Elfreth’s Alley Association - Founded 1934
Founded in 1934 the Elfreth’s Alley Association was created and has persisted due to the passion of Philadelphia preservationists, alley residents, and dedicated professionals. All have worked together to create a space we can interpret, tour, and study.
When Dolly Ottey, alley resident and owner of The Hearthstone Restaurant at 115 Elfreth’s Alley, sent a letter to the editor of the Sunday Evening Bulletin in the early 1930s, it caught the eye of many readers, including influential local preservation leader Frances Anne Wister. When the homegrown passion of local residents was combined with the social influence of Ms. Wister and the newly formed Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks (PSPL) the momentum was unstoppable. The Elfreth’s Alley Committee became part of PSPL and the Elfreth’s Alley Association was formed on the street, soon this previously overlooked but remarkable collection of 18th and 19th century buildings demanded attention. The first Elfreth’s Alley Day, eventually known as “Fete Day”, was in June of 1934 and we have been celebrating the alley, its historic buildings, and the rich history of Philadelphia’s working-class residents ever since.
Enjoy these photos of early Fete Days, personal scrapbooks, and the paperwork that documents the milestones of the Elfreth’s Alley Association. Together we saved the alley, and together we can continue to preserve and protect it.
Elfreth’s Alley Day held the first Saturday in June came to be known as Fete Day. The early celebrations were held in partnership with the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.
Elfreth’s Alley Day program from 1942.
The collection of Valentines mentioned with house 134 are today part of the Elfreth’s Alley Archive.
The Elfreth’s Alley Archives still house the visitor logs from 1943 - 1951. Though the museum was not open during VE or VJ Day in 1945, there are many entries from military visitors that were stationed nearby or visited Philadelphia.
This 1945 News Letter includes a mention of the decorations that were put up to greet “returning sons and husbands” from military service.
A hand-stitched image of Elfreth’s Alley, likely produced and donated by one of its dedicated volunteers.
Thank you letter from E.A. de Bordenave to Mrs. Anna Higgins, Daily News, regarding Fete Day 1952.
Christ Church, Philadelphia letterhead
The Elfreth’s Alley archive holds a 1952 scrapbook of historic images. Included are photos of early Fete Days and various homes on the alley. These everyday snapshots help us document how the buildings and events have evolved over the years.
