Bringing It All Together

Historic Philadelphia Group Presents:

Famous Firsts in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is famous for its historical firsts, from the founding of our country, to the first public school in the colonies, to the first public library. Many other significant “firsts” occurred in Philadelphia’s history such as the creation of America’s first zoo, first botanical gardens, and first hospital. These places are occasionally overlooked, but add to the significance and history of this great city.

America’s First Zoo

The sign welcoming visitors into the Philadelphia Zoo proclaims its historic significance.

Observing rare and exotic animals had always been a popular activity in early America. In Philadelphia, Dr. William Camac, along with other prominent Philadelphians, developed the plans for the country’s first zoo. The zoo would be a place for all people to come and enjoy the interesting wildlife such as African elephants and other peculiar creatures. The zoo has played a prominent role in several facets of Pennsylvania’s history due to its location. On zoo property lies the house of John Penn, the grandson of William Penn, Pennsylvania’s founder. According to the zoo website, “[Penn’s home] the Solitude is considered to be Philadelphia's most precise and elegant expression of neoclassical style." (About America’s). In addition, the historic gates that lead into the zoo and the zoo’s geographical location have not changed since its opening in 1874. The zoo’s effect on Philadelphia has been especially strong through its conservation and education efforts. It stands as a historical landmark of Philadelphia and is an example of the city’s monumental firsts (“About America’s”).

Important Dates and Achievements at the Zoo:

Zoological Society of Philadelphia established	March 21, 1859
Philadelphia Zoo grand opening	July 1, 1874
First successful birth of an echidna in North America	April 1983
First successful birth of a giant river otter in North America	March 2004

(“Major Events”)

Bartram’s Botanical Gardens

John Bartram's house, first built in 1731, is also a historic landmark.

Another “first” of note was the creation of Bartram’s Botanical Gardens in Southwest Philadelphia. John Bartram, a well-known philosopher, scientist and botanist, founded the garden in 1728. He was one of the several famous “thinkers” in Philadelphia at the time. Bartram believed that the preservation of plants and the documentation of the fauna of the new world were extremely important. He established the garden to display the various plants he collected on his travels and is even credited with saving the Franklinia alatamaha tree from extinction. The botanical garden was the first of its kind and has attracted many visitors to see the beauty of the rare plants and flowers. Bartram’s efforts have added to Philadelphia’s rich history of conservation of nature. In order to ensure that this beautiful place remained a part of the city, the City of Philadelphia bought the property in 1891 in order to preserve it a public park and historical site (“Historic Bartram’s Garden”).

America’s first capital city is full of historical firsts. Featuring groundbreaking attractions such as America’s first zoo and the beautiful botanical gardens, the “City of Brotherly Love” has pioneered many of the things that make “America the Beautiful” what it is today.

Pennsylvania Hospital

The main building of the Pennsylvania Hospital, which sports a statue of William Penn at the center.

The Pennsylvania Hospital, which is located in Old City, was the very first hospital in both the Philadelphia and the nation. It was founded in 1751, a joint effort by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond (“History of Pennsylvania Hospital”). The Hospital served as a center of care for both colonial and British troops during the American Revolution. In 1997 the Pennsylvania Hospital merged with the University of Pennsylvania health care system. Still a functioning hospital facility, the Pennsylvania Hospital celebrated its 250^th on May 11, 2001, which makes it the longest running hospital in the United States (“History of Pennsylvania Hospital”).

Sources:

About America’s first zoo. (2010) Retrieved April 5, 2010, from

http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/about/AboutZoo.htm.

Historic Bartram’s Garden. (2000) Retrieved from

http://www.ushistory.org/tour/tour_bartram.htm

History of Pennsylvania Hospital: Historical Timeline. (2010) Retrieved April 12, 2010, from

http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/paharc/timeline/

Major events in zoo history. (2010) Retrieved April 5, 2010, from

http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/about/AboutZoo/150-Years/Major-Events-In-Zoo-History.htm.

Written by Leann Ziobro and Olive Sheehan

Edited by Andrew P Crowley

All photos credited to Wikimedia Commons:

Zoo Photo

Garden Photo

Hospital Photo

Philadelphia: The City of Ghostly Love

Philadelphia has stood as an important city in America since the inception of the country; it was even the first capitol of the United States. It is impossible to deny that the city is incredibly rich in history, as it was home to many of the founding fathers and provided the setting for the signing of several important documents, including the Declaration of Independence. Although the aforementioned aspects are the most well-known and traditionally historical facts about Philadelphia, another area that most people are unaware of exists. Ghosts and legends bring the past alive and carry Philadelphia’s history to the present.

The City Tavern

The City Tavern: offering food and the chills.

The City Tavern was built in 1773, and quickly became a favorite hangout for many of the founding fathers (Freedom’s corner). It was so popular that it served as the meeting place for the first Continental Congress and the first Independence Day celebration was held at the tavern on July 4, 1777. Unfortunately, the tavern was partially destroyed by a fire in 1834. Although the building was restored and the City Tavern continues to be a popular restaurant in Old City to this day, certain aspects of the tavern have not been the same since the fire: including the acquisition of a ghost. The tavern was holding a wedding the day of the fire. All the men remained on the main floor of the tavern while the entire bridal party utilized the second floor of the building, eventually becoming trapped. The groom was not able to rescue his bride, and she died in the fire along with the other women. To this day, guests and workers have reported seeing the spirit of the bride searching for her husband.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The tomb of the unknown soldier, especially ghostly at night.

Washington Square, one of the five public parks laid out by William Penn, was used as a burial yard for strangers from 1704-1794 (Delco ghosts). By 1778, it became the burial ground to thousands of soldiers who died in Philadelphia, and in 1954 a monument was erected to honor George Washington and an unknown soldier (US history, 1995). The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the only monument that is dedicated to the unknown soldiers of the Revolutionary War. The soldiers, however, are not left to rest in peace. The square is said to be haunted by a woman named Leah who patrolled the grounds to ward off grave robbers (Delco ghosts).

Independence Hall

Independence Hall boasts some alleged sightings of the ghosts of Founding Fathers.

Independence Hall is a significant aspect of the National Historic Park (Haunted houses, 2006). It was here that the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Second Continental Congress met. The building has been restored to its original appearance as much as possible, right down to the furniture. Since the founding fathers spent so much time here making important decisions for the country, it is no surprise that some of them continue return centuries later. The apparitions of Ben Franklin and Benedict Arnold have both been seen in Independence Hall. Some say that Ben struggles to find his eternal resting place, so he haunts many of his favorite places in Philadelphia in an attempt to find it. The theory about Benedict Arnold, however, is that he is reliving his troubles at Independence Hall, having died a bitter and resentful man. He was, after all, banished from America for his infamous treason.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether or not the ghost stories are true, they are as much a part of Philadelphia’s history as the concrete facts. The ghosts each play a key role in the history of the places in which they are said to inhabit. The ghost stories themselves also change throughout history, adding an entirely new dimension to historical Philadelphia.


Photo Credit: Ana Miller
Writing: Kelly Till
Editing: Ana Miller

Works Cited

Delco ghosts. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2010 from Washington square: http://www.delcoghosts.com/ wash_square.html.

Freedom’s corner haunts and history. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2010 from: http://sites.google.com/ site/ hauntsandhistory/ freedom'scornerhaunts&history2.

Haunted houses. (2006). Retrieved March 29, 2010 from Independence hall: http://www.hauntedhouses.com/ states/ pa/ independence_hall.cfm.

US history. (1995). Retrieved March 29, 2010 from Independence hall association, Tomb of the unknown soldier: http://www.ushistory.org/ tour/ tour_tomb.htm.

Disease in Philadelphia

Disease in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, like all major cities, has had its share of disease and sickness. These outbreaks of deadly epidemics are as much a part of the city’s history as Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell and have played a very unique part in shaping both Philadelphia and its inhabitants. The bodies of water and swamplands surrounding Philadelphia and the city’s history of poor sanitation have caused it to be home to a number of outbreaks of infectious diseases. Like many American cities, Philadelphia was abandoned by a large portion of its population every summer for fear of disease.

The consumption of contaminated and poorly treated river water from the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers caused disease outbreaks in Philadelphia.

Yellow Fever Epidemic and Other Early Diseases

Yellow Fever was one of the most fearsome of diseases that struck the early Americas, and Philadelphia had some of the worst outbreaks. Yellow Fever is transmitted through mosquito bites and takes 3 to 5 days to inoculate before mild symptoms first appear. After just twenty-four hours from the initial symptoms (nausea, headache, fever, and vomiting), more serious ones begin that appear similar to jaundice. Finally, the victim suffers internal hemorrhage and begins to vomit blood before slipping into a coma. Once a victim passes into the heavier symptoms they only have about a 50% chance of survival. Even today there is no cure for this disease, only prevention by vaccination.

Philadelphia has been home to Yellow Fever throughout most of its early history, but the worst and most famous epidemics occurred in 1762 and 1793. Though the episode in 1762 hit hard, it was short-lived, occurring for a period of about 2 months. The 1793 epidemic was more severe, lasted approximately four months, and devastated the city (Archiving Early America). It is estimated that between 2,000 and 4,000 people died out of about 55,000 people who lived in the city (Archiving Early America, Eyewitness to History). Smaller outbreaks of Yellow Fever would plague the city for the next decade. This is significant because Philadelphia at this time was the United States Capitol and seat of government as well as the nation’s largest city. This outbreak not only affected Philadelphia but the entire country in one way or another.

The Pennsylvania Hospital, founded by Benjamin Franklin, was the first hospital in both Philadelphia and the nation itself.

In addition to Yellow Fever, Philadelphia suffered a number of other serious diseases including smallpox, Scarlet Fever, measles and influenza. Smallpox was a common European disease that ravaged the city in 1731, 1736, 1756, 1759, and 1773. Smallpox created symptoms of fever, headache, muscle ache, nausea and vomiting, as well as the characteristic smallpox skin eruptions. Doctors inoculated patients to prevent the disease, and while this was effective for the person inoculated, he or she was still able spread the disease to other people. Philadelphia’s last outbreak of smallpox was in 1777 (Archiving Early America). A major outbreak of measles occurred in both Philadelphia and New York in 1788. Philadelphia was also hit hard by an episode of Typhus in 1837 (Epidemics in the US 1657-1918). In the years following the Civil War, Philadelphia, along with many other major cities, suffered from series of recurring bouts of smallpox, cholera, typhus, typhoid, Scarlet Fever, and Yellow Fever (Epidemics in the US 1657-1918). Finally, in 1918, “Liberty Loan parade in Philadelphia [prompted] a huge outbreak of the flu epidemic in the city. By the time the epidemic ended, an estimated 30 million people were dead worldwide” (History.com). As a direct result of the parade thousands became infected, the city was quarantined, and 12,000 Philadelphians were killed from the flu (History.com).

Recent History

In 1976, an interesting and deadly event occurred in Philadelphia at an American Legion Convention celebrating the Bicentennial of the nation. In the weeks following the meeting, 221 people had contracted a disease and 34 had died from it. Before its identification, the disease was called the “Philly Killer” but it was finally identified about six months later as a newly discovered bacteria Legionella pneumophila. The source of the bacteria was the hotel where all the American Legion members had stayed (Science Clarified). Though not widespread nor an epidemic, this was the first discovery of Legionella pneumophila and an important sickness that has affected Philadelphia in the recent past.
Finally, Philadelphia, as well as the rest of the world, has recently had an H1N1 outbreak. H1N1, or swine flu, has very similar symptoms to most other forms of influenza. The danger with H1N1 is its ease of communicability (H1N1: Swine Flu). It is very quick to infect one person and then turn around and infect someone else. Swine Flu has been and is a serious concern in Philadelphia and around the world. Epidemics have been, and will continue to be, an important aspect of Philadelphia history and has shaped the city and its people from colonial times to present day. Though disease has left no physical monuments behind, it is very much a part of Philadelphia’s history and has heavily influenced the city.

Works Cited

Archiving Early America, “Epidemics in Colonial Philadelphia 1699-1799 and the Risk of Dying”,      http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2007_winter_spring/epidemics.html. (accessed 3/11/10)

“Epidemics in the US 1657-1918”, http://jefferson.ilgenweb.net/epidemics.html. (accessed 3/14/10)

Eyewitness to History, “Yellow Fever Attacks Philadelphia, 1793”, http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/yellowfever.htm. (accessed 3/9/10)

“H1N1: Swine Flu”, http://www.stopgerms.org/documents/h1n1.html?gclid=CLXHlZjeu6ACFRwTswod9nww UQ. (accessed 3/10/10)

History.com, “September 28th, 1918: Flu Epidemic Hits Philadelphia”, http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/flu-epidemic-hits-philadelphia. (accessed 3/12/10)

Science Clarified, “Legionnaires' disease”,
http://www.scienceclarified.com/Io-Ma/Legionnaires-Disease.html. (accessed 3/14/10)

LGBT Movements in Philadelphia

History

The LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) movements seek similar goals of social equality and rights for gender and sexual-orientation minorities. Historically, the LGBT movement pioneered its petition for rights on the east coast in the major cities of New York City, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission established the first historical marker for this movement in 2005. Located in Old City near Independence Hall, this historical marker denotes the “Annual Reminders” which took place from 4 July 1965 and repeated every year until 1969. These peaceful protests included both men and women, dressed in professional attire, who came together to express their desire for equal civil rights (Annual Reminder Marker 1). Barbara Gittings, an instrumental component in these early demonstrations, worked as one of the first LGBT activist leaders in the United States and lived in the Philadelphia area for part of her life (Rapp 1). In addition to helping the movement progress in Philadelphia, Gittings founded a Daughters of Bilitis in New York and worked to remove homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association’s list of mental illnesses in the 1970’s (Rapp 2). 

Additionally, a group of African-Americans demonstrated in the mid 1960’s through a series of sit-ins at Dewey’s Lunch Counter in Philadelphia. Several employees, directed by the owners, refused to serve youths who were dressed in “non-conformist clothing.” In the first event, a handful of participants, who refused to leave, were arrested. Eventually, the restaurant conceded to serve all customers regardless of sexual orientation or race (Roberts 1).

The Equality Forum

The Equality Forum, a non-profit organization directed by a Board of Directors and a National Board of Governors, provides a wide variety of initiatives to the educate the public and to promote civil rights (Equality Forum- About Us, Governance). First, each spring the Annual Equality Forum, a Global LGBT event, hosts a variety of programs for educational purposes. In 2010, the forum will take place in Philadelphia from 26 April to 2 May and will include highlights such as the International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center and SundayOUT at the Piazza (with seven hours of live music as well as an appearance of a variety of community organizations) (Equality Forum 2010). In a

ddition, since 2006, Equality Forum designates October as GLBT history month. Each day, the organization introduces a new historical or current activist for civil rights and presents a biography as well as photographs and videos about the individual as a way to inform the public about the movement . Equality Forum has produced three documentaries, Jim in Bold, Gay Pioneers, and Saint of 9/11, which all give different perspectives on the impact and the necessity of the LGBT movement. Finally, Equality For

um incorporates two other political initiatives to their organization: Program 1138 and Identification of the GLBT vote. The first discusses rights denied to same-sex couples and includes stories of local couples. The second identifies and confirms the impact of gay votes in various regions of the country (Equality Forum- About Us). The website, http://equalityforum.com/index.cfm, provides clear information about upcoming events and insightful information about the history and current events of the LGBT movement in Philadelphia.

Works Cited

Annual Reminder Marker. 2009. National Trust For Historic Preservation. 17 February 2010. .
Equality Forum. 2010. 17 February 2010. .
Rapp, Linda. Barbara Gittings. Summers, Claude J. 2004. 17 February 2010. .
Roberts, Monica. The 1965 Dewey’s Lunch Counter Sit-Ins. 2 February 2008. 17 February 2010. .

The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

The Nation’s First Art Museum

Nestled among skyscrapers on Broad Street, just north of City Hall, lies the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the oldest art museum and art school in the United States. PAFA’s vast collection includes such American masterpieces as Penn’s Treaty With the Indians by Benjamin West and Gilbert Stuart’s unfinished “dollar bill” portrait of George Washington; works by sculptors such as William Rush, who helped create PAFA; and over 12,000 works on paper by important American artists such as John James Audubon and Andy Warhol. Since the Civil War, PAFA’s annual exhibitions have shifted from their original European style and tend to focus mostly on uniquely American artists.

Of course, PAFA is not just a museum. It is also one of the United States’ premiere art schools. Students at PAFA enjoy their own studios, interact with talented visiting artists, study and work in a world-class museum, and meet the global art community in the Academy’s many study-abroad programs. Frequently, graduate students stay and become teachers. According to PAFA’s website, “Many influential artists who studied at PAFA have become members of the faculty. Each generation of artists teaching and exhibiting here continues to share experience and expertise, creating an unbroken line of artistic innovation that stretches from 1805 to the present.” The school offers “in-house” BFAs in addition to BFAs from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1992, PAFA introduced its Masters of Fine Arts Program, which enrolls an average of 60 students per year. Additionally, the Academy’s extensive Continuing Education program provides instruction for students at all levels of proficiency.

HISTORY

Now a familiar sight on North Broad, the Academy has not always maintained the same location. In 1805, PAFA was founded by a group of prominent American artists and businessmen, including Charles Wilson Peale and William Rush and opened in 1806 in a more modest, classical style Chestnut Street building. After a damaging fire in 1845, PAFA reopened in a new building at the same location, but by 1870, the burgeoning Academy needed more room. in 1876, PAFA reopened at 118-128 N. Broad Street. The larger, more prestigious Victorian Gothic building provided a more suitable location for the Academy’s impressive collection. However, according to PAFA’s website, opinions were split as to whether the Broad and Cherry Street location would be successful. “One faction insisted that the Broad and Cherry location would turn out to be a disastrous choice, soon to be cut off from the rest of the city by the massive bulk of City Hall.” Such fears would prove unfounded. More recently, in 2002, PAFA acquired what is now called the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building. Originally used as a car show room, the building provided additional exhibition space and was ideal for displaying extra large contemporary paintings.

PAFA has always been an important player in American art history. For example, in the 1920’s, the Academy’s Representative Modern Masters exhibit contributed to the acceptance of post-impressionists such as Cézanne and the young Matisse. According to PAFA’s website, “The organizers, Arthur B. Carles and Carroll Tyson, secured a catalogue introduction by conductor Leopold Stokowski, who encouraged acceptance of these modern artists by comparing them to Debussy and Stravinsky.” Comparisons to modern composers already deemed “legitimate” likely helped gain acceptance for modern artists. During World War II, many art students and faculty left to fight overseas. During this time the Academy relied on small displays of soldiers’ work to survive. Many of the Academy’s works were in vaults to prevent their destruction in the event of a bombing raid.

Additionally, PAFA has been instrumental in developing the role of women in the art world. In 1844, the Academy announced that women would have exclusive study time in the museum at certain times during the week. In the 1860’s, women were also allowed to take anatomy classes with both male and female models. By 1868, female students had access to all parts of the Academy. The Academy got its first female instructor in 1878.

VISIT

In two centuries, PAFA has established itself as an integral and uniquely Philadelphian component of the world’s art community. Be a part of its story by visiting Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ticketing and tour information are available on the website. While admiring the collection, be sure to ask about the many education programs offered throughout the year.

Writer: Pierre Hazan

Editor: Andrew P Crowley

Photos: Olive Sheehan

Works Cited

"Charles Willson Peale." Virtualology A Virtual Education Project. Web. 02 Feb. 2010.

WILLSONPEALE.COM/>.

“Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, National Historic Landmark, Philadelphia

PA 19107." Living Places. Web. 5 Feb. 2010. .

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Web. 01 Feb. 2010. .