Note to the Visitors of the Philadelphia Mint
As there are many places of interest in “Penn’s Favorite City,” the publisher of this work would respectfully suggest that visitors, who have the leisure, should see some of the well-known institutions of “The City of Brotherly Love.” Among the rare places of interest, after the United States Mint, is 1st.—THE NEW PUBLIC BUILDINGS (in same square), known as the NEW CITY HALL, the Largest and Finest in the World, surpassing even the Capitol at Washington. 2d.—FAIRMOUNT PARK, the largest and most beautiful public pleasure ground in the United States, embracing nearly three thousand acres, on both sides of the Schuylkill River, from Fairmount Water Works to Indian Rock, on the romantic Wissahickon. 3d.—GIRARD COLLEGE, where eleven hundred and fifty Orphan Boys are maintained, clothed and educated through the bountiful munificence of Philadelphia’s great benefactor, Stephen Girard. 4th.—WANAMAKER’S GREAT STORE, East of and almost adjoining the Mint. This immense establishment (the largest of the kind in the World) has grown to such vast proportions during the past decade that we feel compelled to give it a brief notice, as it has become one of the features of our city, and an object of interest to our visitors. The building itself is unique; it occupies an entire square, viz:—from Thirteenth to Juniper and from Market to Chestnut Streets—entrance on each of the four streets. The flooring space occupied in the interior, including first floor, basement and galleries, embraces more than twelve acres, and all this immense space is occupied with such goods as everybody, at some time in life, feels the necessity of purchasing. The general arrangement and classification of goods from all nations (there being over fifty separate and distinct departments), suggests a reproduction of the Main Building of our late great Centennial Exposition, with the Department of Public Comfort added. One of the great features of this Mammoth Bazaar is that visitors are made to feel at home, every provision being made for their convenience. There are commodious Retiring and Reading Rooms on either floor. One’s Satchel and Parcels are checked without cost, and no one is importuned to purchase. Visitors will find it hard to resist the Tempting Offers and Low Prices marked on the goods. 5th.—INDEPENDENCE HALL, (The Nation’s Birth-place) Chestnut Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets; National Museum, in same building, containing many interesting relics of the Revolution and of Washington’s Camp Life; The Old Liberty Bell hanging in the hallway leading to Independence Square, where the Declaration of Independence was read to the people, July 4th, 1776. 6th.—ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS, Broad Street (west side) between Arch and Race Streets, should be visited by all lovers of the Fine Arts. 7th.—The NEW MASONIC TEMPLE, Northeast corner Broad and Filbert Streets. Visiting days every Thursday. 8th.—The NEW POST OFFICE and U. S. COURT BUILDING. This is one of the finest buildings of the kind in the country, and well worthy of a visit; also, the NEW “RECORD” BUILDING, adjoining. 9th.—The BURIAL PLACES OF BENJAMIN and DEBORA FRANKLIN can be seen at South-east corner Fifth and Arch Streets. 10th.—There are other notable places of interest in the City Of “Brotherly Love,” among which may be mentioned CARPENTERS’ HALL, UNION LEAGUE, DEAF AND DUMB AND BLIND ASYLUMS, LAUREL HILL CEMETERY, PENNSYLVANIA AND WILL’S HOSPITALS, and the hundred and one other benevolent institutions for which Philadelphia is justly celebrated.
Footnotes
1 Collectors estimate the loss to numismatography as very great by reason of the temptation the gold possesses for hoarding, and they are possibly the only class of people who have any apology to offer for the miser. Yet the world is debtor to this despised habit for some of its most invaluable specimens of art, and important corroborative history of the old world.
2 Robert Morris was born in England, and came to America when he was thirteen years old, (Sparks’ life of Governeur Morris.)
3 During the Confederation the different States had the unquestioned right to coin money, but only according to the standard of fineness, weight, and value, prescribed by the central government.
4 The following, from the Morris Papers, serve to illustrate this subject:
“1.—Robt. Morris to Richard Yates.
“Philad’a, Jan. 23, 1782.
“Sir,
“At the request of a very honest Man who seems much distressed for the welfare of his wife, now in London, I beg to trouble you with the enclosed Letter, praying that you will forward it, and if in consequence thereof Mrs. Dudley should come to New York, I beg of you to procure Liberty for her to come to her Husband at this place. The money for her Passage and reasonable expenses in New York, which must be reasonable as possible, she may draw upon her Husband, Mr. Benjamin Dudley, and I engage that the Draft shall be paid. I shall thank you for your attention to this poor Lady when she arrives, and remain Sir,
“your most obedient and humble servant
Robert Morris.”
“2.—Robt. Morris to the Commissary General of Prisoners.
“Philad’a, Jan. 23, 1782.
“Sir,
“I send herewith an open letter for Mr. Richard Yates containing one for Mrs. Dudley in London, from her Husband now here. I wish these may be safely delivered to Mr. Yates, and therefore pray you to send them into New York, by some person that will not only promise, but perform the delivery of them. I am Sir,
“your most obedient and humble servant
Robert Morris.”
5 This letter will illustrate this subject:
Robert Morris to the Rev. William Gordon, D. D.
[From the Morris Papers.]
“Philad’a 20th July, 1782.
“Sir,
“In consequence of your Letter of the nineteenth of June, I sent for Mr. Dudley, told him the information you had so kindly given to me, and assured him of my desire to make him easy and happy. The business in which he is intended to be employed, is like many other important matters, retarded by the tediousness of the States in supplying the Continental Treasury.
“The Hon’ble Secretary at War has commenced a correspondence with General Gates at my request, which I think, will produce what he wishes. Be assured that I take particular pleasure in promoting the interest and happiness of worthy men, and that I am with great esteem Sir,
your most obedient and humble Servant,
Robert Morris.”
6 This letter will illustrate this matter:
Robert Morris to Benjamin Dudley.
[From the Morris Papers.]
Office of Finance, 29 Novr., 1782.
“Sir,
“You will herewith receive the Form for making a particular kind of Paper—You are to proceed to the Paper Mill of Mr. Mark Wilcox, in Ash Town Chester County, who has the Stuff prepared, and there to superintend the making of sundry reams of Paper upon this Form—in doing of which you are to be particularly careful not to leave it in the power of any person or persons to make any paper upon this Form without your immediate Inspection.
“You are to attend the Workmen constantly whilst they are at work, and when you retire from the Mill upon any occasion, you are to take the Form with you. You are to count the Paper as it is made sheet by sheet and when you have finished the whole, you are to bring it to me together with the Form. I am Sir,
“Your most obedient servant,
“Robert Morris.”
7 The building is still standing (March, 1888) Nos. 37 and 39 North Seventh street, and is occupied for various purposes.
8 For the various duties of the Mint there are over three hundred persons employed as clerks, workmen, etc.—say about two-thirds men and one-third women—the number depending, of course, upon the amount of work to be done.
9 Adam Eckfeldt’s portrait, by Samuel Du Bois, hangs in the Cabinet. A short sketch of him will be found in the list of Coiners.
10 The exchange at the present time (1885) is made at the Sub-Treasury in the Custom House.
11 Horace says that Alexander the Great ordained that no one should take his portrait on gems but Pyrgoteles; no one should paint him but Apelles; and no one should stamp his head on coins but Lysippus.—American Bibliopolist.
12 “In box, three pictures (miniatures), two half joes, two small pieces of gold.” Dec. 26, 1780.—Martha Washington. These were sent to be used in the manufacture of the miniature cases for the above pictures. This letter is in the possession of K. Coulton Davis, Ph. G., of this city.
13 This issue being made at Sommer Islands, gave the name of “Sommer money.”
14 The old story of the weighing of John Hall’s daughter on her marriage-day is recalled in seeing these coins. Her dowry was her weight in “pine-tree” shillings; and the suggestion is allowable that these specimens formed a part of the portion of the blushing bride two centuries ago.
15 This is the coin which caused such excitement and so much feeling in Ireland, and which Dean Swift attacked from the pulpit.
16 From Chapman’s Collection Catalogue, May 14-15, pp. 24-25.
17 From the proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, reported by Wm. E. Du Bois, in October, 1845.
18 Considered unique, one recently sold for $640.00 at a public sale in New York.
19 After the resignation of ex-Governor Pollock the title of Director was changed to Superintendent. The Director of all the Mints is now located at Washington.
20 Dr. Linderman’s widow and only son, Henry R. Linderman (named for him), a prominent lawyer of Stroudsburg, Penna., are the only survivors of his family.
21 The Phototype of Washington’s Profile likeness in the bound edition of this book, is from this Medal, known as the Houdon Medal.
22 Mr. Barber has lately completed a large and very fine medallic likeness of President Cleveland.
23 Kilogram of gold valued at $634.60.
24 Kilogram of silver valued at $41.56.
25 Includes $11,464.27 expended from appropriation for renewal of steam-power plant at Philadelphia.
26 The statement of the amounts in National Banks is of date August 1.
27 Includes $24,044,000 Clearing-house gold certificates.
28 Includes $8,770,000 held for the redemption of certificates of deposit for legal-tender notes under Act June 8, 1872.
29 The Carat is sub-divided into thirty-two parts.
30 The coins struck at the parent mint in Philadelphia bear no mint mark.
THE REAL ESTATE TRUST COMPANY
OF PHILADELPHIA
1340 Chestnut Street.
FRANK K. HIPPLE, President.
WILLIAM R. PHILLER, Secretary.
WILLIAM F. NORTH, Treasurer.
THOMAS B. PROSSER, Real Estate Officer.
DIRECTORS:
FRANK K. HIPPLE,
HENRY C. GIBSON,
LEMUEL COFFIN,
BEAUVEAU BORIE,
WILLIAM M. SINGERLY,
JOHN WANAMAKER,
GEORGE PHILLER,
EDWARD T. STEEL,
CHARLES W. HENRY,
JOHN F. BETZ,
THOMAS DOLAN,
R. DALE BENSON.
GEORGE JUNKIN, Solicitor.
This Company transacts a general Real Estate business, acting as agent or attorney for buying, holding, leasing and selling property in the City of Philadelphia and its vicinity. Negotiates Mortgages and places Ground Rents.
Gives especial attention to the Renting of Properties and the Collection of Rents, to the payment of Taxes and Water Rents, and to the making of needful repairs on such properties; in all respects taking the same charge and management of, and giving the same attention to, Real Estate as the owner could do.
Collects Ground Rents, Interest on Mortgages, Dividends and Income of all kinds whatsoever.
Receives Deposits of Money, payable by Check on demand, and allows Interest thereon. Issues Negotiable Certificates of Special Deposits bearing Interest.
Acts as Trustee, Guardian, Executor, Administrator, Assignee, Receiver, Committee, Attorney, etc.
Receives and executes Trusts of every description, under the appointment of Courts, Corporations and Individuals.
Becomes surety for the faithful performance of any Trust or Office; acts as Transfer Agent or Registrar of Stocks and Bonds of Corporations or Municipalities.
All Trust Funds and Investments are kept separate and apart from those of the Company.
Issues Policies of Title Insurance to Real Estate and Real Estate Securities, in Philadelphia and adjoining counties, thereby affording absolute security to Purchasers and their Heirs, at a nominal cost.
Also issues Policies of Special Insurance against Decedents’ Debts, Mechanics’ Liens, Judgments, Old Ground Rents, etc.
Receives for safe-keeping Securities, Plate, Jewelry, Deeds, Mortgages, and other Valuables, at reasonable rates.
Rents Safe Deposit Boxes in the Company’s Burglar-proof Vaults, affording security against loss by Robbery, Fire or Accident. These Boxes are rented according to size and location, at from Five to Fifty Dollars per annum.
Agents for the sale of the reliable Six Per Cent. Mortgages and Debentures of “The New England Loan and Trust Co. of Des Moines, Iowa;” and of “The New England Trust Co. of Kansas City, Missouri;” both Principal and Interest guaranteed, and Interest payable semi-annually, by coupon, in either New York or Philadelphia.
WILLIAM GROVES. ALEXANDER WILSON. WILLIAM GROVES, Jr.
GROVES, WILSON & GROVES,
Importers, Manufacturers and Retailers of
CABINET FURNITURE,
UPHOLSTERY AND BEDDING,
Furniture and Decorations,
LACE CURTAINS AND DRAPERIES.
☞ VERANDA AND WINDOW AWNINGS A SPECIALTY.
Nos. 1022-24 Market Street,
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
THE
Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
OF PHILADELPHIA.
| Assets, | $12,750,000.00 |
| Surplus to Members, | 2,500,000.00 |
A PURELY MUTUAL COMPANY conducted solely in the interest of members, and with the object of furnishing the Best Life Insurance at the Least cost.
40 YEARS’ SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS.
All approved forms of Life and Endowment Policies issued, which become INCONTESTABLE after two years, and are absolutely NON-FORFEITABLE for “reserve” value.
Members who discontinue their payments, have the option of an Extension of the original sum insured or a Paid-up policy.
HOME OFFICE—No. 921 CHESTNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA.
EDWARD M. NEEDLES, President.
HORATIO S. STEPHENS, Vice-Pres’t.
HENRY C. BROWN, Sec’y and Treas.
JESSE J. BARKER, Actuary.
SPRINGFIELD
GAS MACHINE
Improved under twenty years’ manufacture and experience—maintains the lead.
For country residences it has proved to be a necessity and a luxury.
FOR HOTELS and other buildings, in connection with our Mixing Regulator, it produces gas of uniform quality, free from smoke, used through plain open burners.
FOR MECHANICAL ARTS it furnishes gas for heating purposes, at 40 to 50 cents per thousand feet.
Best quality GASOLINE, for Gas Machines, constantly on hand. Send for quotations.
Among the Hotels lighted by the Springfield Gas Machine, with Mixing Regulator attached, would mention the following: Glen Summit Hotel, Glen Summit, Pa; Devon Inn, Devon, Pa.; Engleside, Beach Haven, N. J.; Avon Inn, Key East, N. J.; Luray Inn, Luray, Va.
For further particulars, address,
George W. Hulme,
12 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Cooking Stoves for use with Gas Machines.
SEND FOR CATALOGUE.
FURNITURE AND DECORATIONS
Curtains and Upholstery,
Fine Cabinet Work,
Interior Wood Work.
ORIGINAL DRAWINGS AND ESTIMATES SUBMITTED.
TRYMBY, HUNT & CO.
IMPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS,
Nos. 1217 to 1221 MARKET STREET,
PHILADELPHIA.
HISTORY OF THE U. S. MINT
DAILY HERALD.
A very interesting History of the United States Mint is published by the author, George G. Evans, of this city. The introduction gives an account of the money of the past and the present, showing what formed the circulatory medium in ancient times and in all countries. This is followed by a history of coinage in this country, with biographical sketches of the past and present officers of our Mint. The whole process of melting, assaying, refining and coining gold and silver is very lucidly explained; it is also fully illustrated with engravings as a further explanation of the text. There are a large number of phototypes of ancient and modern coins, Continental money, etc., etc., the whole forming a very readable book, and one which fills a gap in our country’s history.
It is the only complete and authentic History of the Mint and Coinage Manual that is to be had, and is a valuable contribution to our national as well as our local history. It embraces everything that one could expect to find in such a volume, and a good deal which agreeably surprises the reader.
EVENING TELEGRAPH.
Mr. Evans’ book gives a complete history of American coinage, describing the obverse and reverse of each piece struck at the Mint since its establishment in 1792. The work is finely gotten up in every respect.