Notes |
The block of ground between Market and Chestnut streets and west from Eleventh street, was bought by Stephen Girard as a site
for his projected college. Having later decided to build it elsewhere, he erected residences along Chestnut street and, in
1837, upon both sides of the intermediate street which bore his name. These spacious houses, of the typical Philadelphia
design, became the homes of many prominent persons. The Peale, Peters, Ingraham, Cottman, Cresson, Chambers, and McConnell
families were among the residents. Two mayors of the city, Benjamin F. Richards and Robert Conrad, also resided in the street.
The last of the old-time occupants to remain was Miss Anna Tilghmann, who dies here in 1910. During and after the Civil War
the Military Headquarters and bureaus of the Department of the Susquehanna, U.S. Army, were located in some of the houses.
Later tennants included the Engineers' Club and Philadelphia Real Estate Board. The houses on the northern side were displaced
long ago by N. Snellenburg & Company, who have in 1917 built a warehouse upon the southside also.
|