Philadelphia

Benjamin Franklin

Betsy Ross House

It is believed that Betsy Ross lived here with her third husband, John Claypoole.  They ran an upholstery shop and lived upstairs.  Legend says that Betsy sewed the first flag of our new nation.  There was a secret meeting between the Congressional Committee and the seamstress.  The committee of John Morris and George Ross were accompanied by George Washington.  The result of the meeting was the creation of the first American flag.  Betsy reportedly contributed by suggesting a 5-pointed star rather than the 6-pointed star recommended by Washington.  Why?  Five points were easier to sew than six!

Betsy Ross in her upholstery shop holding the flag she helped to make.

B. Free Franklin Post Office

The B. Free Franklin Post Office is the only post office in the United States that doesn't fly a U.S. Flag because there wasn't one yet in 1775!  And you can still get mail hand-cancelled with the "B. Free Franklin" postmark.

The archway to the right leads to Franklin Court where Benjamin Franklin lived and worked as a printer. 

Elfreth's Alley

Houses along Elfreth's Alley.  There are 32 homes on the "oldest residential street in the nation" that were built between 1728 and 1836.

Cobblestones

More homes...

This 3-sided mirror is known as a busybody mirror and allowed the people upstairs to look out the window and see who was at the front door!

Mailbox 

Fire Insurance Mark; these were put on the outside of homes so that the fire brigade for the insurance company could find the house easily.  Insurance companies also contributed money to volunteer fire departments and often gave bonuses to the fire engine arriving first at the scene of the fire.

And more houses...

Scott standing in front of a Balden's Court house.

Balden's Court - is it haunted by a soldier who was hung here?  Some people think so!

Colonial door knocker

Ready for fall.

Advertisement painted on side of a Philadelphia building - notice the old picture of a dishwasher.

Christ Church

Ben Franklin ran a lottery to raise money to build the church's steeple in 1754.

The sanctuary windows let in lots of natural light making this a very welcoming space.  This church had many famous parishioners Including Ben and Deborah Franklin, Betsy Ross, and John Adams.  It is also the birthplace of the American Episcopal Church.

George Washington's family pew.

Looking out towards the burial grounds; final resting place of many early founders including Benjamin Frankin and five signers of the Declaration of Independence.  The larger burial grounds are 3 blocks from the church.

A plaque commemorating the accomplishments of Ben Franklin; he is buried behind this fence.  

People like to toss a penny on Ben Franklin's grave as a remembrance, "a penny saved is a penny earned".

Scott enjoying the beauty of this church.

Liberty Bell

Independence Hall

Statue of George Washington in front of Independence Hall.

Independence Square

A bird built it's nest outside Independence Hall!

Court Room

Judge's Bench - there were usually three judges but could be as many as five.

We got the term "to stand trial" because the accused had to stand in this cage during the trial.  They were not allowed to sit down!

Jury box

No it's not a litter box for the cat!  It's what men used before spittoons were invented!

Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were both signed in this room.

Another signer of the Declaration of Independence.

George Washington's chair; Ben Franklin used to wonder if the sun was rising or setting on this chair.  What do you think?

Congress Hall Window

Worn staircase

Long Gallery

Royal Govenors of Pennsylvania Room

Committee of the Assembly Chamber

This room was later turned over to the Militia of the City of Philadelphia for military arms storage.

Staircase to bell tower and steeple where the Centennial Bell rings each hour.  The Liberty Bell hung in an earlier steeple but it deteriorated so badly it was torn down in 1781.

House of Representatives

Senate

View from Congress Hall to the street below.

City Tavern

This social and political center, the "most genteel" tavern in America, was the site of business transactions, patriot gatherings, and musical performances.  Scott and I had lunch at this faithfully reconstructed inn.

First Bank of the United States

Views of Italian Market

This guy is standing in front of his store, he greeted everyone on the street - he shook hands with people, kissed old women and babies, and hugged his friends.  

Inside Claudio