Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The McAllister Family Opthamalic Legacy

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 19, 2022

1. The McAllister Family Opthamalic Legacy Marker

Inscription. Near this site in 1796, John McAllister Sr. opened America's optical shop and began a family tradition of innovation in optics and eye care. John Sr. was a pioneer of opticianry. His son John Jr. became the first American hospital optician. Third generation William, working at Wills Eye Hospital, was the first to teach refraction to ophthalmologists, and his son Francis was a founder of the American Optometric Association in 1898.

Erected 2022 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1796.

Location. 39° 56.904′ N, 75° 8.7′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Old City. It is on Chestnut Street (County Road 3008) just west of South 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 127 Chestnut St, Philadelphia PA 19106, 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: Mechanics' Union of Trade Associations (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Brockden Brown (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Elliott Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Crossing the Delaware (within shouting distance of this marker); Declaration of Independence (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Declaration of Independence (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Arsenal of Independence (about 300 feet away); Secretary of the Treasury’s Office Site (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 19, 2022

2. The McAllister Family Opthamalic Legacy Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 830 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.