3603 Spring Garden Street

 

 

History of the Building

 

This house was part of a triple built on land previously owned by Mary Ray and her descendants. That history can be found at 3601-3605 Spring Garden St.

 

1898, May. 27: Title for 3601-3605 transferred to John A. Kelley by descendants of Elizabeth T. (Ray) Truitt

 

1902: “Owner John A. Kelley will build three three-story brick dwellings at 3601, 3603, and 3605 Spring Garden street, according to plans by Architect Henry A. Macomb, to cost $10,000. The houses will measure 10.1˝ and 18.7˝x64 and 64.4 feet.” (Inquirer, June 18)

            Architect Henry A. Macomb (1845-1933) began working as a draftsman after serving in the Civil War. He started working for Wilson Bros & Co. in 1876 rising to become a partner in 1882. After the firm dissolved in 1899, he worked with several partners until retiring in 1916. He became a fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1888. A list of over 60 of his projects can be found at the website Philadelphia Architects and Buildings.

            “Ryan & Kelley will take bids until June 24 for three houses to be built at Thirty-sixth and Spring Garden streets for John A. Kelley.” (Inquirer, June 20)

            John A. Kelley and his family later lived at 3509 Spring Garden St. (see that page for biographical information)

 

“three-story, tan brick row; pilasters separate each unit; pressed metal cornice; with colonial swags below

modillion. 1/1 sash; center house retains original slender paired porch posts.”

(Inventory of Buildings in Powelton from the application submitted to the National Register of Historic Places, 1985)

Previous Residents

 

1910:

James R. Wilson           49        Foreman at locomotive works; married twice; born in MA, father born in Ireland, mother in MA

Ella F. Wilson              44        Married 15 years, 3 children; father born in PA

Marian G. Wilson        11

Dorothy E. Wilson        8

Samuel V. Wilson          6

Caroline Frambes         70        Mother-in-law; widowed; 4 children, 3 surviving; mother born in NJ

Florence M. Frambes   35        Sister-in-law; bookkeeper for undertaker; mother born in NJ

Alice G. Frambes         33        Sister-in-law; stenographer for notary public; mother born in NJ

Josephine Marr            57        Servant; born in Germany

            They previously lived at 134 N. Paxson St.

 

1916 Directory: James R. Wilson, foreman

 

< 3605 Spring Garden St.                                                                                                        3601 Spring Garden St. >

 

Added 2/10/2021

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