Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
On this block in 1970
The Arcadia Theater, at 1529 Chestnut Street, opened in 1925 as a first-run, silent-picture theater. Designed by the architecture firm Henon & Boyle, the theater featured an organ to accompany silent films and an advanced ventilation system to keep the audience cool in the summer, setting the theatre apart from its competition.
The theater was gutted and renovated in 1967 to create a sleeker, more modern look. By 1978, it was converted into a fast-food restaurant. Since the 1990s, it has remained a clothing store, and the second floor still retains some of the original ornate décor.
In 1970
President: Richard Milhous Nixon (R)
Mayor: James Hugh Joseph Tate (D)
Philadelphia population: 1,948,609
Events
January 5 — The first Episode of "All My Children" was broadcast on the ABC television network.
March 21 — First Earth Day proclamation was issued by San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto.
April 17 — Spacecraft Apollo 13 splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean.
April 22 — The first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States.
May 8 — The Beatles released their 12th and final album, "Let It Be."
May 31 — The 1970 FIFA World Cup was inaugurated in Mexico.
September 13 — First
this page online
October 5 — The Public Broadcasting Service began broadcasting.
Money matters
Average annual salary for bank branch manager: $16,000
Weekly wage for cocktail waitress: $120
Apples: 25¢ / pound
Eggs: 67¢ / dozen
Butter: 88¢ / pound
Milk: 36¢ / quart
Teabags: 61¢ / pack of 48
Tiffany & Company 18 karat gold bracelet: $1,400
Erected by Center City District; Ride! Philadelphia.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Ride! Philadelphia series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 5, 1529.
Location. 39° 57.076′ N, 75° 10.042′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Rittenhouse Square. Marker is at the intersection of Chestnut Street and South 16th Street, on the right when traveling east on Chestnut Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 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. Brushstroke Group (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John F. Collins Park (about 500 feet away); Chestnut Park
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 4, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on January 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
