- I'm a sucker for fountains. But even more so - for the stories behind them
On 9th near Spruce |
- This particular fountain was in remembrance for Edward Wetherill who was born in Pennsylvania in February 1821 and who died October 2, 1908
- Even more interesting is that a census reports his occupation as Abolitionist
- He and his family were Quakers and lived at one point at 1413 Spruce street
The city really takes care of its fountains |
- He came from a long line of Philadelphia Quakers mentioned as far back as 1783
- Visit and peruse Edward's abolitionist letters and collections at the Pennsylvania Historical Society
- Read about other famous Philadelphia Wetherills
- Get confused but read this short but fascinating excerpt from the New York Times December 26, 1905 edition about another Edward Wetherill
- Know anything about paint manufacturing? George Wetherill owner of George D Wetherill & Co - was the first to manufacture white lead in 1804 - which later became Dutch Boy Paint