Elfreth's Alley

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Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Elfreth's Alley is a residential alley located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country, dating back to the early 1700s, and a National Historic Landmark. The alley is located off of Second Street between Arch and Race Streets in Philadelphia's Old City Neighborhood.

History

Elfreth's Alley is named after Jeremiah Elfreth, a blacksmith and property owner in the 18th Century. Tradesmen and their families–including shipwrights, silver and pewter smiths, glassblowers, and furniture builders–were among Elfreth's tenants along the alley. The Georgian and Federal-style houses and cobblestone pavement of the alley were common in Philadelphia during this time.

In the early 20th Century, Elfreth's Alley was beset by poverty and neglect with the onset of the Industrial boom. In 1934, the Elfreth's Alley Association was founded to preserve the alley and was partly responsible for saving it from demolition.

Present-day Elfreth's Alley is the product of mid-20th Century urban renewal and historic preservation efforts: the thirty-three homes along the narrow passageway have been restored to their Colonial-era charm. The alley remains an endearing tourist attraction.

Fete Day

Once a year (usually the first or second Saturday in June), Elfreth's Alley celebrates "Fete Day," a day on which most of the street's private residences are opened to the public. The events are accompanied by historic reenactments and other festivities. Fete Day, also called Elfreth's Alley Day, is organized by the Elfreth's Alley Association, which uses the proceeds from ticket sales to support upkeep and restoration of older homes.

External links

[Elfreth's Alley Association]
[Illustration of Elfreth's Alley] from the National Park Service
[Jeremiah Elfreth House, 126 Elfreth's Alley], photographs from the Library of Congress
[Mid-20th Century drawings of Elfreth's Alley homes], also from the Library of Congress

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Neighborhoods of the Center City section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
	Avenue of the Arts - Callowhill - Chinatown - Elfreth's Alley - Fitler Square - Franklintown - Logan Square - Market East - Old City - Museum District - Penn Center - Penn's Landing - Rittenhouse Square - Society Hill - South Street - Washington Square West
Philadelphia neighbohoods Center City - North Philadelphia - Northwest Philadelphia - The Northeast - South Philadelphia - Southwest Philadelphia - West Philadelphia

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