Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
19th & Chestnut
On this block in 1865
Construction on Dr. David Jayne's residence began in 1865 and finished in 1866. The architect, John McArthur, who also designed City Hall, designed this impressive residence in the Second Empire style. This architectural style includes such elements as the distinctive short but steep mansard roof. Unfortunately Dr. Jayne did not get a chance to occupy the impressive house because he died from pneumonia on March 5, 1866 while the house was still under construction. By 1922, the residence was demolished to put up The Aldine, a motion picture theatre.
"This great white marble mansionstill unsurpassedhas been one of Philadelphia's most noticeable structures for a generation. It was the last of the buildings erected by the late Dr. David Jayne, the most widely known Philadelphian of his time. His preparations were used in every country of the globe."
In 1865
President: Abraham Lincoln (R), Andrew Johnson (D)
Mayor: Alexander Henry (R)
Philadelphians population: 565,529
Money matters
U.S. Army Corporal's monthly pay: $20
Farm laborer's average monthly earnings: $12.75
Machinist's daily wage: $2.56
Philadelphia plasterer's
this page online
Postage stamp: 3’
Philadelphia passenger railway fairs raised to 7’
Events
April 3News of the Union Army's capture of Richmond, Virginia reached Philadelphia, which initiated great rejoicing. The State House bell was rung, blowing of steam whistles filled the streets, and striking of gongs took place in front of Independence Hall.
April 9News of General Lee's Army surrender reached Philadelphia, which had signified that the Union Army had won the Civil war.
April 15The news of Abraham Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. on the evening of Good Friday. April 14th reached Philadelphia, which resulted in general mourning throughout the city.
April 22President Lincoln's body was escorted to Independence Hall by a large military and civic precession.
December 6Slavery is abolished in the United States with the passing and ratification of the 13th Amendment.
Erected 2017 by Center City District, Philadelphia.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment •
Location. 39° 57.103′ N, 75° 10.322′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Rittenhouse Square. It is on South 19th Street just south of Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 30 S 19th St, Philadelphia PA 19103, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named 19th & Chestnut (within shouting distance of this marker); The Alexander Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Alfred J. Reach (within shouting distance of this marker); On this block in 1931 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 19th & Walnut (about 500 feet away); 20th & Walnut (about 600 feet away); 18th & Walnut (about 700 feet away); 20th & Market (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 295 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
