. The illustrations, however, with a few additions, are from my collection of Philadelphia Directories. Most of the information has been gathered from the fascinating old Philadelphia newspapers at the "Ridgeway Branch," now the main headquarters of the Library Company of Philadelphia. The idea of collecting these items was my husband's, and I feel that I am only trying to carry on the work which he began. The incidents and anecdotes are taken from a period pre-Revolutionary indeed but extending well into the nineteenth century. They are, for the most part, bright and colorful beads strung upon the unending thread of time. Much has been published about the old houses in Philadelphia. Its important historical career has been well, written up and described at length. Let us now open the door and watch the everyday life of its inhabitants--what went on in the streets? At the wharves? How did the people amuse themselves? Were there many schools?--Well, we shall see. If we look into the export trade of Philadelphia from 1750 to 1800, we can discover more about what was made and get an intimate picture of life of that day. Let us wander down to the wharves on the Delaware and see what was going on at this busy end of town which was, in those days, the center of the social as well as the mercantile life. By no means all the articles made in this city were consumed here. Large quantities of beer, choice cider, soap, flour, potatoes and bread were on their way to Charleston, South Carolina, as early as 1743. One enterprising Captain in that city tells us in the year 1740 - "Any gentleman and others who have a mind to transport themselves and Families to the famous and flourishing City of Philadelphia may apply to Joseph Shute in Charlestown who has a Schooner which will sail in about ten days. She is very well accommodated for Passengers, and has a good Master what will use them well." As I go through my files the list grows, and we find that thousands of bricks, door and window hinges, wash kettles, Dutch ovens, sash weights for windows, two "genteel iron stoves," neat brass dogs for a chamber and chimney backs for fireplaces were shipped. A neat Philadelphia made chaise was offered for sale in 1786 costing 36 guineas. I quote from an advertisement of 1795 - "A Light coachee, in complete order, for travelling and has been experienced to be strong and substantial as it brought five grown people from Philadelphia, and is not much the worse for the journey." Riding saddles, coach harness, riding chaises, buckskin breaches and also an elegant Phaeton, with harness compleat and one Kittereen (?) were mentioned. --Thus, the travelling and equipment for 1796. In 1833 the mail was handled in a "dashing" manner, as you will see illustrated on the cover. The U. S. mail left the office of the Red Lion Hotel, No. 200 Market Street, Philadelphia, for such distant points as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Wheeling, West Virginia; Steubensville and Cincinnati, Ohio. Other mail stages left the same office daily for Pottstown, Northumberland, Danville, Milton, Williamsport, Phillipsburg, Meadville and Erie. For voyages by water there, was "A Philadelphia built yawl, 15 feet long and 3 feet wide with oars, rudder and tiller complete; almost new, having been in the water only twice. To prevent unnecessary inquiries, her price is seventy specie dollars --South Carolina Gazette, April 20, 1797." Writing and wrapping paper, a neat eight day clock made in Philadelphia, wheel barrows, garden seeds and apple trees were shipped to Charleston at one time or another. Drums and three or four pound cannon balls arrived. Also earthenware, consisting of milk pans, flower pots, jars, quart and pint mugs, porringers, bowls, plates, basins, sugar pots, pudding pans and a variety of enameled and gilt china found their way to this port in 1794 from Philadelphia. Quantities of Windsor chairs were shipped, as well as wooden sofas, a neat light Windsor Philadelphia sulky, children's "cribbs," and occasional settees. Spelling books, scented hair powder, saltpetered hams, loaf and muscovado sugar, capers, spermaceti candles, cheese, ship, pilot and water bread, preserved cherries for cherry bounce, butter, northward and Jamaica rum, grape wine--the product of Pennsylvania--and ground ginger all were shipped to Charleston. At the shop of Mr. Andrew M'Kensie one might satisfy the sweet tooth with Philadelphia green gages, white ditto, apricots, nectarines, cherries and peaches, all put up in brandy, as well as blown raisins, old port and Madeira wine. For dry goods, though not all made in Philadelphia, came the following interesting articles: London superfine cloths and cassimeres, calimanicoes, muslins, durants, moreens, rattinets, wildbores, half thicks, kehdal cottons and coatings, calico and chintzs, striped and clouded nankeens, pullicat and India Bandano handkerchiefs, velvets and velverets, a bale of humhums, India Persians, twilled and plain thicksets, fine printed muslinets and dimities. These articles arrived in Charleston in December, 1796, and how the ladies' hearts must have fluttered when they were offered for sale at the store of Mr. John M'Lellan on Tradd Street! In 1791, we find that the time for sailing from Philadelphia to Charleston was about eight days, as apples were offered for sale that had been only that length of time on the way.
Philadelphia & Boston steam pocket line, sailing days Saturday of each week, Steamship William Penn What the sailing vessel of 1791 was like, I do not know, but the above picture shows us what the steam packet of 1852 resembled. In that year Captain Zimri Whelden sailed his doughty steamship, William Penn, 700 tons burthen, 350 horsepower, on Saturdays of each week from Philadelphia to Boston. Choice items, in the early days, as well as now, were printed in the newspapers in other cities and among many paragraphs, the following are worthy of our attention: "Baltimore, April 12, 1792--The statue of Dr. Franklin intended to ornament the principal front of the new Library-hall, in fifth street, Philadelphia, is arrived from Italy via New York; This elegant piece of sculpture is executed in the finest white marble, and is the donation of William Bingham, Esquire, of that city to the Library Company." There must have been, then, as there always are, a number of children who escaped from the parental eye and wandered off. This is the way the problem was tackled in 1799. "Notice is hereby, given that the following places are appointed for the reception of Lost Children: 1. At the house of Frederick Kelheffer, sign of the fleece and dove. 2. At the house of Michael Kitts, Sign of the Indian King. 3. At the house of Martin Riser, Sign of the Marquis de LaFayette, opposite the New Market." The absent-minded were ever present, the following advertisement being inserted on May 30, 1781. "A crimson silk umbrella, with forked brass mountings, was left somewhere in this city, by a gentleman who cannot recollect the house. Whoever has the same in possession, are requested to send it to the French Consul's in Arch-street, for which they will receive the thanks of the owner." Deaths were not overlooked and this notice was to be seen in the Pennsylvania Journal of September 12, 1765. "Since our last, died Mrs. Benezet, and was buried in that laudable manner, so universally practiced throughout America. We can assure the public that there has not been a burial of any note, in this city, for some time past, but what has been conducted in that frugal and patriotic manner, of wearing no mourning."
The widows, must have lived long and flourished in Philadelphia, for the South Carolina Gazette announces - "Between the 26th of May and the 26th of August, died in Philadelphia, five widows, the aggregate of whose ages is 463 years. The youngest of them had counted ninety summers before she had arrived at the 'house appointed for all living'." Arrivals from foreign parts were sometimes commented on. Thus, Franklin's travels were announced in the South Carolina Gazette as early as 1756 -- "Philadelphia, This day the Honorable James Hamilton, Esquire, Benjamin Franklin and Joseph Fox, Esquires, set out for the frontiers in order to settle matters for the defense of the province." The South Carolina Gazette for October 11th, 1785 announces "On the 15th ultimo arrived at Philadelphia, in the Ship London Packet, Captain Truxtun, His excellency, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, late Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the Court of France, after an absence of near nine years." In the South Carolina papers for October, 1771, we read that the Honorable Richard Penn kissed his Majesty's hand on being appointed Governor of Pennsylvania, in North America. What were the diversions of our ancestors? In 1789 they went to Grey's Ferry. "The bridge over the Schuylkill will be in good repair, and attendance given as usual, night or day. The gardens are kept in the neatest order, the grounds decorated with groves and arbours and a great collection of trees and shrubs. It is acommodated with, summer houses, alcoves and seats. There is a saloon for dances, and a green house. A genteel and plentiful table with desserts according to the season, iced drinks, wines, tea and coffee will be furnished on the shortest notice. Fresh fish every day. A handsome Stage-Wagon, mounted on steel springs, with two good horses will run twice a day between the city and the ferry for the accommodation of passengers. The public's most obedient and obliged humble servants, George and Robert Grey" Federal Gazette, Philadelphia, May 23, 1789.
Columbian Pie Houseby John M'Kenzie, no. 3 Goforth Alley running N. from the Dock St., Philadelphia Knowing what was offered for refreshments at Grey's Gardens in 1789, it is interesting to note that pies were pies, indeed, in 1819, and we are given the hint that they were conveyed, to the mouth with a spoon. Operated by one, John M'Kenzie, at No. 3 Goforth Alley (running north from Dock Street) the Columbian Pie House must have done a flourishing trade. Further, shall we say, juicy details are furnished, in the advertisement as follows: "In addition to his old establishment of Mutton, Oyster and Mince Pies, he has fitted up two commodious rooms, where Gentlemen can be accommodated with the best Oysters, raw, or dressed to every palate." We wonder where the ladies ate. It may be a long jump from pies to Mr. Blanchard's balloon which "about 6. o'clock yesterday afternoon at the Circus, in Market Street was used in a grand and successful experiment with a parachute. A dog, a cat, and a squirrel were carried up by a balloon (Shades of the S.P.C.A.!) and by means of a match, so constructed as to burn the connection between the balloon and the parachute at a certain distance from the earth, the parachute was disengaged from the balloon. It descended gradually and in the form of an umbrella brought the animals safe to the ground near Bush-Hill, from a height of above one mile. The balloon, when separated from the parachute, ascended rapidly a considerable distance above the clouds and was found in the evening, we are told, near Point no Point, on the Delaware. It is somewhat remarkable that the parachute and the balloon took different directions as soon as they were disengaged from each other." This interesting occurrence was announced in the Federal Gazette for June 6th, 1793. Balls, both public and private were frequently given. On one occasion, at least, traffic instructions were explicit. We read in the Federal Gazette for February 22, 1795, of the President's Ball-- "Gentlemen subscribers who have not received cards will please to apply at Mr. Oellers, as no gentleman will be admitted without a card. It is requested that Gentlemen will order their carriages to set down with the horses heads to the westward, and to take up their heads to the Delaware, and to direct then to range on the north side of the street and not to draw up till called for by the persons employed for that purpose."
Wm. Coupland's Livery Stables, Harmony Street, Running from Third to Fourth Gay, indeed, must have been the dandy who hired a gig, (anno 1823) from Mr. William Coupland's livery stable in Harmony Street and started forth with his prancing pair. Mr. C. informs us not only that he has barouches and saddle horses to hire, but that he takes horses in at livery and adds, in much smaller type, that "travellers are accomodated on the most reasonable terms." Feasts to celebrate special occasions were in order. The Democratic Society in April of 1794, made arrangements to celebrate the late glorious successes of the French Republic. A civic feast was planned for the first of May to which all the real Democrats of the city were invited. The seat of Mr. Israel Israel was the place, and dinner on the table at two o'clock. Music was not neglected, and the following notice of one Mr. Gualdo, is worthy of our attention. "To the Philo-Musical Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Gualdo, having for divers reasons postponed his going to Europe 'til next spring, takes this method to acquaint the public that during the present winter season, he (every other Thursday), intends to direct a subscription concert of vocal and instrumental music. N.B. In the best part of the room, chairs will be placed for the ladies, and benches for the gentlemen-- Penna. Chronicle, November 27, 1769." "A miscellaneous Concert is announced for Thursday, the 14th of April, 1795, to be given at Mr. Oellers room in Chestnut Street, at which will be introduced that instrument called Harmonica, of which the late Dr. Franklin was the inventor." Going back to earlier times, we find "at the Sign of the Coach and Horses, against the State House in Chestnut Street, Every Evening at seven o'clock precisely will be acted, in several scenes viz., an agreeable comedy or tragedy by changeable figures two feet high, a sight of the sea and ships, a merry dialogue between Punch and Joan, his wife, with several other pleasing entertainments." Penna. Gazette for January 3, 1743. In the year 1737, we find the American Company at the New Theater in Southwark, giving a Tragedy called, "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,"--to begin exactly at six o'clock. After giving careful directions as to where the tickets may be procured the notice goes on to say that, "Ladies and Gentlemen will please to send their Servants at Four o'clock, to keep their places in the boxes." Somehow, we are tempted to speculate as to what went on between four and six! There were many exhibitions of fireworks. Mr. Ambroise advertising frequently and at length, informing his eager readers in one notice that his fireworks are composed of "Inflammable air." Jean Legay also entertained with firework shows, the following insertion being worthy of our attention. "Notice is hereby given to the Officers of the Army and Citizens of Pennsylvania, that as the happy event of a general peace crowned with Independency, has now took place and the glorious Fourth of July (This was May, 1783.) being near at hand, the subscriber has made a large and curious assortment of Fireworks, &."
T.W. Dyott's Glass Works Kensington, on the Delaware The story of Philadelphia manufactures is a long and fascinating one. The Directories from circa 1818 on carry delightful advertising matter with, in many cases, fine illustrations. The extensive glass works of Dr. Thomas W. Dyott at Kensington on the Delaware are no exception. He had a large warehouse at Second and Race Streets and sold patent medicines as well. Dr. Dyott's career was varied and space does not permit me to tell much of it. He was greatly interested in the welfare of his workers. He built a chapel on the premises for the use of the workmen and employed a clergyman to preach to them three (!) times on Sunday. He established a Temperance Society and in his efforts to promote thrift he opened a manual labor bank in his drugstore at second and Race Streets and issued his own money. Bottles with his mark are collected today. Schools of the past must have had a charm all their own. Much could be written on this subject but here is the net result of considerable research. A boarding school was advertised as early as 1728. An English and German school appears later. Also an evening school of Geography. The night school announced in the Pennsylvania Gazette for November 17, 1731 is a little puzzling. "Mr. John Lloyd, a night school, kept in Water Street opposite Mr. Laurence's store; where Arithmetick Vulgar and Decimal, Latin and some parts of the Mathematicks are Taught." In 1743 Mr. Andrew Lamb gave instructions in navigation and arithmetic both vulgar and decimal. There were a number of men who were eager to impart the French tongue and looking over the newspapers one finds five individuals offering to give lessons. No less than twelve gentlemen, though not all at one time, were anxious to give instruction in the noble art of fencing. One Mr. Lemaire, advertising from 1787 to 1800, informs the public that "politeness and decorum will scrupulously be maintained in his academy."
T. Gilpin & Co. Drawing was not overlooked, for eleven artists announced their desire to teach the young of that period. Possibly some of the material was furnished by T. Gilpin and Company, Brandywine, manufacturers of paper. In 1823 they advertise "writing, drawing, copper plate, printing and bank paper." The warehouse was at No. 149 South Front Street, but one wonders if the paper was made somewhere on the beautiful Brandywine. Mr. Samuel Folwell makes mention, among other things, "of that curious art of working devices in human hair, (in which he has long had professional practice in this City), and which will be taught. To those who discover a natural Propensity to this Polite Art no attention shall be wanting." How I should have enjoyed peeping over his shoulder! But the most popular subject of all, beyond any doubt, was the dance. There are twenty-one teachers listed, some working over a long period of time. Mr. Francis kept up his efforts to impart grace for twenty-three years. Many of the names are French. Mr. Quesnet, dancing master, who advertised from 1782 to 1796 gives a number of rules to be observed in his academy. The tenth rule reads that "No gentleman is to appear in the Academy with side or fore arms, as there will be an officer contiguous for the reception of such articles." Shall we take a peep into the ballroom to see what they did? Gavots, Quadrillas and French country dances took place. The Allemand was mentioned--does this mean The German or Cotillion? The Bretagne, Scotch Reels, triple Hornpipe and Rigadoon were popular also.
Swaim's Philadelphia Baths How were the houses in the past equipped for what in these days is taken for granted? I refer to the "Order of the Bath." In 1833 Mr. Swaim offered this solution to the problem. "The building at Seventh & George Street has the advantage of being located in one of the most retired, airy, and at the same time, central positions in the city. It contains two distinct ranges of apartments, appropriated for each of the sexes, having separate entrances, the best female attendants are provided for the service of the ladies. The establishment contains over fifty baths, which includes more than twenty marble ones, lately imported from Italy, made expressly for this establishment, and the residue are of plated copper, zinc, et cetera. A swimming room has been constructed for the accommodations for such as are fond of this recreation." The proprietor quotes Count Rumford on bathing as follows: "It is not merely on account of the advantages which I have happened to receive from warn bathing which renders me so much an advocate for the practice; exclusive of the wholesomeness of the warm bath the luxury of bathing is so great, and the tranquil state of mind and body, which follows, is so exquisitely delightful that I think it quite impossible to recommend it too highly, if we consider it merely as a rational and elegant refinement." In closing I turn to the many interesting letters written by my great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clement Cornell Biddle, to their oldest son, John Barclay Biddle, while he was at St. Mary's College in Baltimore in the years 1829 - 30. They were real students in those days. I have no idea how much the parents helped them with their homework, but I do know just what a college boy of a hundred years ago had to do. Greek, Latin, French and Spanish were thoroughly studied and carefully discussed at length in the letters. problems in algebra crept into the mail, politics and doings abroad were not overlooked. Mr. Biddle, writing to his son one evening in December, 1829, gives us a touch of local color by remarking that the watchman just passed calling out the hour -- twelve-thirty and a rainy morning. Time passed and before the letter was closed, he had called out one o'clock. It is interesting to note that John Barclay Biddle, writing from Baltimore, speaks of the celebration there, on October 15, 1830, of the anniversary of the surrender of Cornwallis. This important occasion has, I fear, been overlooked in recent years. On January 3, 1830, Mrs. Biddle writes to her son that "we have seen something in the papers about the railway carriages at Baltimore. I earnestly entreat you never to get into one. They are dangerous, foolish things." So endeth my tale. I trust that I have been able to draw aside the veil for a brief moment, to give you some lively and vivid glimpses of those days long past but not completely forgotten. |
