3715 Lancaster
Avenue
The whole block
on the north side of Lancaster Ave. were built “as a single row of brick
rowhouses…. 3711, 3713, 3717, 3719 and 3723 which appear to have retained their
residential fronts…. A single scroll-shaped bracketed wood cornice unifies the
entire block. --- Contributing.”
(Inventory of
Buildings in Powelton from the application submitted to the National Register of Historic
Places, 1985)
1865, Dec. 6: Title for Block of land starting
at the NW corner of Powelton and N. 37th, proceeding north to 310 N. 37th, then
west to Lancaster Ave. transferred to John H. McIlvain by Lydia E. Baring
This became the McIlvain Lumber
Yard.
1867, Dec. 4: Title for Block of land starting
at the NW corner of Powelton and N. 37th, proceeding north to 310 N. 37th, then
west to Lancaster Ave. transferred to Charles J. McIlvain by John H. McIlvain
1875, Mar. 4: Title for Block of land starting
at the NW corner of Powelton and N. 37th, proceeding north to 310 N. 37th, then
west to Lancaster
Ave. transferred
to Joseph Doyle by Charles J. McIlvain
The houses on this block were built by
Joseph Doyle. His office was at 3503 Lancaster Ave.
The
History
1876, May 16: A black recent
immigrant to Philadelphia was arrested in a large series of house robberies.
One of those robbed was Mrs. Burr Eakin [sic.] of 3715 Lancaster Ave. (Inquirer)
1877 Directory (Fall 1876): Akin
Burr
Lippencott James A., physician
Richardson William, saddler
1877, Jan. 23: Title transferred to
Charles J. McIlvain by Joseph Doyle
1877, Oct. 15: Title transferred to
William E. Tenbrook by Charles J. McIlvain
1879 Directory: Richardson William,
saddler
The 1870 census lists
them with 7 children: William, Laura, Mary, Harry, John Ella, and George ages 1
to 16. He was listed as a produce dealer. They lived in Ward 14. The 1878
directory lists him living at 3515 Market St.
1880 Directory: Green George H.,
salesman, 606 Chestnut St.
1880:
W. H. Richardson 42 Harness maker; born in NJ
Abby Richardson 44 Dress maker; born in CT
Zach. Dennis 30 Carpenter
Clara Dennis 30
In 1881-1920, they
lived next door at 3717
Lancaster, which they purchased in 1881.
1881 Directory (Fall 1880):
Richardson Abby, dressmaker
Richardson William H., saddler
1892, Mar. 2: Title transferred to
Mary R. Tenbrook by Estate of William E. Tenbrook
1910, Jul. 27: Title transferred to
Lillian H. Simpson by Mary R. Tenbrook
The 1910 census shows
Jessie and Lillian Simpson living at 3725 Lancaster Ave. Jessi is listed as an
interior decorator.
1912, Sep. 30: Death of Jacob Wanner Helffrich, 77 years old,
of 3715 Lancaster Ave.
They previously lived
at 307
N. 37th St.
1920, Jun. 9: Title transferred to
Max C. Baylinson by Lillian H. Simpson
then immediately transferred to J. Coulson Simpson
and Lillian, his wife.
1920:
Jessie C. Simpson 48 Art dealer; born in MD; owner with a
mortgage
Lilliam Simpson 39 Parents born in Ireland
Marie Simpson 8 years, 11 months
Emilia Frey 32 Boarder; stenographer for printing co.;
single
Ida Kirtz 41 Boarder; private nurse; single
1950 Directory: Simpson J. Coulson,
art
1953, Aug. 26: Title transferred to
John S. Lake by J. Coulson Simpson and Lillian, his wife
Then immediately transferred to Stanley G. McCracken,
Inc.
<3717
Lancaster 3713
Lancaster >
Revised 3/5/2022