Pennsylvania, U.S.A. – Monday, July 16th & Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
Christ Church, built between 1727 and 1744, was once the tallest building in North America at nearly 200 feet high.
Stop in the name of Christ
Christ Church brick detail
It was hard to get a clear view of the iconic steeple. Many of America's founding fathers (including, you guessed, it, Ben Franklin) were part of this church's congregation.
This was a nice idea, free public historical stories for children in the park next to Christ Church.
Grave of James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Seven signers in total are buried here, also including man of the hour, Ben Franklin.
Christ Church hours
Our tour guide is doing a splendiferous job. I'm sorry I forgot his name. Behind him is Elfreth's Alley.
Elfreth's Alley is known as America's oldest residential street, dating back to 1702.
There are currently 32 houses along this street, built between 1728 and 1836.
This device mounted to the window was known as a "busybody mirror". It allowed residents inside to see who was walking down the street, or who was knocking on their door below.
Yes, you can actually buy a home on Elfreth's Alley, although they are crazy expensive and you're not allowed to remodel or even redecorate the homes.
Mulberry Market and Humphry's Flag Co., two cool old style shops.
Here we have the Betsy Ross House, where the first American flag is purported to have been sewn.
I say purported because it's debatable if Ross ever even lived here, let alone sewed the first flag. But it makes a good tourist attraction.
Betsy Ross historical marker.
Design of the first American flag in the back courtyard. The thirteen stars represent the 13 colonies. The flag has continued to evolve as more states have entered the Union.
Poor Richard's Court
Back at the Ben Franklin Statue
This is the backside of the U.S. Mint.
What better place to end the tour than with the end of Ben Franklin?
The Christ Church Burial Ground is the last resting place of Benjamin Franklin.
Tomb of Ben Franklin
Christ Church Burial Ground. And that's the first tour, "Freedom Rings". Again, it was an excellent tour and great value, and I highly recommend if you're visiting Philadelphia to check out Free Tours by Foot. It's not often I volunteer an endorsement of a business so they must be doing something right.
I enjoyed the first tour from Free Tours by Foot enough that I decided to sign up for a second one; this one known as "Real Philadelphia", a four hour walking tour that goes off the beaten path through a more contemporary Philadelphia. In orange was our tour guide for this trek, Jenn.
Our first stop is the "Dream Garden", a 15x49 foot glass mosaic, located in the lobby of an unassuming Philadelphia office building. It's been here since 1916.
The Musical Fund Hall was also the location of the first Republican National Convention.
The Musical Fund Hall is a distinguished building in Philadelphia history, mostly for the many famous people who have spoken or performed there.
Also Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray.
I’ve read all of this 9 pages photo journal. Some photos look familiar to me though I’ve never been there. I love the scattered ironic humor of your writing style. I wanted to visit the city, anyway, I’ll have chance. Thanks for sharing! I love you~