Historical documents

Primary sources

Document Archive

A chronological walk through 63 primary-source documents tied to 1822 Pine Street. Each entry includes a brief context note, metadata, and a document preview.

Note: the property certificate is intentionally excluded from the public archive.

1820s

1 document

This period includes 1 newspaper clipping tied to the residence.

Newspaper Clipping

The United States Gazette 1824 03 26 3

Early Philadelphia city record documenting the Pine Street neighborhood development near Rittenhouse Square.

Date
March 26, 1824
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_United_States_Gazette_1824_03_26_3.pdf
The United States Gazette 1824 03 26 3 document preview

1850s

1 document

This period includes 1 deed record tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1854 Deed abstract (2)

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.

Date
April 1, 1854
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1854 Deed abstract (2).jpg
1854 Deed abstract (2) document preview

1860s

2 documents

This period includes 2 newspaper clippings tied to the residence.

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1866 12 08 Page 8

Philadelphia Inquirer coverage of Rittenhouse Square society and the prominent families residing on Pine Street.

Date
December 8, 1866
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1866_12_08_Page_8.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1866 12 08 Page 8 document preview

1870s

3 documents

This period includes 3 newspaper clippings tied to the residence.

Newspaper Clipping

The Evening Telegraph 1870 08 10 Page 8

News coverage of residential developments and society events along Pine Street near Rittenhouse Square.

Date
August 10, 1870
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Evening_Telegraph_1870_08_10_Page_8.pdf
The Evening Telegraph 1870 08 10 Page 8 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1871 01 14 Page 6

Philadelphia Inquirer documents the growing prominence of Rittenhouse Square as Philadelphia's premier residential district.

Date
January 14, 1871
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1871_01_14_Page_6.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1871 01 14 Page 6 document preview

1880s

2 documents

This period includes 2 newspaper clippings tied to the residence.

Newspaper Clipping

Society Tea

High society tea hosted at a Rittenhouse Square residence, documenting the elegant entertaining traditions of the era.

Date
December 9, 1883
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
Society_Tea.pdf
Society Tea document preview

1890s

14 documents

This period includes 3 deed records and 10 newspaper clippings and 1 sale notice tied to the residence.

Newspaper Clipping

Thu Apr 23 1891 Page 3 Scarlet Fever

Public health notice documenting a scarlet fever case in Philadelphia, reflecting the health challenges of the Victorian era.

Date
April 23, 1891
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
Thu_Apr_23_1891_Page_3_Scarlet_Fever.pdf
Thu Apr 23 1891 Page 3 Scarlet Fever document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Times 1893 02 01 Page 6

Philadelphia Times features the Spencer family's social engagements and their prominence in Rittenhouse society.

Date
February 1, 1893
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Times_1893_02_01_Page_6.pdf
The Philadelphia Times 1893 02 01 Page 6 document preview

Sale Notice

1822 Sold for 14 000

Historic property sale notice: 1822 Pine Street transfers ownership for $14,000, reflecting its status as one of Philadelphia's finest addresses.

Date
May 11, 1893
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822_Sold_for_14_000.pdf
1822 Sold for 14 000 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1893 Deed abstract

Deed abstract documents the transfer from the Roset estate trustee to Howard Spencer, beginning the Spencer family's ownership.

Date
June 29, 1893
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1893 Deed abstract.jpg
1893 Deed abstract document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1893 07 01 Page 1

Front page coverage in the Philadelphia Inquirer documenting significant real estate activity in the Rittenhouse district.

Date
July 1, 1893
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1893_07_01_Page_1.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1893 07 01 Page 1 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Times 1893 07 01 Page 2

Philadelphia Times reports on changes in Rittenhouse Square property ownership and the neighborhood's continued prestige.

Date
July 1, 1893
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Times_1893_07_01_Page_2.pdf
The Philadelphia Times 1893 07 01 Page 2 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1899 Deed abstract - 1

Agnes M. Spencer takes title to 1822 Pine Street, preparing the house for its turn-of-century transformation.

Date
April 3, 1899
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1899 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
1899 Deed abstract - 1 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1899 Deed abstract - 2

Second page of the 1899 deed abstract documenting the Spencer family's continued ownership.

Date
April 3, 1899
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1899 Deed abstract - 2.jpg
1899 Deed abstract - 2 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1899 04 06 Page 7

Philadelphia Inquirer reports on spring social season and architectural improvements in Rittenhouse Square homes.

Date
April 6, 1899
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1899_04_06_Page_7.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1899 04 06 Page 7 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1899 07 18 Page 12

Major architectural renovation announced: Duhring, Okie & Ziegler commissioned to modernize 1822 Pine Street while preserving its historic character.

Date
July 18, 1899
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1899_07_18_Page_12.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1899 07 18 Page 12 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Times 1899 08 06 Page 10

Philadelphia Times documents the architectural transformation underway at 1822 Pine Street by renowned architects.

Date
August 6, 1899
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Times_1899_08_06_Page_10.pdf
The Philadelphia Times 1899 08 06 Page 10 document preview

1900s

9 documents

This period includes 9 newspaper clippings tied to the residence.

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1900 10 03 Page 5

Turn of the century coverage of Rittenhouse Square's evolution into Philadelphia's most prestigious residential enclave.

Date
October 3, 1900
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1900_10_03_Page_5.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1900 10 03 Page 5 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Times 1901 01 11 Page 6

Mrs. Graham Spencer returns to 1822 Pine Street for the winter season from her Chester County country estate.

Date
January 11, 1901
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Times_1901_01_11_Page_6.pdf
The Philadelphia Times 1901 01 11 Page 6 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1901 11 21 Page 16

Rolin-Plumb wedding breakfast served at 1822 Pine Street, highlighting the residence's role in Philadelphia society celebrations.

Date
November 21, 1901
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1901_11_21_Page_16.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1901 11 21 Page 16 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1904 12 11 Page 36

Mrs. Henry C. Davis and the Misses Davis host 'At Home' days at 1822 Pine Street during the winter social season.

Date
December 11, 1904
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1904_12_11_Page_36.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1904 12 11 Page 36 document preview

Newspaper Clipping

The Philadelphia Inquirer 1905 08 04 Page 6

J.N. Long installs the signature fireplace at 1822 Pine Street for $130—a centerpiece that continues to warm gatherings today.

Date
August 4, 1905
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_1905_08_04_Page_6.pdf
The Philadelphia Inquirer 1905 08 04 Page 6 document preview

1910s

5 documents

This period includes 5 newspaper clippings tied to the residence.

Newspaper Clipping

Evening Public Ledger 1915 01 08 Page 10

Miss Martha Davis of 1822 Pine Street sells Equal Franchise Society luncheon tickets, documenting suffrage activism at this address.

Date
January 8, 1915
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
Evening_Public_Ledger_1915_01_08_Page_10.pdf
Evening Public Ledger 1915 01 08 Page 10 document preview

1920s

2 documents

This period includes 2 deed records tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1922 Deed abstract - 1

Deed abstract documenting property transfer as 1822 Pine Street transitions to professional and apartment use.

Date
January 1, 1922
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1922 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
1922 Deed abstract - 1 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1922 Deed abstract - 2

Second page of the 1922 deed abstract documenting the property's transition to multi-use.

Date
January 1, 1922
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1922 Deed abstract - 2.jpg
1922 Deed abstract - 2 document preview

1940s

6 documents

This period includes 6 deed records tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1941 Deed abstract - 1

World War II era deed abstract documenting continued stewardship of the historic property.

Date
September 11, 1941
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1941 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
1941 Deed abstract - 1 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1941 Deed abstract - 2

World War II era deed transfer documenting continued stewardship of the historic property.

Date
September 11, 1941
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1941 Deed abstract - 2.jpg
1941 Deed abstract - 2 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1947 Deed abstract - 1

Post-war deed abstract documenting property ownership as Rittenhouse Square adapts to changing times.

Date
January 1, 1947
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1947 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
1947 Deed abstract - 1 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1947 Deed abstract - 2

Second page of the 1947 deed abstract with additional ownership details.

Date
January 1, 1947
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1947 Deed abstract - 2.jpg
1947 Deed abstract - 2 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1949 Deed abstract - 1

Mid-century deed transfer as the property continues its evolution through the apartment era.

Date
January 1, 1949
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1949 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
1949 Deed abstract - 1 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1949 Deed abstract - 2

Second page of the 1949 deed abstract with property description details.

Date
January 1, 1949
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1949 Deed abstract - 2.jpg
1949 Deed abstract - 2 document preview

1950s

2 documents

This period includes 2 deed records tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1952 Deed abstract - 1

Deed abstract recording ownership transition during the continued apartment conversion years.

Date
January 1, 1952
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1952 Deed abstract - 1.jpg
1952 Deed abstract - 1 document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1952 Deed abstract - 2

Second page of the 1952 deed abstract documenting property details.

Date
January 1, 1952
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1952 Deed abstract - 2.jpg
1952 Deed abstract - 2 document preview

1960s

1 document

This period includes 1 deed record tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1822 Pine - 1979 Deed

Property deed transfer during the late 1960s as Rittenhouse Square undergoes urban renewal.

Date
May 1, 1967
Pages
8
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 Pine - 1979 Deed.pdf
1822 Pine - 1979 Deed document preview

1970s

1 document

This period includes 1 deed record tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1822 Pine - 1985 Deed

Deed transfer reflecting continued private ownership of 1822 Pine Street.

Date
October 17, 1979
Pages
3
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 Pine - 1985 Deed.pdf
1822 Pine - 1985 Deed document preview

1980s

1 document

This period includes 1 deed record tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1822 Pine - Deed 1987

Property ownership transfer as 1822 Pine Street enters a new phase of stewardship.

Date
March 15, 1985
Pages
4
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 Pine - Deed 1987.pdf
1822 Pine - Deed 1987 document preview

1990s

1 document

This period includes 1 deed record tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1822 Pine - 1999 Deed 1

Deed documentation as the property transitions toward the historic preservation era.

Date
April 26, 1991
Pages
4
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 Pine - 1999 Deed 1.pdf
1822 Pine - 1999 Deed 1 document preview

2000s

1 document

This period includes 1 deed record tied to the residence.

Deed / Ownership Record

1822 Pine - 2002 Deed

Early 21st century deed transfer continuing the stewardship of this historic Rittenhouse Square property.

Date
August 14, 2002
Pages
6
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 Pine - 2002 Deed.pdf
1822 Pine - 2002 Deed document preview

Undated Records

11 documents

This period includes 1 deed record and 10 floor plans tied to the residence.

Floor Plan

1822 1 Floor

Architectural floor plan showing the first floor layout with parlors, library, and kitchen.

Date
Undated
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1822 1 Floor.jpg
1822 1 Floor document preview

Floor Plan

1822 1 Floor

Architectural floor plan showing the first floor layout with parlors, library, and kitchen.

Date
Undated
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 1 Floor.pdf
1822 1 Floor document preview

Floor Plan

1822 2 Floor

Architectural floor plan showing the second floor master suite and guest bedrooms.

Date
Undated
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1822 2 Floor.jpg
1822 2 Floor document preview

Floor Plan

1822 2 Floor

Architectural floor plan showing the second floor master suite and guest bedrooms.

Date
Undated
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 2 Floor.pdf
1822 2 Floor document preview

Floor Plan

1822 3 Floor

Architectural floor plan showing the third floor bedrooms and additional living space.

Date
Undated
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1822 3 Floor.jpg
1822 3 Floor document preview

Floor Plan

1822 3 Floor

Architectural floor plan showing the third floor bedrooms and additional living space.

Date
Undated
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 3 Floor.pdf
1822 3 Floor document preview

Floor Plan

1822 4 Floor

Architectural floor plan showing the fourth floor suite with private bathroom.

Date
Undated
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1822 4 Floor.jpg
1822 4 Floor document preview

Floor Plan

1822 4 Floor

Architectural floor plan showing the fourth floor suite with private bathroom.

Date
Undated
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 4 Floor.pdf
1822 4 Floor document preview

Deed / Ownership Record

1822 Pine - 1999 Deed 2

Additional deed documentation from the 1999 property transfer records.

Date
Undated
Pages
5
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 Pine - 1999 Deed 2.pdf
1822 Pine - 1999 Deed 2 document preview

Floor Plan

1822 Roof Deck

Architectural plan showing the roof deck with panoramic city views.

Date
Undated
Pages
File Type
JPG
Source File
1822 Roof Deck.jpg
1822 Roof Deck document preview

Floor Plan

1822 Roof Deck

Architectural plan showing the roof deck with panoramic city views.

Date
Undated
Pages
1
File Type
PDF
Source File
1822 Roof Deck.pdf
1822 Roof Deck document preview