Early Philadelphia city record documenting the Pine Street neighborhood development near Rittenhouse Square.
View Primary Source Document
The_United_States_Gazette_1824_03_26_3.pdf
Est. 1854 • Philadelphia Historic Register
The History of the Rittenhouse Residence
170 years of Philadelphia history. From Victorian parlor gatherings to Gilded Age celebrations, the Rittenhouse Residence has hosted the city's finest moments. Stay where history happened.
1854
Year Built
170+
Years of Stories
8
Bedrooms
The Story
House at the Edge of the Square
A Philadelphia Novel in Fourteen Chapters
Experience 170 years of history through the voice of the house itself—told from the perspective of the marble threshold that has counted every footfall since 1854. From Victorian society balls and Drexel banking connections to suffrage activism in the parlors, discover the documented narrative of one of Rittenhouse Square's most storied addresses.
The Spencer family's elegant renovations, Drexel banking connections, and suffrage activism in these very parlors—every chapter reveals what makes this house extraordinary.
14 Chapters
170+ Years of History
Complete Documentary Timeline
Deeds, newspaper articles, and historical records in chronological order
Early Philadelphia(1 event)
Construction(1 event)
DEED
John McCrea sells the newly completed townhouse at 1822 Pine Street to John Roset, merchant of French heritage. This deed marks the beginning of 170 years of documented ownership.
_web.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9Dm8H3xgY6yJzpT1Qz7suZoumnyB)
View Primary Source Document
1854 Deed abstract (2).jpg
Victorian Era(7 events)
Philadelphia Inquirer coverage of Rittenhouse Square society and the prominent families residing on Pine Street.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1866_12_08_Page_8.pdf
Evening Telegraph reports on social gatherings and events in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
View Primary Source Document
The_Evening_Telegraph_1867_04_08_Page_3.pdf
News coverage of residential developments and society events along Pine Street near Rittenhouse Square.
View Primary Source Document
The_Evening_Telegraph_1870_08_10_Page_8.pdf
Philadelphia Inquirer documents the growing prominence of Rittenhouse Square as Philadelphia's premier residential district.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1871_01_14_Page_6.pdf
Society news featuring the distinguished families of Pine Street and their winter social calendar.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1871_12_06_Page_7.pdf
High society tea hosted at a Rittenhouse Square residence, documenting the elegant entertaining traditions of the era.
View Primary Source Document
Society_Tea.pdf
Philadelphia Times coverage of winter social season events in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Times_1883_12_09_Page_4.pdf
Spencer Era(8 events)
The Spencer family era begins at 1822 Pine Street, ushering in a new chapter of distinguished ownership.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1891_11_28_Page_2.pdf
Philadelphia Times features the Spencer family's social engagements and their prominence in Rittenhouse society.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Times_1893_02_01_Page_6.pdf
Historic property sale: 1822 Pine Street transfers ownership for $14,000, reflecting its status as one of Philadelphia's finest addresses.
View Primary Source Document
1822_Sold_for_14_000.pdf
DEED
Deed abstract documents the transfer from the Roset estate trustee to Howard Spencer, beginning the Spencer family's ownership.
View Primary Source Document
1893 Deed abstract.jpg
Philadelphia Times reports on changes in Rittenhouse Square property ownership and the neighborhood's continued prestige.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Times_1893_07_01_Page_2.pdf
Front page coverage in the Philadelphia Inquirer documenting significant real estate activity in the Rittenhouse district.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1893_07_01_Page_1.pdf
Summer society news featuring the Spencer family and their activities in Philadelphia's social scene.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Times_1896_06_29_Page_5.pdf
Autumn social calendar coverage including events hosted by prominent Pine Street families.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Times_1896_11_23_Page_11.pdf
Renovation(4 events)
DEED
Agnes M. Spencer takes title to 1822 Pine Street, preparing the house for its turn-of-century transformation.
View Primary Source Document
1899 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
Philadelphia Inquirer reports on spring social season and architectural improvements in Rittenhouse Square homes.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1899_04_06_Page_7.pdf
Major architectural renovation announced: Duhring, Okie & Ziegler commissioned to modernize 1822 Pine Street while preserving its historic character.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1899_07_18_Page_12.pdf
Philadelphia Times documents the architectural transformation underway at 1822 Pine Street by renowned architects.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Times_1899_08_06_Page_10.pdf
Turn of Century(9 events)
Turn of the century coverage of Rittenhouse Square's evolution into Philadelphia's most prestigious residential enclave.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1900_10_03_Page_5.pdf
Mrs. Graham Spencer returns to 1822 Pine Street for the winter season from her Chester County country estate.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Times_1901_01_11_Page_6.pdf
Philadelphia Inquirer covers autumn gatherings and the continued social prominence of the Spencer residence.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1901_10_27_Page_19.pdf
Rolin-Plumb wedding breakfast served at 1822 Pine Street, highlighting the residence's role in Philadelphia society celebrations.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1901_11_21_Page_16.pdf
Mrs. Henry C. Davis and the Misses Davis host 'At Home' days at 1822 Pine Street during the winter social season.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1904_12_11_Page_36.pdf
J.N. Long installs the signature fireplace at 1822 Pine Street for $130—a centerpiece that continues to warm gatherings today.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1905_08_04_Page_6.pdf
Year-end social coverage documenting the continued prominence of 1822 Pine Street in Philadelphia society.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1906_12_30_Page_11.pdf
Holiday entertaining at the Spencer residence featured in Philadelphia Inquirer society pages.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1907_12_15_Page_16.pdf
New Year's social events and gatherings documented at prominent Rittenhouse Square addresses.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1908_01_06_Page_14.pdf
Suffrage Era(5 events)
Philadelphia Inquirer coverage of women's activism growing in the Rittenhouse Square community.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1912_09_29_Page_26.pdf
Suffrage movement gains momentum with meetings held in Rittenhouse Square homes, including 1822 Pine Street.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1913_02_09_Page_38.pdf
Women's suffrage organizing continues in the parlors of prominent Philadelphia homes near Rittenhouse Square.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1913_03_10_Page_12.pdf
Suffragette strategy sessions and social activism documented in Rittenhouse neighborhood residences.
View Primary Source Document
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1914_03_27_Page_16.pdf
Miss Martha Davis of 1822 Pine Street sells Equal Franchise Society luncheon tickets, documenting suffrage activism at this address.
View Primary Source Document
Evening_Public_Ledger_1915_01_08_Page_10.pdf
Mid-Century(5 events)
DEED
Deed abstract documenting property transfer as 1822 Pine Street transitions to professional and apartment use.
View Primary Source Document
1922 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
DEED
World War II era deed transfer documenting continued stewardship of the historic property.
View Primary Source Document
1941 Deed abstract - 2.jpg
DEED
Post-war deed abstract documenting property ownership as Rittenhouse Square adapts to changing times.
View Primary Source Document
1947 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
DEED
Mid-century deed transfer as the property continues its evolution through the apartment era.
View Primary Source Document
1949 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
DEED
Deed abstract recording ownership transition during the continued apartment conversion years.
View Primary Source Document
1952 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
Late Century(4 events)
DEED
Property deed transfer during the late 1960s as Rittenhouse Square undergoes urban renewal.
View Primary Source Document
1822 Pine - 1979 Deed.pdf
DEED
Deed transfer reflecting continued private ownership of 1822 Pine Street.
View Primary Source Document
1822 Pine - 1985 Deed.pdf
DEED
Property ownership transfer as 1822 Pine Street enters a new phase of stewardship.
View Primary Source Document
1822 Pine - Deed 1987.pdf
DEED
Deed documentation as the property transitions toward historic preservation era.
View Primary Source Document
1822 Pine - 1999 Deed 1.pdf
Historic Preservation(1 event)
1822 Pine Street receives historic protection as part of the Rittenhouse-Fitler Historic District, ensuring preservation of its architectural heritage.
Historical record based on property documentation
Modern Era(2 events)
DEED
Early 21st century deed transfer continuing the stewardship of this historic Rittenhouse Square property.
View Primary Source Document
1822 Pine - 2002 Deed.pdf
Current ownership establishes 1822 Pine Street as the Rittenhouse Residence, beginning its new chapter as a premier historic vacation rental for discerning guests.
Historical record based on property documentation
Stay at the Rittenhouse Residence
8 bedrooms, original fireplaces, marble mantels, and a private garden—all steps from Rittenhouse Square. Perfect for family reunions, celebrations, and unforgettable gatherings.