Die of a Benjamin Rush commemorative medal. This die is the Obverse of the medal. (Reverse is OBJ 248)., Inscribed: "Benjamin Rush M.D. of Philadelphia.", Bequest of Dr. James Rush.
Oak case with walnut veneer., Inscribed on face, "Johannes Fromanteel Londini fecit.", Days of the month are shown in the square opening below the hands., Gift of William Hudson, Sept. 5, 1796.
Depicts City Hall with "Philadelphia Public Buildings 1876" underneath. On the back is stamped, "F.R. Pratt and Co., Fenton, Staffordshire" and a retailer's stamp, "R. J. Allen, Son & Co., 309/311 Market St. Philadelphia.", Gift of Walter Brenner, 1984.
Removed from 204-206 South Juniper Street in 1949., The Fire Association of Philadelphia was organized in 1817 by volunteer fire companies and incorporated as an insurance company in 1820. It became a joint stock company in 1871., Insurance policy holders were required to affix fire marks outside of their building to inform fire brigades that the building was insured and by which company., Fire Association of Philadelphia fire marks include a fire-plug with a section of hose attached to it, with the letters F.A. on each side of the plug.
John Markoe was the son of Abraham Markoe and his second wife, Elizabeth Baynton. John married Mehitabel (Hitty) Cox in 1804 and succeeded his father as head of extensive business interests in Philadelphia. About 1810 a mansion was built for the Markoes designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe and supervised by Robert Mills, on Chestnut St. between 9th and 10th., Gift of Mary De Witt Pettit, 1965.
Mehitabel (Hitty) Cox was the daughter of James S. Cox of Bermuda, who became a prominent Philadelphian, and his wife Catherine Sitgreaves. Hitty married John Markoe in 1804., Gift of Dr. Mary De Witt Pettit, 1965.
Benjamin Morgan was a prominent Philadelphia lawyer. Admitted to the bar in 1785, he became one of the judges of the District Court in 1821, and, previous to this, one of the founders of the Penna. Academy of the Fine Arts in 1805. Morgan was Secretary of the Library Company from 1792-1825 and one of its directors, 1825-1840., LCP Minutes vol. 9, April 4, 1889, p. 158: “A vote of thanks was directed to be sent to Mrs. Robert W. Leaming for her gift of a portrait of Benjamin R. Morgan.”, Gift of Mrs. Robert W. Leaming, 1889.
Reads, "Virtutis Et Audaclae Monum. Et Praemium" and "D. De Fleury Equitt Gallo Primo Super Muros Resp. Americ D.D." Translation: "A memorial and reward for bravery and boldness—The American Republic presented this award to M. de Fleury, a French officer, who as the first scaled the walls." Mars is depicted on the ruin of the fort treading on the British flag with his sword raised. Reverse reads, "Aggeres Paludes Hostes Victi” “STONY PT EXPUGN xv Jul MDCCLXXIX." Translation: "Fortifications, marshes, and the enemy overcome—Stony Point taken by assault, July 15th, 1779." Depicts the fort of Stony Point and the enemy’s vessels on the river below it., On July 26, 1779, Congress decided to reward Lieutenant Colonel Fleury for bravery in the attack of the fort at Stony Point. Benjamin Franklin, in Paris, employed Benjamin Duvivier, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint, to create the medal. This medal is the first ever struck by a Resolution of Congress., Gift of Benjamin Franklin., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Reads, "Libertas Americana" and "4 Juil 1776." Translation: "American Liberty—4th of July, 1776." Depicts Liberty with her cap and pole. Reverse reads, "Non Sine Diis animosus infans" "17 19 Oct. 1777-1781." Translation: "The fearless child was not without the help of gods." (Verse from the Odes of Horace; Book III, Ode IV, 20.) Depicts Minerva, with a spear and shield, protecting an infant Hercules from a lion. Hercules is strangling two serpents., Gift of Benjamin Franklin., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Tortoiseshell snuffbox with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the lid. Miniature portrait is framed with a simple ovolo moulding of gold. It was commissioned by Franklin as a gift to Georgiana Shipley (1756-1806), the daughter of Jonathan Shipley, bishop of St. Asaph. Georgiana Shipley wrote to Franklin on May 1st requesting a portrait miniature, “Numberless are the prints & medals we have seen of you, but none that I quite approve, should you have a good picture painted at Paris, a miniature copied from it, would make me the happiest of beings, & next to that, a lock of your own dear grey hair would give me the greatest pleasure…” Franklin sent the snuffbox and lock of hair to which Shipley replied on Feb. 3, 1780, “How shall I sufficiently express my raptures on recieving (sic) your dear delightfull & most valuable present. The pleasure I felt was encreased if possible at the sight of the beloved little lock of Hair, I kissed both that & the picture 1000 times: the miniature is admirably painted, the Artist (whose name I wish to learn) appears inferior to none we have in England: as for the resemblance, it is my very own dear Doctor Franklin himself…”, Gift of Stuart Karu, 2009., Exhibited in: University of Pennsylvania's exhibition, The Intellectual World of Benjamin Franklin (1990); Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007); Patriots and Presidents: Philadelphia Portrait Miniatures, 1760-1860 (April 2009).
Presentation medal with the bust of King George II on the obverse and, on the reverse, a Quaker man holding a peace pipe at a council fire with a Native American man. Duffield, a clockmaker, engraved the die; the silversmith Richardson struck it. It was the first peace medal made in America. Benjamin Franklin and members of the Friendly Association would distribute these medals to Native Americans as tokens of goodwill., Exhibited in: Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007); Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
A Queen Anne clock with a brass arched dial and eight-day works., Engraved “Edwd Duffield/Philadelphia” in the boss above the chapter ring., Gift of Dr. Richard Alan Mones, 2003.
Doughty's first version of the lake scene was said to be painted for Henry Pickering, a Hudson River poet. From this painting, George B. Ellis engraved a print which illustrated the poem, "A Lake Scene", by Pickering which appeared in the 1827 gift book, The Atlantic Souvenir. The Library Company's painting is a later version that differs slightly with the addition of a pair of huntsmen., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869., Exhbited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
The South East Prospect of the City of Philadelphia is the oldest surviving oil painting that depicts a North American city. A key at the bottom numbers and identifies landmarks. The arms of William Penn and the City of Philadelphia appear in the top corners. In the lower left corner the artist has depicted himself sketching the scene., LCP Minutes vol. 7, February 5, 1857, p. 92-93: "Mr. Hutchinson read the following letter from Hon. George M. Dallas (Minister to Great Britain), dated London, January 12, 1857 and laid on the table the painting therein mentioned. `I will send for the Phila Liby an antique daub painted as is believed here in 1720 purporting to be "The South East prospect of the city of Philadelphia by Peter Cooper, painter." It is on torn canvas some 8 feet long by 1 1/2 wide. One of the members of Parliament in looking over the rubbish of a City curiosity shop picked it up and brought it to me. The principal buildings of the City at that day are pointed out & 24 good old Philadelphia Householders are named in the margin. Although worthless on any score but that connection with Auld Lang Syne it presents at half a glance so strong a contrast to the Consolidated City of 1857 that it has its interest for a corner of the Phila Library'. Whereupon the following Resolution was unanimously adopted:`Resolved that the Directors of the Library Company of Phila having received from the Hon. George M. Dallas a picture of Phila. by Peter Cooper do return him their grateful thanks for his attention and kindness in procuring & transmitting to them a most interesting & valuable Record of the appearance of our City as it was upward of a century & quarter ago, with a reference to the public buildings & private residences of many of our earliest and most remarkable citizens.'", Gift of George Mifflin Dallas, 1857., Exhibited in: Great Central Fair in Philadelphia, in the "Wm. Penn Parlor" (1864); Pennsylvania Museum of Art's exhibition, The Sea (1935); Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibition, Franklin and His Circle (1936); Corcoran Gallery's exhibition, American Processional, 1492-1900, (1950); University of Pennsylvania's exhibition, Benjamin Franklin Winston Churchill (1951); Library Company's exhibition, Quater of a Millennium (1981).
This painting satirically illustrates animal magnetism or magnetic therapy. On the wall are three pictures: Loutherbourg, an artist turned quack, Yeldell (with donkey ears) a follower of Mesmer, and probably de Mainaudiac, a doctor who advertised magnetic cures and animal magnetism. Also in the painting are packets of "Mag Snuff" and an open book that reads, "Magnetic Effluvia" and "List of Cures" with a dog urinating on it., Labels on the back read “1831 From James S. Earle & Sons, Earle’s Galleries, No. 816 Chestnut Street Philadelphia” and “Library Company of Philadelphia. 3775.”, Engraving in The Attic Miscellany. London: Bentley, 1791 (Vol. I, pictured on p. 121). Engraving is signed: Drawn by Collings, etched by Barlow, published by Bentley & Co., 1790.
The inscription on the face reads, "John Child, Philad[elphi]a." Child also stamped his name on the pendulum bob and in many places on the movement., LCP Minutes vol. 6, May 7, 1835, p. 80: "A letter was received from John Child offering to sell to this institution a clock with an alarm to ring at sundown, which was referred to the committee of repairs and improvements with power to take order on the subject." Vol. 6, June 4, 1835, p. 81: "Mr. Norris from the committee on repairs and improvements reported that they had purchased the astronomical clock offered for sale to this institution by John Child for which they agreed to give one hundred twenty five dollars." Vol. 6, Oct. 1, 1835, p. 85: “An order was drawn in favor of John Child for one hundred twenty five dollars for an astronomical clock.”, Purchased by the Library Company from John Child in 1835.
Gift of the Continental Congress, ca. 1800., Exhibited in the Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibition, Women 1500-1900 (1974). Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
In the late spring of 1777, Caffieri completed a terra cotta bust of Franklin from life. It was said to be the best likeness of Franklin. Thereafter, the sculptor made a number of casts., LCP Minutes vol. 4, Jan. 17, 1805, p. 186: "A bust of Dr. Benjamin Franklin was presented to the Company by Walter Franklin, Esquire.", Gift of Walter Franklin, 1805., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibitions, Quarter of a Millennium (1981) and Benjamin Franklin: Writer and Printer (2006)., Photograph courtesy of Linda Lennon Objects Conservation.
Within a decorative border is “Primary Lessons, No. 8.” Includes five poems, with three relief prints that illustrate the poems. Stamped, Boston Chemical Printing Company, at the bottom. Hemmed around the edges by hand., Contents: The Little child (first line: See me, I am a little child) -- A Morning prayer (first lines: Awaked from sleep, O God to thee I lift my heart, and bow my knee) -- The Child's time table (first line: Sixty seconds make a minute) -- The Infant school boy (first lines: Pray, how can I, a little lad, in speaking make a figure?) -- Anna and her chicken (first line: Mamma, my little chicken see)., Bequest of S. Robert Teitelman, 2009.
“Primary Lessons. No. 5” at the top and within a decorative border includes nine poems. There are four relief prints along the top that illustrate the poems. Stamped, Boston Chemical Printing Company, at the bottom., Contents: The Birth-day (first lines: Try me, father, try me, and mark me on the wall) -- The School (first lines: School is out, but do not shout) -- Invitation to a little bird (first lines: Little bird, roam, quick to my home) -- The Bird's answer (first lines: I thank you, my dear, but I'd rather live here) -- Invitation to a little ant (first line: Run here, little ant, for the pretty bird can't) -- The Ant's answer (first line: Stop, stop, little miss) -- Little Mary (first line: Little Mary was good) -- Mama and the baby (first line: What a little thing am I) -- My mother's sweet kiss (first line: I have learned my lesson)., Bequest of S. Robert Teitelman, 2009.
Decorative handkerchief with three hymns, the first with music, Sabbath School Hymn; We Never Part From Thee; The Golden Rule. Decorative border with a pattern of leaves encircling the text. Image of a Sunday school teacher and children at the top along with open books. Stamped, Boston Chemical Printing Company, at the bottom. Printed within the circle, “Sabbath Schools first instituted by Robert Raikes in Gloucester, Eng. A.D. 1782.”, Sabbath school hymn; first line: Where do children love to go. We never part from Thee; first line: God, who dwellest every where. The Golden rule; first line: Love God with all your soul and strength., Bequest of S. Robert Teitelman, 2009.
Philadelphia landmarks in the painting include Spark’s Shot Tower on the left, the steeple of Christ Church in the center, as well as the Old Navy Yard. Anchored in front of the Navy Yard is what is believed to be the U.S.S. Pennsylvania, which is thought to be the largest sailing man-of-war ever built in the United States. At the right is the steamboat Robert Morris, built in 1830., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869., Exhibited in: Philadelphia Maritime Museum's exhibition, Thomas Birch, 1779 - 1851, Paintings and Drawings (1966); American Paintings of Ports and Harbors at the Cummer Gallery of Art, Jacksonville, Florida and the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences (1969); Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
Eleven samplers, mounted on board in the form of a book, made by Emily Bell while attending the Bethlehem Female Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The sampler includes examples of buttonhole, hemming, and pin-tuck stitches., Exhibited in: The Library Company's exhibitions, The Hook and the Book: The Emergence of Crochet and Knitting in American Popular Culture, 1840-1876, (2001) and The Home Sewing Machine: America's "Queen of Inventions" (2009).
“A Present from the International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1877.” Decorated with blue, yellow, green, and red with flowers and a blue tassel at the bottom. Ribbon mounted on a paper backing which reads: at the top corners, “Highest Premium Awarded” “Centennial Exposition 1876.” “B.B. Tilt & Son. 477 Broom St. N.Y. Works. Phoenix Man’F’G Co. Paterson, N.J.” Decorated with an eagle and inscribed “Trade mark.”, Purchase of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 2013.
Gift of George Allen, 2022., Safety bar pin with metal locking clasp. AEF in the center of a red keystone with a blue background. Written on the recto: Auxiliary. Society of the 28th Div American Expeditionary Forces 1917 1819[sic]. Marked on the verso: B.B. Co. STER. Pat.2066969. The 28th Infantry Division represents the Pennsylvania National Guard and was also called the “Keystone Division.” The Division served in World War I, including at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry.
Profile of Franklin holding bifocals in his hand. Back states, “Commemorating the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s Invention of the Bifocal Lens in 1784.”, Gift of Donald Oresman, 2000.
Removed from its frame in 2007., Verse written to German air by Andre at the request of Miss Rebecca Redman in Philadelphia. MS notes on verso: Autograph of Major Andre's German Air - Words compos'd by Major Andre at the request of Miss Becky Redman Jan 2, 1777 afterwards Miss E. Lawrence, and presented by her daughter Miss E. Lawrence to Henry Penington. Autograph of Major Andre written for Miss Rebecca Redman at Philadelphia in the year 1778 and presented by her daughter Miss Eliza Lawrence to her cousin Henry Penington in the year 1841. Return'd to me after the Death of Mr. H. Penington and I now give them to Foxhall A. Parker U.S. Navy Eliza Lawrence, Aug. 22d 1862. Also a newspaper clipping from the North American, Jan. 28, 1842 with printed version of the poem and notes the 3 profiles that accompany it: Andre, Capt. Batwell, and "Sir John Wrotesb who was one of the managers of the celebrated entertainment...[Meschianza]" Also notes that Miss Redman was one of the famous belles of the Meschianza., Gift of Mrs. John Meredith Read, 1900., LCP Annual Report, 1900: "In concluding this brief review of the year’s gifts, it remains to mention that which Philadelphians will probably considered the most valuable: it is the André Collection, belonging to the late Gen. John Meredith Read, at one time Minister of the United States to Athens, presented by his family to the Library Company. It comprises a large mirror which formed part of the decoration of the Wharton House at the time of the Mischianza; profiles cut by Major André for Miss Rebecca Redman, in 1778, of Capt. Lullum Batwell, of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and of himself; a ticket for the Mischianza, May 18th, 1778, with invitation written on the back and signed by Sir Henry Calder; profile of Major Edward Stanley, of the 17th Light Dragoons, afterwards the twelfth Earl of Derby, and the following verses written to a German air by Major André at the request of Miss Redman, January 2d, 1777:, Return enraptur’d Hours, When Delia’s heart was mine; When she, with Wreaths of Flowers, My Temples wou’d entwine. When jealousy nor care Corroded in my breast, But visions, light as air, Presided o’er my rest-- Now nightly round my bed, No airy visions play; No flowrets crown my head, Each vernal holiday-- For far from those sad plains, My lovely Delia flies, And rack’d with jealous pains, Her wretched lover dies.
Black silk with cut paper on top., Removed from its frame in 2007., Note on top recto: Profile taken by Major Andre of the British Army; bottom: Major Stanly of the 17th Light dragoons 1778, cut by Major Andre. MS on verso: return'd to me after the Death of Mr. H. Pennington and I now give it to Foxhall A. Parker, U. S. Navy Eliza Lawrence, Aug. 22, 1862. The profile of Major Stanly of the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons since Earl of Derby. Done by Major Andre while the British Army was in Philadelphia, and presented by him to Miss Rebecca Redman (afterwards Mrs. E. Lawrence)., LCP Annual Report, 1900: "In concluding this brief review of the year’s gifts, it remains to mention that which Philadelphians will probably considered the most valuable: it is the André Collection, belonging to the late Gen. John Meredith Read, at one time Minister of the United States to Athens, presented by his family to the Library Company. It comprises a large mirror (68 x 29 x 2") which formed part of the decoration of the Wharton House at the time of the Mischianza; profiles cut by Major André for Miss Rebecca Redman, in 1778, of Capt. Lullum Batwell, of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and of himself; a ticket for the Mischianza, May 18th, 1778, with invitation written on the back and signed by Sir Henry Calder; profile of Major Edward Stanley, of the 17th Light Dragoons, afterwards the twelfth Earl of Derby, and the following verses written to a German air by Major André at the request of Miss Redman, January 2d, 1777.", Gift of Mrs. John Meredith Read, 1900.
Black silk with cut paper on top., Removed from its frame in 2007., Label on verso: Profiles of Captain Batwell and Major Andre cut by Major Andre for Miss Rebecca Redman Lawrence in the year 1778, and presented by her daughter Miss Eliza Lawrence to her cousin Henry Penington in the year 1841. After the death of Mr. Henry Penington these profiles were returned to me, I now give them to Commander Foxhall A. Parker. Eliza Lawrence, Aug. 22, 1862., Gift of Mrs. John Meredith Read, 1900., LCP Annual Report, 1900: "In concluding this brief review of the year’s gifts, it remains to mention that which Philadelphians will probably considered the most valuable: it is the André Collection, belonging to the late Gen. John Meredith Read, at one time Minister of the United States to Athens, presented by his family to the Library Company. It comprises a large mirror (68 x 29 x 2") which formed part of the decoration of the Wharton House at the time of the Mischianza; profiles cut by Major André for Miss Rebecca Redman, in 1778, of Capt. Lullum Batwell, of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and of himself; a ticket for the Mischianza, May 18th, 1778, with invitation written on the back and signed by Sir Henry Calder; profile of Major Edward Stanley, of the 17th Light Dragoons, afterwards the twelfth Earl of Derby, and the following verses written to a German air by Major André at the request of Miss Redman, January 2d, 1777."
Reads: “Presented by the American Association of Book Sellers to Hopkins and Seymour for the Second best Specimen of Printing 1804.” Verso reads, “Charles 5th, 3. vol.”, From 1802-1804 the first American book fairs were held semi-annually in New York and Philadelphia to encourage cooperation among publishers. The fairs marked the birth of the American publishing industry. In 1804, the gold medal went to Rober Carr of Philadelphia for a bible. This silver medal was awarded to a new edition of William Robertson's classic History of the Reign of the Emperor Charles V (New York: Hopkins and Seymour, 1804)., Purchase of the Library Company with the help of Joesph Felcone, 1997.
A silk banner that was carried by Thomas Leiper for the tobacconists in the Grand Federal Procession in honor of the ratification of the Constitution in Philadelphia on July 4, 1788., Banner has a painted design of a tobacco plant, bottle and bladder of snuff, thirteen stars, and a tobacco barrel beneath a pink ribbon which reads, "Success to the Tobacco Plant" and the date, "1788.", See Francis Hopkinson's Account for a detailed decription of the Tobacconists in the Procession., On deposit from the Friends of the Thomas Leiper House.
Gift of Tim Long, 2016., Seal for the Woodlands Cemetery. Reads: Woodlands Cemetery Company of Philaa. Depicted is a cemetery urn with a lyre and a large tree on the right. A garden folly is in the far left background with the sun’s rays filling the sky. The Woodlands, the former country seat of William Hamilton (1745-1813), was established as the Woodlands Cemetery Company of Philadelphia in 1840. Located in West Philadelphia on the banks of the Schuylkill River, it has over 54 acres of land with over 30,000 people buried wherein.
Cardboard suitcase with metal reinforced corners and edges. Missing side on bottom piece and lacking handle. Forms part of the Stevens-Cogdell/Sanders-Venning Collection. Given by the family with Bible inside [*Am 1873 Bible 17281.Q (SCSVC)]. Has labels for CC Hinkson, 329 N. 40th St. Phila. [ie Cordelia Chew Hinkson (1897-1983)]; Miss Bunny Hinkson [ie Mary Hinkson Jackson (1928-2014)] address obscured by Bekins sticker. [Cornelia was Mary’s mother]. Also has several Railway Express labels. Inside the top case, metal snap is labeled “United Carr.”, Gift of descendants Cordelia H. Brown, Lillie V. Dickerson, Mary Hinkson Jackson, and Georgine E. Willis in honor of Phil Lapsansky, 2016.
In his will, Dr. James Rush left the following instructions: "...I should be glad that the remains of the late Jacob Ridgway, of his daughter, my late wife, and of myself, should be removed to the new library building...and be placed in some spot within the outward limits of the building, under a plain and simple tablet.....I desire that my wife and myself may be placed in the new library building...The library will then be her monument, and I desire to lie by her side." Jacob Ridgway was not buried with the Rushes. The inscription on the tombstone reads as follows: "Sacred/To the Memories of/ Mrs. Phoebe Ann Rush./ Daughter of/Jacob & Rebecca Ridgway./ And wife of/ James Rush M.D./ Born Dec. 3, A.D. 1799/ Died Oct. 23, 1857./ And of/ James Rush M.D./ Third son of/ Dr. Benjamin & Julia (nee Stockton) Rush./ Born March 15, A.D. 1786./ Died May 26, A.D. 1869. The tombstone was moved to the Library Company's building at 1314 Locust Street in 1966., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
Cardboard suitcase with metal rivets with cloth straps that have metal reinforced ends. Has label of Dehaven Hinkson, 29 N. 40th Street, Phila, 4, Penna. and Mrs. Mary D. H. Jackson, 146 West 23rd Street, New York 11 New York stamped 1961 [ie Dr. Dehaven Hinkson (1891-1975); Mary Hinkson Jackson (1928-2014) DeHaven was Mary’s father].Also has Bekins sticker. Forms part of the Stevens-Cogdell/Sanders-Venning Collection., Gift of descendants Cordelia H. Brown, Lillie V. Dickerson, Mary Hinkson Jackson, and Georgine E. Willis in honor of Phil Lapsansky, 2016.
Staffordshire figurine of Benjamin Franklin wearing a blue jacket, vest with floral decoration, gold-striped breeches, and black shoes carrying a tricorn hat in his left hand and a newspaper in his right hand. Gilded decoration and “Franklin” at the base in gilt. No maker’s marks. Firing hole at the bottom of the base., Gift of Beatrice Garvan, 2015.
David Doret and Linda G. Mitchell Collection, 2018., Label on the front reads: Old Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Where the First Grand □ of F. & A.M. was Held in America. Tun Tavern stood at the intersection of King (later Water) Street and Wilcox (later Tun) Alley. It was the location of the first lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the colonies as early as 1732. The June 26, 1732 Pennsylvania Gazette contains an announcement of William Allen being chosen Grand Master. The Tavern is also regarded as the location where the United States Marines held their first recruitment drive in 1775. In 1781, Tun Tavern burned down. A reproduction was built on the grounds of the 1926 Sesquicentennial and demolished after the exposition ended.