It happens this way …
July 3rd started a block away from our hotel with a celebration with the Philadelphia Fire Department. Since Benjamin Franklin founded the first department, his bust stands proudly near the station.
Then on to the Fire Hall Museum.
Adjacent to this Museum is Elfreth’s Alley, an exceptional collection of early American structures built between the 1720s and 1830s. Diverse artisans first lived here. Later, working class immigrations lived and worked nearby. Today, the houses are privately owned. One recently sold for $800K. One factoid: Because buildings were taxed based on the number of windows and outside steps and walls they had, the buildings are attached with street-level entries.
Next: Betsy Ross’s House where we met “Elizabeth” herself. She corrected us on her name and allowed us to take a “portrait” not a “photo” of her!
The third of July will be continued!
Exciting! By the way, houses in parts of Holland were once taxed based on width of the building on the street. Thus those narrow tall buildings, one room to a floor 🙂
Thanks for the Holland tidbit! Interesting how economy influences architecture!
Has long fascinated me!
Love the photos of these old houses and the story about why they’re all connected.