Wissinoming in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Matthias W. Baldwin
In the 1850s, this was the site of industrialist Matthias W. Baldwin's summer retreat, a mansion he built on the foundation of an old farmhouse. Back then, stately trees shaded the grounds and a white sand beach lined the riverfront.
Baldwin earned his fortune making locomotives. He devoted himself to social causes as well. While young, he fought for the abolition of slavery and voting rights for black men. Later in life, he built churches and raised money to care for wounded Civil War veterans. A supporter of the arts and sciences, he was also an early member of the Franklin Institute.
In 1888, Baldwin's mansion became the Old Ladies' Home of Wissinoming—a residence for elderly women. The home grew over the years as new wings were added. For more than sixty years, it served as a place where women of "good moral character, quiet spirit, and peaceful behavior," could live out their lives.
[Captions:]
At one time, more than one hundred elderly women lived here at the Old Ladies' Home.
Hand built by Matthias W. Baldwin, Old Ironsides was one of the first locomotives made in America.
Erected by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation; Delaware River City Corp.
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Location. 40° 0.611′ N, 75° 3.237′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Wissinoming. Marker is on K&T Trail west of Comly Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5240 Comly Street, Philadelphia PA 19135, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tacony / Wissinoming (approx. ¼ mile away); Wissinoming: A Green Retreat (approx. 0.3 miles away); Recreational Boating on the Delaware (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Delaware River brought Philadelphia to life (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bald Eagle (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ammunition Bunker (approx. 0.4 miles away); Frankford Arsenal (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bringing Back the River / One Site, Many Ecosystems (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
