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The Secret Life of Buildings: What Are Philadelphia Fire Marks?

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

In the 1750s, Philadelphia insurance companies had a unique way of advertising: they gave policyholders iron plaques, known as fire marks, to affix to the front of their houses. Each company’s mark featured a distinct design or logo and was typically placed between the second and third floors. One company alone distributed over 40,000, so it’s no surprise that today you’ll find hundreds, if not thousands, of these 18th-century insignias across the city.

Although fire marks ceased to be widely distributed after 1830, they continue to charm residents, especially those interested in historic preservation. Often overlooked, they are just one example of the architectural details hiding in plain sight throughout Philadelphia homes. (You can explore more of these subtle design elements in our related post on Philly architectural details hiding in plain sight.)That’s why we’re traveling back in time to trace how an insurance promotion became a coveted historical artifact.

MutualAssurance Fire Mark. Image courtesy of Fireman’s Hall Museum.
Fire Association of Philadelphia Fire Mark. Image courtesy of Fireman’s Hall Museum.
Contributionship Fire Mark. Image courtesy of Fireman’s Hall Museum.

Benjamin Franklin and the Origins of Fire Marks

It all started with Benjamin Franklin. When he wasn’t launching the nation’s first circulating library, public hospital, or university, Franklin initiated Philadelphia’s first volunteer fire company in 1736. After two decades of witnessing the devastation caused by fires, he and his fellow volunteers founded The Philadelphia Contributionship in 1752. It is the longest continuously operating insurance company in the nation. Its fire mark featured four clasped, brightly painted hands, symbolizing mutual aid.

Franklin modeled both the company and its fire mark on a London-based fire insurance firm. The Contributionship is located at 210 S. 4th Street in an 1835 Greek Revival building. The building is now a National Historic Landmark and was designed by Thomas Ustick Walter. The Contributionship maintains a private museum, open by appointment, displaying fire marks and artifacts from Philadelphia’s earliest fire companies.

The Great Fires That Shaped Philadelphia

Despite its many brick homes, Colonial Philadelphia was not immune to fire. One of the city’s most devastating blazes occurred in 1850 at a warehouse near the Vine Street Wharf along the Delaware River. The destruction spread through what is now Northern Liberties. Explosions from chemical stores in the basement hurled burning embers in every direction, putting the entire city at risk. The fire could be seen from 30 miles away. Firefighters arrived from Maryland and New York, and the disaster made national headlines. In total, 100 people were injured, 28 died, and 300 homes were destroyed. This catastrophe ultimately led to the establishment of a paid municipal fire department in 1871.

Germantown Mutual Fire Mark. Image courtesy of Fireman’s Hall Museum.

Why Fire Marks Still Matter Today

By then, fire marks were no longer necessary, which only adds to their allure today. The Contributionship issued them from 1752 through the 1830s and again briefly in the early 20th century. They are still presented to perpetual policyholders and can be seen on many homes in Society Hill.

United Fireman’s Insurance Company Fire Mark. Image courtesy of Fireman’s Hall Museum.

Where to See Fire Marks in Philadelphia

If you want to explore fire marks up close, whether for yourself or with kids, the best place to start is the Fireman’s Hall Museum at 147 N. 2nd Street, housed in a renovated 1898 firehouse. Opened in 1967, the museum features an impressive collection of fire marks dating from 1752 to 1900, along with horse-drawn fire engines, historic photographs, detailed models, and fire alarm boxes dating back to 1856. After your visit, consider walking through Society Hill with a camera or sketchbook to document the fire marks you discover.

Fireman’s Hall Museum. Image: J. Fusco for VISIT PHILLY.

Common Fire Mark Designs You’ll Spot

Below are a few fire mark designs you may spot around the city:

  • The Mutual Assurance Company (1784–1996): A small tree, later replaced by a larger tree.
  • Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Germantown (1843–Present): Clasped hands with the words “Germantown” and “Mutual Fire.”
  • Fire Association of Philadelphia (1817–1958): A fire hydrant with the letters F & A.
  • Girard Fire and Marine Insurance Company (1853–1956): A rectangular plate labeled “Girard Ins Co Philadelphia.”
  • Lumbermen’s Insurance Company (1873–1950): A diamond-shaped mark framed by four logs with the monogram “L I Co” in the center.
  • United Firemen’s Insurance Company (1860–1956): A gilt fire engine with the letters U & F.
  • Insurance Company of North America (1792–Present): A gilt eagle with the letters I.N.A.

Collecting Philadelphia Fire Marks

Fire marks remain popular collectibles and meaningful gifts. While the Philadelphia Contributionship does not sell them directly, it donates a limited number each year to the Fireman’s Hall Museum to sell as a fundraiser. If you’re interested in purchasing a contemporary Contributionship fire mark, visit the museum shop and search under “fire marks.”

Original 18th and 19th-century fire marks rarely come on the market, but when they do, they are highly sought after. For those eager to dive deeper, consider connecting with the Fire Mark Circle of America, an organization that brings together collectors and enthusiasts from across the country.

Start Your Home Search for the New Year

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Get a head start on finding the home of your dreams in the New Year! January and February are the ideal months to research the market, define your priorities, set a budget, and be ready to spring into action when availability blossoms in the Spring. We want to share insider tips on navigating Philly’s real estate market.

Timing is everything. It’s no surprise that housing prices tend to be lowest in January, as well as inventory availability. Both are at their highest come April. But that doesn’t mean you should wait until Spring to begin researching prices, locations, and availability.

If you are a first-time buyer, you want to focus on your ability to secure a mortgage first. Without that first step, going to open houses is like asking to see the menu in restaurants where you can’t afford the tab! Another reason to line up a mortgage first? You want to know how much house you can afford before you start to look.

According to Realtor.com, the median sale price of a Philly home was $260K and the median listing price was $270K in November 2024. However, Zillow reports that the average home value in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area stands at $343,102. When you think about price, think of location. While there are row houses in an affordable price range in Pennsport, Greys Ferry, and West Philly, prices are higher closer to Center City and in trendy neighborhoods such as Fishtown, Kensington, and East Passyunk. If you work remotely, the best values are just outside Center City where you can get more houses (and yards) for your money such as Lansdowne, East Falls, Germantown, Roxborough, etc. For instance, a BelLa Vista 3 bed, 3.5 bath home with a roof deck and yard is asking $739,900 while the median purchase price in Roxborough is $249,267.

A Philly home in the winter. Image: Cara Stapleton for Solo Real Estate.
A Philly home in the spring. Image: Cara Stapleton for Solo Real Estate.

Once you know how much house you can afford, cast a wide net to start. Look at listings in various neighborhoods. If you are unfamiliar with an area, go there during the day, at night, and also on weekends to get a feel for the community. Is it quiet, noisy, well-lit, or dark? Engage homeowners in conversation. 

On the other hand, if you are currently renting in a neighborhood you love and are ready to buy, you’ve saved a lot of time. In Philly, the cost of renting is higher than the cost of buying a home (and building equity). 

Knowing what kind of community you prefer is key. Condo owner Stephen Tenner moved here from Brooklyn. “I made my way specifically to West Mt. Airy. It has a progressive, liberal feel just like Park Slope where I lived. I love the old houses, Weavers Way Coop, and that it’s interracial and inclusive. Wissahickon Park is nearby and I walk miles every day.” When he doesn’t want to walk, a SEPTA train station is around the corner.

Howard Silver, on the other hand, has no regrets about his two-bedroom condo at William Penn House. “Everything I want is here. Di Bruno’s is across the street. Rittenhouse Square is a block away. I walk to the Kimmel, Wilma, and Suzanne Roberts. What’s not to like?”

Before you talk to a realtor, make a list of your priorities. What are some musts and what are some things that would be a nice-to-have?

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Garage or off-street parking
  • Roof Deck
  • Energy-efficient appliances or sustainability features
  • Yard
  • Access to Public Transportation
  • Walkability
  • Closeness to dog parks, schools, eateries, cafes, etc.
  • A fixer-upper or in perfect condition?

Remember, not every house will be “staged” like a reality TV show!  Unless you are looking only at newly renovated, unfurnished homes, be prepared for furnishings, rugs, and light fixtures that may not be your style. Or a bathroom that reminds you of your grandmother. The ability to re-imagine the house with the changes you require (and their cost) will save you money and time.

The City of Philadelphia’s Philly First Home Program offers a grant of up to $10,000 (or 6% of home price) to help first-time, home buyers with down payments and closing costs. You may also ask your lender about state grant programs.

Rather than chatting with mortgage lenders or Nerd Wallet on your cellphone, start with a financial institution with which you have a relationship. That could be your credit union or bank. They will walk you through your options, including conventional mortgages, VA mortgages,  FHA Home Loans, and USDA Mortgages. They will also introduce you to mortgage calculators.
For instance, current mortgage rates in Philadelphia, PA are 6.692% for a 30-year fixed, 5.785% for a 15-year fixed, and 7.164% for a 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). 

Finally, working with a qualified real estate agent – one who knows the neighborhoods that interest you –  will make the process of buying your first or second home easier. Reach out to one our agents to get started!

Mortgage rates are falling. Should you consider refinancing?

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

It’s Fall and interest rates are dropping with the autumn leaves. So, does this mean you should refinance your mortgage? That depends on several factors. Let’s take a look at them and see how they add up for your particular situation.

Forbes says if your mortgage rate is 7% or above, refinancing makes sense, but if your current rate is 6.5% or lower you should hold on until 2025 when rates are expected to drop even lower. However, the change in interest rate shouldn’t be the only factor to consider, the cost of refinancing includes the following:

  • Government recording costs.
  • Appraisal fees
  • Credit report fees.
  • Lender origination fees.
  • Title services.
  • Tax service fees.
  • Survey fees.
  • Attorney fees.
  • Underwriting fees.

Because of all these costs and fees, many mortgage experts say refinancing only makes sense if you can get a rate that’s at least 1% lower than your current rate. Not just half a percent. A recent article in the Washington Post agrees. “In most cases, it doesn’t make sense to refinance a mortgage until the rate has dropped a full percentage point below your current rate. Once that happens, you can compare the amount your mortgage payment will drop against the closing costs you’ll have to pay to refinance.” 

Here are some steps you can take to lower your refinance rate:

  • Get rate quote estimates from three to five lenders
  • Ask lenders about waiving or reducing closing costs
  • Negotiate with your lender to match the best deal
  • Take steps to strengthen your credit score
  • Save for a larger down payment
  • Choose a shorter-term loan

However, if you got your mortgage during the pandemic when rates dropped to a historic low of 2.65% in 2021, consider yourself lucky and stay put. But if your current rate is over 6%, you need to consider how much time it will take for your savings to outweigh the refinancing costs. If your monthly payments cover those costs for two years or less, it’s probably worth it. On the other hand,  if you’re thinking about moving in a year or two, it might not be worth it. 

Another consideration is the increase in home values. For example, if your home’s value increases, you may qualify for a better rate.  If your credit score has improved since your original mortgage, you might qualify for more favorable terms. Even a small boost in your score could translate to big savings over your loan’s lifetime. 

“If rates continue to come down there could be a lot of additional buyer competition in the market, which could drive up prices,” said Solo agent, Alejandro Franqui. “That suggests that there is a sweet spot where rates are now more manageable, but prices haven’t started to accelerate yet.”

Headshot of Solo agent Alejandro Franqui
Solo agent Alejandro Franqui suggests it could be a good time to refinance while mortgage rates are down and before home prices increase. Image: Happy Hour Headshot.

No one has a crystal ball, but economic forecasters predict we’re in the early stages of a rate-dropping cycle. The Federal Reserve could continue to drop rates for the next 12 months or longer. On the other hand, waiting comes with risks. If you bought at peak rates and have a sizable loan, refinancing now could start saving you money. Waiting may lead to better rates — but future market conditions are uncertain so we recommend weighing your options to make an informed decision based on what makes sense for you now. 

Cultural Histories: The Puerto Rican Diaspora and Latinx Heritage Month in Philadelphia

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Philadelphia has long been home to a strong and vibrant Latin American population. With Latinx Heritage Month on the horizon, starting Sunday, September 15, 2024, and ending on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, now is the perfect time to consider how deeply intertwined the history of Philadelphia and the history of Latin Americans in Philadelphia are, as well as considering how you might celebrate that history and thriving contemporary communities by engaging with some of the many events celebrating both over the coming weeks. 

Many people in Philadelphia come from various parts of Latin America. However, the largest community with the oldest association in the city is the Puerto Rican community.. Puerto Ricans began to settle in Philadelphia in the 1800s, coming to work as merchants, cigar makers, laborers, students, professionals, and even for political reasons as Revolutionaries supporting the Puerto Rican Independence movement. By 1900, there were an estimated 1,500-2,000 Latin Americans in Philadelphia, many of which were Puerto Rican, and the majority of them settled around Spring Garden, Northern Liberties, and Southwark because it allowed dockworkers, cigar factory workers, and employees at the Baldwin Locomotive Works, located at Broad and Spring Garden at the time, easy access to their places of employment. 

The first massive influx of Puerto Ricans to Philadelphia, and the United States as a whole, came after the passing of the 1917 Jones-Shafrod Act, which declared all Puerto Ricans United States citizens. The ease of migration, coupled with recruiters who visited Puerto Rico encouraging migration to supply US labor needs, caused significant population growth in Philadelphia. Puerto Rican migrants settled in joining family members and friends in the existing Puerto Rican neighborhoods and nearby in Camden, NJ. By the 1950s, Philadelphia had the third largest Puerto Rican population in the United States, many of whom worked in Philadelphia’s once-thriving garment industry, settling around Spring Garden to access the dockyards and the Campbell’s Soup Factory in Camden, or moving up 5th Street towards the garment factories and mills in Kensington and North Philadelphia.

Centro Musical is a neighborhood staple and music store located in El Bloque de Oro. Image: Stephanie Aviles.
Streets in the ‘The Golden Block’ or ‘El Bloque de Oro’ are painted a yellow/gold color. Image: Stephanie Aviles.

It is from this Northward movement that El Bloque de Oro was first born. Beginning as a concentration of Puerto Rican-owned businesses at 5th and Lehigh, the block became a center of Puerto Rican community and culture, and by 1963 Philadelphia had established its own Puerto Rican Day Parade, just five years after the very first Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. But life was not always easy for this community, which faced friction with non-Puerto Rican residents, economic and social discrimination, and violence and police brutality. Organizations like El Concilio, or The Council of Spanish Speaking Associations, Taller Puertorriqueño, and Aspira, and the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, among many others, have served as community advocacy organizations and centers of culture as Philadelphia’s garment and dockyard industries faded and Puerto Rican Philadelphians sought other opportunities and industries. Despite economic instability and countless challenges, Puerto Rican Philadelphians remain the most visible and populous Latin American community in Philadelphia. Joined by growing numbers of Mexican, Dominican, Central, and South American communities, Latin American Philadelphians make up a culturally rich demographic, without which Philadelphia, would be infinitely poorer. Moreover, the physical neighborhoods of Fairhill, Spring Garden, and Northern Liberties would be drastically different without these historic residents. 

Mural Arts project titled: “Semilla de Patria” by Betsy Z. Casañas. Image: Stephanie Aviles
Mural located in South Kensington to highlihgt the Puerto Rican local community. Image: Stephanie Aviles

In celebration of the Puerto Rican community of Philadelphia, Taller Puertorriqueño currently has an exhibit specifically focused on the Fairhill neighborhood this Latinx Heritage Month, entitled Estamos Aqui, a collaboration between The Historical Society of Pennsylvania and José Ortiz Pagán documenting the intersection of community and geography in Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Taller Puertorriqueño and The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, an exhibit is opening this month at the Historical Society revisiting Batiendo La Olla, an oral history project produced by Taller Puertorriqueño in the 1970s. 

Outside of these educational opportunities, there are countless chances to celebrate the many facets and communities honored through Latinx Heritage Month in the coming days and weeks. 

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Events in Philadelphia

On the 15th of September, join Philadelphia’s growing Mexican population, among many others, celebrating Mexican Independence Day down at the Delaware River Waterfront. Then, for the rest of the month, dine out at local Latin American restaurants during Dine Latino Restaurant week (September 15, 2024-September 21, 2024) exploring these rich culinary traditions one dish at a time. 

On the 16th of September, enjoy El Mercado Cultural, the last of a series of events sponsored by Fleisher at the Cherry Street Pier, a family-friendly event celebrating art and Latin American arts and crafts.

Then, on the 29th of September, head down to the Parkway to attend or witness the Puerto Rican Day Parade, a joyous explosion of dance, music, and celebration. 

There are many reasons to visit Taller Puertorriqueño this month, but consider attending a poetry workshop they are hosting with the Free Library: Echoes of Heritage: Unveiling the Latin American Poetic Voice in Philadelphia. This workshop exploring Latin American poetry in Philadelphia will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N 5th St.

All through the month, check out events in honor of this month of celebration at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is running programming honoring Latinx Artists throughout Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Featured Business: Shane Confectionery

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

This is the season when Shane Confectionery, America’s oldest continuously operating candy shop, offers scrumptious holiday treats made with 100-year-old recipes in vintage molds, using local and traceable ingredients. Take a journey back in time with us as we visit this historic Philadelphia candy shop.

Stepping through the front door of Shane’s at 110 Market is a form of time travel. In 2011, the exterior and interior were restored by the current owners, the Berley brothers, to replicate the shop’s original Victorian appearance. This not only earned Shane an award by Preservation Alliance; it also attracted a new generation of customers who were charmed by, not just the confectionery’s Back-to-the-Future appearance, but by its commitment to combining vintage recipes with ethically sourced ingredients.

Holiday chocolates in gift box. Images: Shane Confectionery

Shane’s prides itself in using cocoa beans imported by Uncommon Cacao. They then sort, roast, and grind the cocoa beans into chocolate used for all their products, including historical drinking chocolates and homemade ice cream served in their Chocolate Cafe.

Other commitments to the environment and sustainability include Shane’s partnership with The Philadelphia Bee Co., providing locally produced bee products including honey, wax, and pollen all gathered from hives within city limits. How local? Beehives were installed on the Confectionery’s rooftop! Jars of honey are also available for sale in the shop. They also source locally whenever possible. Their maple syrup is from PA and distributed by Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op and their large hand-twisted pretzels are from Shuey’s Pretzel Factory. a family-owned business based in Lebanon, PA since 1927.

Winter Candies. Image: Shane Confectionery

Nowhere else will you find a large selection of handmade chocolates and candies using ingredients, molds, and techniques that have been passed down for generations. This includes hand-pulled candy canes, nonpareils, jelly fruit slices, historic clear candy toys, and a mouth-watering selection of chocolate bonbons, cordials, and buttercreams. All gifts are boxed and wrapped elegantly in Victorian perfection.

Eric and Ryan Berley. Image: Shane Confectionery

History

When the confectionary first opened at 110 Market Street in 1863, it was owned by the Herring family who ran it as a wholesale business. At the time, Philadelphia was already the most active port in the country with ships delivering cocoa, sugarcane, fruits, and spices at the Delaware waterfront. All the prominent names in American chocolate and candy – Goldenberg’s of Peanut Chew fame, Wilbur Buds, Hershey, and Whitman Chocolates – had their first shops in Philadelphia which were synonymous with its high quality.

The shop passed through several owners, before acquiring the Shane name in 1910. That is when the Baltimore firm of Reinle & Salmon, the finest drugstore cabinetmaker of their day, installed the shop’s charming Victorian decor with curved glass showcases, marble countertops, and beautiful cabinetry which continues to draw visitors today. 

The neighborhood changed throughout the sixties and seventies, and fewer people frequented the store. Yet year after year, customers would line up at Christmastime and Easter. However, in 1983, the grandson of the original Shane owner, took over the business for the next 25 years, refusing to implement modern production techniques and insisting on the old-fashioned handmade methods that had created the confectionery’s reputation. 

In 2010, Shane’s was sold to the Berley brothers, owners of The Franklin Fountain, a Victorian-style ice cream parlor at 116 Market that also sources ethical and fair trade ingredients. They were in sync with the confectionery’s historic chocolate and candy-making traditions and reintroduced Shane’s to a new generation. 

Find your inner Willy Wonka

Candy making process. Image: Shane Confectionery

Shane Confectionery hosts public programs, tours, tastings, and private parties. They offer two varieties of tastings, Traditional Craft Chocolate Tasting and Chocolate Taste & Paint Workshop. Every Friday Shane welcomes the public into their 150-year-old building to sample chocolate and confections while exploring their historic shop, kitchens, and production spaces. Learn about the antique equipment and recipes still in use today, while admiring the building’s architecture, decorative arts, and businesses, and immersing yourself in early chocolate and candy-making culture. For more information, contact Laurel@FranklinFountain.com

Fall Foliage: Leaf Peeping in Philly

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Philly is at its best in the Fall. From parks within the City limits to scenic destinations in adjacent counties, trees are ablaze with color, along with hiking, biking, and dining options. Peak foliage runs from mid-October through early November, but if you want to hit the sweet spot, we recommend hitting the foliage trail on the third week in October.

Where to See Fall Colors in Philadelphia

Photo by Cory J Popp. Philly Fall
Center City fall foliage. Image: Cory J Popp.

Center City

Make it a point to have lunch in Rittenhouse Square when the Maple, Elm, and Oak trees will be in their full glory turning hues of red and orange before they start fluttering down. Pick up a picnic lunch at Di Bruno’s or dine at one of the Square’s sidewalk restaurants while admiring the fall colors. In nearby Washington Square, the leaves on Poplar, Black Locust, Maple, Redwood, and Birch trees are just starting to change color. For a nice stroll in the area, we recommend grabbing a tasty wrap or salad at  Talula’s Daily and visiting the breathtaking Maxfield Parrish class mosaic “Dream Garden” in the Curtis Building at 6th and Walnut.

Bikers and hikers can take to the Schuylkill River Trail, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and go down Kelly Drive for a veritable kaleidoscope of Fall color. Pack a lunch and make a day of it to enjoy the scenery and cool weather.

fallen leaves in philadelphia rowhome
Golden yellow fall leaves on Philadelphia’s streets. Image: Cory J Popp.

South Philly

Another great place for leaf-peeping in the city is South Philly, where you can visit FDR Park‘s 40 acres of kayaking, fishing, and canoeing. Take a leisurely hike in the South Philly Meadow Trails and bring a camera to capture the landscape.

Southwest Philadelphia

Bartram’s Garden, part of the Schuylkill River Trail in southwest Philly is yet another local foliage paradise within the City limits. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is hosting free biking days through November!

Also, in southwest Philly, you’ll find The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum with 10 miles of trails and binoculars and fishing rods available for loan, free of charge. The refuge supports a diversity of habitats, including freshwater tidal marsh, open waters, mudflats, and woodlands that hundreds of species call home. 

On Saturday, October 21st Laurel Hill Cemetery East is hosting a Fall Fun Day from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. This family-friendly day of outdoor autumn festivities includes crafts, live children’s music performances, games, prizes, story times, mini cemetery tours, and more. Pre-Halloween costumes are encouraged. RSVP to attend this free event. Or take a ticketed Fall Foliage Tour of the cemetery led by its arboretum manager on Sunday, October 22, 10 am-12 pm.

Northwest Philadelphia

If you want to experience New England foliage without leaving town, head to the 1,800 wooded acres of Wissahickon Trail in the Northwest section of Fairmount Park. There, you will find 40,000 miles of trails for all levels of biking, hiking, dog walking (on leash only) or simply strolling along a pathway under a lush canopy of trees. Popular with artists and photographers, you can stroll through covered bridges, fish in Wissahickon Creek, and enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner at Valley Green Inn or the more casual Cedars House. Nearby attractions include Morris Arboretum and Woodmere Museum. 

Hit the Road: Bucks County, Kennett Square, Media, and More

A short drive from Philadelphia is New Hope in Bucks County, a charming town on the Delaware River filled with shops, art galleries, and cafes. Experience an autumn journey by hopping on a historic train at the New Hope Railroad or walking across the river to Lambertville, an equally alluring little town lined with antique shops. On the way home, drive along Route 32 from New Hope to Washington Crossing for magnificent fall foliage. Or make it a weekend and stay in one of the area’s historic BnBs such as the Inn at Bowman’s Hill. For a scenic view of the county’s fall colors, climb to the top of Bowman’s Hill Tower.

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is one of the best places in the region to view fall foliage with over 1,000 acres of woodlands, meadows, and formal gardens. Nearby is the Brandywine River Museum, containing works by local artist Andrew Wyeth. Birdwatchers will want to head to the John James Audubon Center in Audubon, PA for nature walks and a visit to their museum.

Just 16 miles from Center City, Ridley Creek State Park in Media offers over 2,000 acres of lawn and forest including several formal gardens, horse stables, and trails, plus the historic 1789 Hunting Hill Mansion. Tyler State Park, located 33 miles from Center City in Newtown, PA offers nature fans hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Just a forty-minute drive from Philly, Valley Forge State Park provides 3,500 acres of rolling hills steeped in American history. 

As we head into the fall season, it’s the perfect time of year to check out our stories on how to be more sustainable this fall and Fall in Love with Philadelphia. If like us you’re also getting ready to prepare your home or urban garden for the winter ahead, we also have some Philly fall gardening tips for you.

Time to plant: True Love Seeds

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

There are many ways to explore your ancestral roots. You can take a DNA test, search a genealogical website, or plant heirloom seeds that represent your cultural heritage. That is the mission of True Love Seeds, a Philadelphia farm-based seed company dedicated to sustainable agriculture and returning pesticide-free, non-GMO seeds to their communities of origin. Before you plant your home or community garden this Spring, consider the rewards of using heirloom seeds that reflect your family’s history.

Seeds as Cultural Preservation

Have you ever wondered if recipes, passed down for generations in your family, actually taste
the same as when they were made fifty or one hundred years ago when people only ate produce in season? If you’ve ever bought tomatoes in February, chances are they are a far cry from the ones your Nana used to make her famous lasagna. But suppose you could plant seeds that would grow the very same San Marzano Tomatoes your grandmother used?

This is at the heart of True Love Seed’s mission. “Our farmers are recent immigrants, piecing together a fracture culinary history,” said Owen Taylor, co-founder of True Love Seeds.“It’s been a powerful journey to piece it back together and help them grow an ancestral food garden.” Their motto is, “Keeping seeds is an act of true love for our ancestors and our collective future!”

“Heirlooms are often the tastiest produce because seed varieties that didn’t taste great just weren’t saved. They are those lovely varieties that were bred by small farmers around the world before they had to worry about choosing varieties that kept for weeks and weeks or shipped well,” said Taylor.

Since 2017, Truelove Seeds has worked with 70 farms from around the country with the goal of returning ancestral seeds back to communities who have lost them through removal from their land or other traumatic events such as slavery, war, and genocide. “We grow a lot of our seeds in Delaware County and we work with Bartram’s Garden, Pentridge Children’s Garden in West Philly, and Novick Urban Farm in South Philly,” said Taylor. “The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society buys seeds in bulk from us and distributes them to community gardens.”

Besides produce and herb seeds, True Love Seeds also sells heirloom flower seeds, such as Passionflower, Echinacea, Mountain Mint, Common Flax, and Fever Few among others.

Heirloom Seed Collections

The collections below represent just part of the many herbs, produce, and flower seeds available from True Love Seeds online or at Riverwards Produce in Fishtown and Woodland Building Supply in West Philadelphia. Each collection tells the story of one of the many cultures that comprise our City:

The Philadelphia Collection honors the original people of our area, the Lenni-Lenape, the
Pennsylvania Dutch and the seeds were started by John Bartram in the 1700s. “We send many seed
varieties to Lenape groups and individuals each year,” said Taylor.

The African Diaspora Collection includes many crops that either originated in Africa or that
became important staples in the new world. Sankofa Farm at Bartram’s Garden produces sorghum, flowering sesame, okra, cotton, black-eyed peas, climbing gourds, and luffa. This collection was co-curated by Chris Bolden-Newsome, co-founder of True Love Seeds.

Seeds in the African Diaspora collection. Image: True Love Seeds
Seeds in the African Diaspora collection. Image: True Love Seeds

The Italian Collection offers Italian Frying Peppers, Wild Arugula, Broccoli Rabe, Winter
Squash, Rossa di Milano Onions, White Sicilian Eggplant, Fagiolina, Canestrino Di Lucca
Tomato and more.

In The Syrian Collection, you will find Palestinian Kusa Squash, Spotted Alepo Lettuce, Syrian
Cucumber, Syrian Red Bush Beans, Homs Tomato, and Syrian Pea. The Winter Collection
contains White Russian Kale, Vertissimo Chervil, Brown Winter Lettuce, Winter Spinach and
others.

Seed Swaps & Community Education

Since 2015, True Love Seeds has organized and hosted several Seed Swaps per year with
the Free Library of Philadelphia as the Philadelphia Seed Exchange. At these swaps, gardeners and farmers from the region bring their extra seed harvests and half-used seed packets to trade with each other. “Throughout the year, we offer seed-keeping workshops on and off our farm to groups such as the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, and Swarthmore College,” said Taylor. “For example, at the Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden, we co-lead an African Diaspora centered seed keeping workshop each year for their community and also bring an intergenerational seed cleaning station to their annual harvest festival.” Mark your calendar – Taylor will be speaking at Wyck Historic House & Garden in Germantown on April 15th from 11 am-4 pm.

Even if your garden is just your kitchen window box, you can support True Love Seeds by purchasing their seeds or by donating to their fundraising efforts to grow their business. True Love Seeds is currently raising funds to purchase farmland that will serve as a permanent farm for preserving ancestral seeds and offer community education programs. Learn more about this initiative and support their gofundme here.

Holiday Traditions: Light Shows, Celebrations and Things To Do in Philadelphia

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

This is the season when Philly turns on the bright lights and there are exciting holiday events all over town! From City Hall to South Philly, from the Zoo to the Delaware River, you’ll find day and nighttime magic in the city this month. Whatever your usual holiday traditions and celebrations are, we hope you will add some new ones this year and take advantage of all Philadelphia has to offer. 

Smedley Street Spectacular

Not to be outdone, for 50 years the 2700 block of South Smedley Street has been known for its Christmas Lights Spectacular. From blow-up decorations to trees covered in lights, these neighbors do festive nights right. New for 2022: candy cane lane archways, teardrop lights, and Olaf from Frozen in the trees. Don’t miss the chance for big bear hugs in the white-picket-fence-enclosed Santa’s Workshop. Again, after the light show, keep the party going by heading up to East Passyunk for drinks, dinner, and even Santa sightings.

Macy’s Christmas Light Show, Image: J Fusco, Visit Philadelphia

Macy’s Christmas Light Show

Generations have attended this annual holiday display of lights and music in the Grand Court of Macy’s going back decades since it was known as Wanamaker’s. Characters from the Nutcracker and Frosty the Snowman dance to a soundtrack from the famous Wanamaker Organ narrated by Julie Andrews. 13Th & Market St.

City Halls’ Deck The Hall Light Show. Images: Cara Stapleton for Solo Real Estate

Dilworth Park & City Hall Celebrations

Don’t miss the Deck The Hall Light Show on the western facade of City Hall every hour from 5-9 pm each night as stunning technicolor projections are synchronized to sound effects.  While there, lace up your skates and take a spin on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink in Dilworth Park and visit the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, locally made arts and crafts, Friday-Sunday on the west side of City Hall. For kids, there is a double-decker Christmas Carousel, Ferris Wheel, and a train.

Philadelphia City Hall decorated for the holidays. Images: Cara Stapleton for Solo Real Estate

Christmas Village in LOVE Park

This open-air European wonderland returns for 2022 with more than 110 different vendors set up in brand-new wooden huts. Modeled after an open-air German Christmas market, here you’ll find local and international gifts such as ornaments, accessories, and wintry apparel, along with sandwiches, spiced wine, apple cider, strudels, and more seasonal treats. LOVE Park, 15th & Arch Streets. 

Christmas Village, Philadelphia. Images: Cara Stapleton for Solo Real Estate

Comcast Center

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is a free 15-minute seasonal show on one of the world’s largest continuous LED video walls. It features impressive visuals, sing-along holiday tunes, and performances from the Philadelphia Ballet. The show kicks off at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Want a bite? Visit the Food Court on the lower level featuring Philly’s favorite eateries. Also back from 2022 is The Universal Sphere, a free cinematic experience (advanced reservations encouraged) created by Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Animation, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. 

Franklin Square Light Show

PECO presents a free show featuring more than 200,000 twinkling lights, running every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. until closing. Food, local brews, and hot beverages at Ben’s Sweets and Treats plus, outdoor fire pits and an indoor heated tent; Chilly Philly Mini Golf; and the Liberty Carousel. 200 N. 6th St.

Betsy Ross House Menorah Lighting

On December 18 at 4:30 pm head to Old City for a community menorah lighting celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. The Old City Jewish Arts Center and Betsy Ross House will join together to light the menorah and will offer traditional Jewish foods like latkes and doughnuts. 239 Arch St.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Image: Delaware River Waterfront
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Image: Delaware River Waterfront

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Visit Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, the City’s largest outdoor ice skating rink and you’ll encounter lots of twinkling lights, a holiday tree, warming cabins, and fire-pit stations — all while overlooking the Delaware River. Plus, there are carnival games and holiday markets on select dates. 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard 

LumiNature: Philadelphia Zoo Multimedia Spectacle

The Zoo lights up at night with more than 1 million holiday lights in 14 distinct zones. New displays include a 15-foot-tall glowing blue gorilla and an under-the-sea-inspired holiday tree, plus familiar favorites like a 100-foot-long aquarium tunnel and a 21-foot-tall brilliantly bright snake. Timed tickets are required. 3400 W. Girard Ave.

Chanukah on the Avenue

Starting at 3pm on December 18, East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia will host their annual Chanukah extravaganza at The Singing Fountain. This family-friendly event will have activities for kids and adults of all ages. At 4:30pm they will have a “make-your-own” Chanukah lantern and story time for kids. At 5pm, the festivities will kick off with live music, Chanukkah games, a menorah lightin,g and more. Passyunk Ave And 11th St.

Boat House Row Holiday Lights

The historic rowing clubs of Boathouse Row constantly change their colored lights, celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Two great spots to catch the colors: Fairmount Water Works or driving along West River Drive.

Miracle on South 13th Street

Starting Thanksgiving weekend, the 1600 block of South 13th Street, between Morris and Tasker, goes all out with holiday lights, garlands, inflatable snowmen, and other fun decorations. For more than 20 years, this annual display outshines every other neighborhood earning the name: The Miracle on South 13th Street. Located within walking distance from popular East Passyunk Avenue restaurants like Barcelona Wine Bar and Cantina Los Caballitos.

One of our personal favorites, Miracle on 13th street is a true community-run holiday display put on by a group of neighbors for the neighborhood to enjoy. A true testament to the holiday spirit in Philadelphia and a lovely way to bring people together. Solo Real Estate wishes you a happy holiday with your family and loved ones.

Why You Should Renovate and Restore: A Case For Historic Preservation

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Many Philadelphia homes and neighborhoods have been designated for historic preservation. What does that mean for homeowners? If you have an older home that has not yet received a historic designation, what are your obligations? We spoke with experts in Philadelphia to get their perspectives on the topic of historic preservation in our city.

“Historic preservation is about stewardship and pride,” said Robert P. Thomas, founding partner of Campbell Thomas & Co., an award-winning firm of architects and planners dedicated to sustainability, community, and preservation. “Buildings are part of a community and it’s the key to the success of a block. The goal is to integrate modern needs with a historic property.”

Thomas recalls renovating his Powelton Village home with his wife in 1978. “We got a tremendous amount of space with fireplaces, mantels, and moldings in what had previously been a building containing three slum apartments.” The result was an affordable property accessible to the City in what is now a historically designated neighborhood. “Since the 1980s, Powelton has been nationally registered. Now, we are in the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. That protects homes from demolition and offers tax credits on rehabbing rental properties,” he said. 

Thomas and his partner, James Campbell, took the same approach to their office at 1504 South Street, which had been just a shell when they bought it. “It had previously been The Postcard Club, a black jazz club in the 1940s. I always advise people that there’s an edge in real estate. Go two blocks beyond the edge to find the best values,” said Thomas. 

To better understand the benefits of historic preservation, consider some of the many projects Thomas led. He restored the 95-year-old, five-story mansion at 4150 Parkside Avenue in West Philly which had suffered a partial collapse, turning it into 18 modern, affordable apartments with stunning architectural detail. Thomas applied the same restoration and preservation techniques to The Brentwood Apartments, a German Baroque building at 4120 Parkside Avenue which the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission termed one of the most ambitious rehabilitation it has ever overseen. It is now used for senior housing.

However, it was Thomas’ plan to build an entire block of solar homes for National Temple Community Development Corporation on the 1500 block of Thompson Street that caused the Redevelopment Authority to question his logic. “They couldn’t imagine it would work but it did,” he said. Those first-time homebuyers never received bills from PECO because all their homes faced south and lined up with the solar grid.

Thomas credits Philadelphia Mayor Kenny with creating a task force on historic preservation. “There are tremendous resources for homeowners, including the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia which offers seminars and classes. University City Historic Society also has programs and many area contractors have programs open to the public. 

What can the Preservation Alliance do for you?

The Preservation Alliance’s Neighborhood Preservation Program has been helping Philadelphia residents discover their neighborhood history by identifying landmarks and architectural characteristics that give their neighborhood its own unique sense of place. 

The Alliance’s easement program preserves historically certified properties and residences, such as the Drake Tower in Center City, the Alden Park Apartments in Germantown, and more than 240 other historic properties. Current and all future owners of a property protected by an Alliance preservation easement promise not to demolish or inappropriately alter, and to maintain the historic character of the property. In 2011, the Alliance published How to Look at Your Neighborhood: A Guide for Community Organizations. 

What does it mean if your home is registered as historic?

Listing on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places protects a building from adverse alteration and unnecessary demolition. Listing on the National Register of Historic Places can provide financial incentives for rehabilitation. 

About those financial incentives – the Pennsylvania legislature recently passed the Whole-Home Repairs Act, a new program designed to assist residents and landlords to preserve older homes while creating jobs. The Whole-Home Repairs Program was introduced by Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval and passed into law in July 2022 with an unprecedented $ 125 million appropriation in the 2022–2023 state budget.  This program is the first of its kind in the nation. Applications for the Whole-Home Repairs Program are coming in Spring/Summer 2023.

Historic Victorian in Spruce Hill designed in 1886 by architects George Watson Hewitt and William Dempster Hewitt.
Historic Victorian in Spruce Hill designed in 1886 by architects George Watson Hewitt and William Dempster Hewitt. Image: Stephanie Aviles

Get More Information on Historic Properties

You can learn how to research properties on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. You can also contact the commission at (215) 686-7660 or preservation@phila.gov. It’s important to note that the local register is different from the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The NRHP is a nationwide list maintained by the National Park Service. However, your property could be listed on both registers. For a guide on how to research your Philadelphia home’s history read our article.

To learn more about the impact of historic preservation in Philadelphia, the Preservation Alliance offers private, group, and self-guided walking tours in many historic areas of the City. Saturdays & Sundays, May-Oct.

Historic preservation is of particular interest to Solo Real Estate’s broker and owner Deborah Solo, who studied architecture. Deborah took several classes with John Milner who also does historic preservation projects and taught at the University of Pennsylvania while she was getting her master’s in architecture. Interested in investing in a historic property or want to talk about architecture and historic preservation with Deborah? Drop us a note!