Posted in Philadelphia November 13, 2017 by

12 Rare Photos From Philadelphia That Will Take You Straight To The Past

Philadelphia has changed a lot over the years – but parts of our city have certainly remained the same. The cobblestones of Old City and the brick row homes of South Philly are reminders of Philadelphia’s history. Check out these vintage photos that tell the stories of previous generations of Philadelphians who made this city their home.

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This is what commuters saw on the main line in the 1930s... West Chester Railroad Station, 1930.
Wikimedia Commons
Nowadays, Betsy Ross's story has been scrutinized, but in 1909, her home was noted as the birthplace of our Country's flag.
Wikimedia Commons
City Hall has remained mostly unchanged since it was finished. Here you can see it in 1937, almost looking like an Instagram post from 2017!
Photogrammer / Paul Vanderbilt
This barber shop on the corner of 19th and Bainbridge, shown here in 1937, is now the location of the Foreign Mission Board.
Photogrammer / Paul Vanderbilt
Do you recognize the location of this shuttered factory, shown here in 1938?
Photogrammer / Paul Vanderbilt
South Broad Street has always been a popular spot for political ads. Check out this one from 1938.
Photogrammer / Paul Vanderbilt
Grocery prices were so much lower in 1939!
Photogrammer / Paul Vanderbilt
I can't imagine South Philly without its iconic rowhomes. Here they are shortly after completion in October, 1941.
Photogrammer / John Vachon
This was a common scene in Philadelphia in 1942 - troops re-enlisting to fight for our country.
Photogrammer
Fairmont Park hasn't changed all that much since this photo was taken in 1943.
Photogrammer / Jack Delano
Whatever happened to the Burpee Seed warehouse on York Ave?
Photogrammer / Arthur Siegel
Of course, we all recognize Shibe Park, A.K.A. Connie Mack Stadium! It preceded the Vet and Citizen's Bank Park for our lovable Philadelphia Phillies.
Wikimedia Commons

Did you know some of the oldest photos in America were taken in Philadelphia? Check them out: Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In The United States And They Are Incredible