3307 Powelton Avenue
3301-3317 Powelton Ave.
were developed as a unit by Frederick Poth in 1891 at a cost of about $140,000.
They were designed by architect Otto C. Wolf in “German gothic style.” (Phila. Builders’ Guide, May 28, 1890)
3305-3307: “three-story
red brick Victorian double house; wood porch w1t.h. rusticated brownstone base.
Large first floor arched tripartite picture window with heavy rusticated
brownstone arches and flat scored brownstone sills; articulated brownstone arches
over door an4 second floor windows, where the-re is also a brownstone belt
course; projecting bow in metal cornice between second floor and slate-shing1ed
mansard; each house has third floor tripartite windows divided by metal columns
and set in jerkin-head gabled dormers. --- Contributing.”
(Inventory of
Buildings in Powelton from the application submitted to the National Register of Historic
Places, 1985)
The features of these homes were described in the
following ads for 3303 and 3305:
“For Rent – One of those
Handsome 15-room, side-yard residences, Powelton avenue, (No. 3303); excellent
repair throughout, two baths, laundry in basement and all modern conveniences;
plumbing and heating apparatuses the best; location and convenience to centre of city; cannot be excelled. F. A. Poth,
owner.” (Inquirer, Jan. 9, 1899) A
later ad includes “Elegantly finished in hard woods… Large pantry. Two bath rooms, den, smoking room. Servants’ hallway and
staircase throughout. Reception hall room and staircase in centre.
Numerous fireplaces.” It was listed for $75 per month. (Inquirer, May 21)
History of 3307
Powelton Avenue
1871, Mar. 16:
Title for 3301-3315 Powelton Ave. transferred to Daniel McDivitt by George M.
Dallas, Jr.
1890, Jun. 26: Title
for 3301-3315 Powelton Ave. transferred to Frederick A. Poth by Philadelphia
Trust Savings Bank and Insurance Co. by will of Daniel McDevitt
1900:
Amelia Mencke
63 Widowed, 3 children; born in Germany; renting
Anna Mencke 37
Helen Mencke 21
Meta Mencke 19
Ellen Dwyer 25 Servant; born in Ireland, immigrated in
1892
Hanah Sullivan 35
Servant; born in Ireland,
immigrated in 1886
Amelia was the widow of John Frederick Mencke (18321892). He sold trimmings, but
was retired in 1870 at the age of 37. At that time, he claimed real estate
worth $55,000 and personal property worth $50,000. Both Amelia and John were
born in Prussia. Amelia died in 1909 when she was living at 6030 Drexel Rd.
1910:
David J. Smyth 38 Lawyer in general practice; parents born
in Ireland
Annie M. Smyth 32 Married 8 years, 4 children; parents
born in Ireland
Eleanor Smyth 6
Margaret Smyth 5
Anna May Smyth 2
Roberta Smyth 1
David J. Smyth and Ann
M. Daly were married in Philadelphia in 1902. She was the daughter of Patrick
K. Daly. She grew up at 3415 Race St. In 1900, David
was living at 3611 Grays Ferry Ave. with his sister and her four children. In
1930, David and Annie Smyth family lived at 5847 Woodbine Ave.
1953, Mar. 6: Title for 3301-3315 Powelton Ave.
transferred to Worbud Corp. by Provident Trust Co. of Philadelphia, Harry A.
Poth, Sub Trustee
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3309 Powelton 3305
Powelton >
Revised 6/30/2022