Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
19th & Chestnut
On this block in 1899
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2022
The Aldine Hotel, at 1910-1922 Chestnut Street, began as a brick mansion built in 1850 for Dr. James Rush, son of Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It was altered and expanded in 1867 when Joshua B. Lippincott, the founder of a Philadelphia publishing company, retained architects Yarnell and Cooper to create one of Philadelphia's most fashionable addresses. At $3.50 to $5 per day, the rates were more than triple the average worker's wages of $1 a day. Baseball stars, including Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, stayed at the Aldine while in Philadelphia.
In 1899
President: William McKinley (R)
Mayor: Charles Franklin Warwick (R)
Philadelphia population: 1,293,697
Money matters
Average U.S. salary: $2,992
Postage stamp: 3¢
Loaf of bread: 14¢
Green's Hotel room rates "315 rooms from $1.00 upwards. 60 new rooms with bath, $2.00 and up."
"Table d'hote dinner" at Green's Hotel Cafe: 50¢
Events
January 24—Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine was founded as The Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy (PCIO) in the Stephen Girard Building at 21 South 12th Street.
February 15—The keel plate for the new battleship Maine was laid out at Cramps' shipyard on the anniversary of the destruction of the destruction of the Maine in Havana harbor.
April 11—The Treaty of Paris ending the Spanish-American War was declared in effect. Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States.
June 14—Statue of Benjamin Franklin was erected on the south plaza of the Post Office building [1201 Chestnut Street] as a gift to the city by Justus C. Strawbridge. This statue was later moved to the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in University City.
The Philadelphia Negro was published. Now an American classic, it was the first extensive sociological exploration of an African-American community, conducted by W.E.B. Dubois, a Harvard-educated sociologist.
Philadelphia-based advertising company, N.W. Ayer & Son, turned a biscuit into a phenomenon with its campaign for National Biscuit Company's "UNEEDA" Biscuit.
Maple Leaf Rag was written by the "King of Ragtime," African-American composer Scott Joplin. Ragtime featured vibrant piano compositions that introduced African-American rhythms into popular music.
John S. Thurman patented his "pneumatic carpet renovator" a large, gasoline powered vacuum cleaner.
Thorstein Veblen published the Theory of the Leisure Class, a critique on the "conspicuous consumption" of the nation's business elite.
The University of Pennsylvania
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2022
John Mast of Lititz, Pennsylvania invented the snapping mousetrap called the "Victor."
National Export Exposition, the first of its kind in U.S. history, celebrated Philadelphia's rise as a leading industrial center.
Erected 2017 by Center City District, Philadelphia.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Ride! Philadelphia series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 24, 1850.
Location. 39° 57.112′ N, 75° 10.335′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Rittenhouse Square. Marker is on Chestnut Street just west of South 19th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1904 Chestnut St, 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. 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 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 19th & Walnut (about 500 feet away); 20th & Walnut (about 600 feet away); 20th & Market (about 700 feet away); 18th & Walnut (approx. 0.2 miles 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 28, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.