Historic Quaker Houses of Philadelphia
Two Houses built by Jeremiah Elfreth, Sr.
124 and 126 Elfreth’s Alley
Built: ca. 1740 to 1762
Above: 124 Elfreth’s Alley on left, 126 Elfreth’s Alley on right. Image source: Lee J. Stoltzfus.
Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the U. S. The alley is lined with an exceptional collection of rowhouses built between 1720 and 1836. This neighborhood has an early history with the Elfreth family, who were prominent Quakers.
The alley is named for blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth, Sr. (1692 - 1772) who owned property on both sides of this narrow street. He built these two adjoining houses for rental income. He lived nearby on Second Street.
Above: The alley originally was a cobblestone cart path between Front Street and Second Street. In the 21st century there are more tourists here than carts. But early morning in springtime the alley is quiet. Image source: Lee J. Stoltzfus
1931: Drawings of Elfreth’s Alley
For the Historic American Buildings Survey:
Above: G. E. Maule drew this architectural rendering of houses on Elfreth’s Alley for HABS. The drawing were published in 1940 by the Public Works Administration. Image source: Library of Congress. Digital color added.
The House Description in
Philadelphia Register of Historic Places:
Image source: Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
1931: Drawings of Elfreth’s Alley
For the Historic American Buildings Survey:
Above: Architect P. B. MacLeod produced this rendering of houses on Elfreth’s Alley for HABS. The drawing was published in 1940 by the Public Works Administration. Image source: Library of Congress. Digital color added.
Marriage Record for Jeremiah Elfreth, Sr. and Sarah Oldman
1716 Marriage at Philadelphia Monthly Meeting:
Above: In 1716 Jeremiah Elfreth, Sr., the namesake of Elfreth’s Alley, married Sarah Oldman (1698 - 1728). The Elfreth family was a primary developer of the alley, and built numerous homes here for investment, including the Elfreth House at 137 Elfreth’s Alley. Image source: Ancestry.com
Elfreth’s Alley Links: