Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Dewey's Sit-in

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2019

1. Dewey's Sit-in Marker

Inscription. Activists led one of the nation’s first LGBT sit-ins here in 1965 after homosexuals were denied service at Dewey’s restaurant. Inspired by African American lunch counter sit-ins, this event prompted Dewey’s to stop its discriminatory policy, an early victory for LGBT rights.

Erected 2018 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.

Location. 39° 56.944′ N, 75° 10.151′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Rittenhouse Square. Marker is on South 17th Street south of Saint James Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located along the sidewalk, directly across 17th Street from the Warwick Hotel entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 235 South 17th Street, Philadelphia PA 19103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Warwick (within shouting distance of this marker); 17th & Walnut (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Latham Hotel (about 400 feet away); Vincent Persichetti

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(about 400 feet away); 1608 Walnut Street (about 400 feet away); The Racquet Club (about 500 feet away); 18th & Walnut (about 500 feet away); 16th & Walnut (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . .
1. 1965: Philadelphia Dewey's Restaurant Sit In. After Dewey's restaurant began refusing to serve suspected homosexual customers three teenagers staged a sit down protest, possibly the first sit down protest in support of Gay rights. Their arrest lead to a campaign by local Gay activists against discrimination at the restaurant. (Submitted on June 27, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. The stories behind Philadelphia's LGBTQ historical markers (YouTube, 3:30). A CBS Philadelphia news clip from June 1, 2023 (Submitted on June 3, 2023.)

Additional keywords. LGBT, LGBTQ

Dewey's Sit-in Marker<br>(<i>tall view from South 17th Street</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2019

2. Dewey's Sit-in Marker
(tall view from South 17th Street)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 670 times since then and 105 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 26, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. submitted on June 27, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.