Tag: History

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Historical Society Of Frankford Tells Us Who George Sale Was

george-t-sale-window

From our previous post about the huge castle for sale at the corner of Griscom and Dyre, we were emailed a photo that said “RES. OF MR GEORGE T SALE FRANKLIN AND DYRE STS. FRANKFORD PA”.  We’ve heard back from Debbie Klak at the Historical Society of Frankford as to who this man was:

George Sale was a Northeast Philly real estate developer.   He  built the apartment building at Griscom and Oxford Ave to be a doctor’s hospital (clinic) with all of the modern amenities.   He built a car barn(exactly where we’re still unsure) to house the B buses , the first buses to transport people up to Byberry farms for there were no means to get there.    In those days, transportation dropped people off 2 miles from Byberry Farms. The other interesting thing is that when George died, creditors came after his estate.  He owed people a lot of money,(to the tune of $750,000) tho they didn’t get much from his estate.

The pic above was taken from Temple’s picture database.  Obviously it’s from a real estate office but it says it’s from the Frankford section and the reflection looks like the Margaret/Orthodox El stop to me, but the address says 1532 Oxford Pike, which by today’s street numbers, put it up in Lawndale.  I’m also guessing he built the George T. Sale Building downtown that’s been turned into condos.

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Reader Submission Results In Old Photo Of Awesome Castle On Griscom Street

A reader emailed me an old photo of the the mansion for sale at the corner of Griscom and Dyre.

old-5308-griscom-and-dyre

I’m liking it more without the shrubbery out front but I guess these days privacy is a concern.  Doing some photoshopping, I (think) I was able to make the wording on the bottom easier to read:

old-5038-griscom-bottom-words

“RES. OF MR GEORGE T SALE FRANKLIN AND DYRE STS. FRANKFORD PA”.  Correct me if I’m wrong.   So I’m guessing Griscom Street used to be called Franklin.  Good times.

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Totally Kick Ass Castle For Sale At Griscom And Dyre

5038 griscom

Found while surfing on Trulia.

wood panelling 5038 griscom

How come my the wood paneling in my house doesn’t look like this?  5038 Griscom Street is up for sale for the bargain price of 369 thousand.  It’s 3500 square feet and has 8 bedrooms.  Here’s the description from the realtor’s site:

This Queen Anne Victorian home, the first Frankford estate built in the 1890’s, has been completely and lovingly restored and has reclaimed its title as the crown jewel of the area. Enter the grand three-story foyer and be dazzled by the oak floating staircase and the meticulously re-crafted wood banisters.

Renovations in this 3000-plus square foot home are numerous—stained glass and bay windows, inlay wood floors, vintage claw foot bath tub, and pocket doors throughout. High-end upgrades create a feeling of luxury—pristine porcelain and granite floors; custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and seven halogen lighting fixtures in the kitchen; tiled floor with matching sinks, tub, walk-in shower, and heated towel racks in master bath.

The lush color palate, old world chandeliers, and re-crafted crown molding revive an atmosphere of history and mystery in the formal drawing, living, and dining rooms.

On the second floor are the office and den for the informal experience, the master bedroom and bath, and a sumptuous walk-in closet (shhhhh, it used to be a bedroom). The second bedroom boasts bamboo hardwood floors and window treatments.

The self-contained guest quarters on the third floor feature Brazilian cherry wood floors in the kitchen, a bedroom, and a travertine marble-tiled bathroom. Down the hall is the Round Room with a 300 degree view to the east and south which served as the private family chapel 120 years ago.

Located on a raised corner lot, this showcase property with both front and back porches fuses Victorian tradition, contemporary luxury, and technology—wifi and security systems. Exceptional value, exquisite taste, the opportunity of a lifetime.

bathroom 5038 griscom
I need a private chapel in my house.  And nobody show my wife the pic of the bathroom.  Claw foot tubs and double vanities are right up her alley.  They call it the crown jewel of the area….yeah I’ll go with that.  It has a three story foyer!  I don’t know what they mean when they say “the first Frankford estate built” so I went checking on Philly Geo History to see if we could get a name on it.

1929-ward-map-griscom-and-dyre

The 1929 Ward map comes up with “Wm S. Nichols”.  The name means nothing to me really but that’s not surprising since I don’t really know anything but I do know that the property shares it’s boundaries with on the corner of Penn and Dyre which used to be the clubhouse for the Frankford Yellow Jackets.  I’m gonna shoot an email to my history contact and see if they know anything.

Update: Here’s a little piece the Metro ran today with the realtor talking about the seller.

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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Frankford Friends School Fall Open HouseNext Week In Frankford
    When – Sat, October 17, 11am – 1pm
    Where – 1500 Orthodox Street , Philadelphia , PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Looking for a quality, affordable, private education. . . Frankford Friends School invites you to their fall Open House October 6, 2009-Frankford Friends School cordially invites you to attend an Open House on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 11:00 am at 1500 Orthodox Street , Philadelphia , PA 19124 . Stop in to meet current teachers, talk with students, tour the facility and learn more about taking advantage of an excellent, affordable educational experience that will enhance and nurture your child’s experience. Frankford Friends School , pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, has been at its present historic, urban location since 1833. It provides a quality, affordable Quaker-based education, offering small classes with a strong academic base. Frankford Friends School has a rich history of providing an educational opportunity in a private setting as well as giving your children an experience that will truly make a difference in their lives. We place a high priority on providing foreign language exposure in Spanish through all grade levels. We focus on speaking and interacting in the language, developing vocabulary and grammar as the grades progress. Other classes taught include physical education, computer, art, music and handbells. For more information about our curriculum, open houses, events, etc. please call the school office at 215.533.5368 or visit our website www.frankfordfriendsschool.org.
  • St. Joachim’s annual Tricky Trays
    When – Sun, October 18, 11:30am – 3:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – St. Joachim’s Church located at 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 is having their annual Tricky Trays (A Giant Tombola) event on Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. on Fitzmaurice Hall. Adults are $3.00 and children (4 yrs. to 12 yrs.) are $2.00, this cost includes either a Hot Dog or Chili. Any questions, please call 215-535-0580. Join us for an afternoon of fun!
  • Historical Society’s CENTER FOR NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA HISTORY’s “History Day”
    When – Sun, October 18, 1pm – 5pm
    Where – Holy Family University in the plaza between the Perzel Building and the Library. (map)
    Description – Historical Society’s CENTER FOR NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA HISTORY’s “History Day” is fast approaching. Various Northeast neighborhood, historical, and cultural groups will be setting up exhibits on their history at Holy Family University in the plaza between the Perzel Building and the Library.
  • Innaugural Induction Ceremoines for the Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame
    WhenSun, October 18, 1pm – 3pm
    Where – Holy Family University (map)
    Description – The Inaugural Induction Ceremonies for the Northeast Hall of Fame will be held at Holy Family University Perzel Building.
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, October 20, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
    Description – ELECTION NOTICE It’s election time. Nominations will be accepted for President, Vice President and the Board of Directors. If necessary, an election committee will be appointed. Nominees must have been paid members as of August 31, 2009. GUEST SPEAKERS Michael Untermeyer. Mr. Untermeyer is the Republican candidate for Philadelphia District Attorney. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. We will receive an update on the progress of the cemetery restoration/hospital expansion project.
  • Italian Style Family Dinner
    When – Wed, October 21, 4:30pm – 8:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – MARK YOUR CALENDAR Every Third Wednesday from September thru May Italian Style Family Dinner The Dinners will be served from 4:30 PM to 8 PM in Fitzmaurice Hall Take-out will be available. COST: $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Children. Come Join us!
  • Overington Park Craft Fair and Fall Fest
    When – Sat, October 24, 9am – 1pm
    Where – Overington Park, Leiper St and Orthodox St. (map)
    Description – Craft fair/ flea market. $5.00 per space, The Frankford Garden Club will be doing a bulb planting demonstration and answering your garden questions. We are also having face painting, a pumpkin patch, and other kid activities. Please come out and take a look, join your neighbors for our Friends Of Overington Park Fall Fest. (rain date of Oct. 24)
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting
    When – Thu, November 5, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – Frankford Hospital – 2nd floor conference room (map)
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Coming Up in Frankford

Next Week In Frankford

  • Historical Society of Frankford program
    When – Tue, October 13, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – PLAYING CARDS and the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Presented by Patricia Coyne. Learn of the evolution and role of playing cards in prompting the American Revolution and enjoy an annotated display of playing cards from last century. Following this brief program and display, attendees will be invited to view some of the cards in the Historical Society of Frankford’s collection, and share their own, personal playing card decks and stories.
  • Overington Park Craft Fair and Fall Fest
    When – Sat, October 17, 9am – 1pm
    Where – Overington Park, Leiper St and Orthodox St. (map)
    Description – Craft fair/ flea market. $5.00 per space, The Frankford Garden Club will be doing a bulb planting demonstration and answering your garden questions. We are also having face painting, a pumpkin patch, and other kid activities. Please come out and take a look, join your neighbors for our Friends Of Overington Park Fall Fest. (rain date of Oct. 24)
  • Frankford Friends School Fall Open House
    When – Sat, October 17, 11am – 1pm
    Where – 1500 Orthodox Street , Philadelphia , PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Looking for a quality, affordable, private education. . . Frankford Friends School invites you to their fall Open House October 6, 2009-Frankford Friends School cordially invites you to attend an Open House on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 11:00 am at 1500 Orthodox Street , Philadelphia , PA 19124 . Stop in to meet current teachers, talk with students, tour the facility and learn more about taking advantage of an excellent, affordable educational experience that will enhance and nurture your child’s experience. Frankford Friends School , pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, has been at its present historic, urban location since 1833. It provides a quality, affordable Quaker-based education, offering small classes with a strong academic base. Frankford Friends School has a rich history of providing an educational opportunity in a private setting as well as giving your children an experience that will truly make a difference in their lives. We place a high priority on providing foreign language exposure in Spanish through all grade levels. We focus on speaking and interacting in the language, developing vocabulary and grammar as the grades progress. Other classes taught include physical education, computer, art, music and handbells. For more information about our curriculum, open houses, events, etc. please call the school office at 215.533.5368 or visit our website www.frankfordfriendsschool.org.
  • St. Joachim’s annual Tricky Trays
    When – Sun, October 18, 11:30am – 3:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – St. Joachim’s Church located at 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 is having their annual Tricky Trays (A Giant Tombola) event on Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. on Fitzmaurice Hall. Adults are $3.00 and children (4 yrs. to 12 yrs.) are $2.00, this cost includes either a Hot Dog or Chili. Any questions, please call 215-535-0580. Join us for an afternoon of fun!
  • Innaugural Induction Ceremoines for the Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame
    When – Sun, October 18, 1pm – 3pm
    Where – Holy Family University (map)
    Description – The Inaugural Induction Ceremonies for the Northeast Hall of Fame will be held at Holy Family University Perzel Building.
  • Historical Society’s CENTER FOR NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA HISTORY’s “History Day”
    When – Sun, October 18, 1pm – 5pm
    Where – Holy Family University in the plaza between the Perzel Building and the Library. (map)
    Description – Historical Society’s CENTER FOR NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA HISTORY’s “History Day” is fast approaching. Various Northeast neighborhood, historical, and cultural groups will be setting up exhibits on their history at Holy Family University in the plaza between the Perzel Building and the Library.
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, October 20, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Italian Style Family Dinner
    When – Wed, October 21, 4:30pm – 8:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – MARK YOUR CALENDAR Every Third Wednesday from September thru May Italian Style Family Dinner The Dinners will be served from 4:30 PM to 8 PM in Fitzmaurice Hall Take-out will be available. COST: $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Children. Come Join us!