When was the last time you took a stroll through Washington Square? Over the past 15 years it has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the collaborative efforts between the National Park Service and the Society Hill Civic Association along with the many donors who have invested time and money into the beautification of the park. Some of these landmark upgrades include historic restoration of the guardhouses a new park-wide sprinkler system, restoration of the memorial and fountain basin, and a dramatic redesign of the park’s surrounding landscape. Future upgrades are planned to include security cameras, improved irrigation, new curbing and pruning of the entire tree canopy. With so many great improvements in the works it impels us to look back on its origins and rich history.
Washington Square Past
William Penn, founder of Philadelphia, planned five public squares equidistant from each other in the 1680’s. Not only did he want a ‘Greene Countrie Towne’, he also wanted safe places to which citizens could flee in case of fire. He had lived through the Great Fire of London in 1660 and did not want that to happen in Philadelphia. Since William Penn was a Quaker, not to name places or buildings for people, the squares were known as NE, NW, SE, SW and Center. Today they are called Rittenhouse, Logan, Franklin, Washington and Penn Center respectfully, each with its own personality. Washington Square is the one most steeped in history.
From 1707 to 1794 Washington Square was a burial ground for the American and British soldiers during the American Revolution and those victim to the 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic. By 1815, the square was redeveloped into a public garden surrounded by residential houses. The plans called for circular gravel walkways and the planting of 60 varieties of native trees, creating one of the country’s first arboretums.
In 1825 it was renamed Washington Square after George Washington. The Athenaeum, founded in 1814, was built on the SE side of Washington Square in 1845 in the Italianate Revival Style. By the mid 1880’s the square would undergo additional enhancements designed to improve the flow of the ever-increasing pedestrian traffic. This new design featured diagonal walkways, additional entrances and benches for the comfort of its promenadeurs.
As the elite residential section of the city moved to Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square became a hub for the working class. Publishing houses began to build their headquarters around the perimeter. It began with J.B. Lippincott on the east side in 1901 and Curtis Publishing on the north side in 1910. This trend only continued to grow. The Farm Journal, The American Bible Society, Central News, Lea & Febiger, W.B. Saunders were all located around the square. The area suffered a severe decline in the first half of the 20th century as a result of these businesses. Its resurrection occurred when prominent Philadelphians bought shells of the handsome 18th century federal style houses in the 1950’s.
In 1957 the square was officially recognized as hallowed ground. A memorial statue of George Washington standing watch over the remains of an unknown soldier pays tribute to those who lost their lives fighting in the American Revolution. Engraved into the limestone wall of the memorial are the words “Freedom is a light for which many have died in darkness.”
In 1963 German sculptor and architect Oscar Storonov designed Hopkinson House which rests on the south side of the square. These condominiums began the residential revitalization. Following suit, Independence Place was built on the SE corner in 1981. In the 21st century the Lippincott and N.W. Ayer headquarters have also been reimagined into condos. Most recently, the Curtis Publishing Building has become a mix of restaurants, rentals and lavish party venues.
Washington Square Present
The progression of Washington Square continues today through countless new initiatives. For starters, Washington Square park has new community leadership! In June 2018 Sherley Young was appointed by Rosanne Loesch, President of the Society Hill Civic Association, as the new committee chair for Washington Square.
Sherley grew up in Chestnut Hill, raised her family in Wayne and moved into the city in 2013. She lives on the square and walks her miniature dachshund, Green Bean, in what she calls her 6.4 acre front yard. She has many passions and is a bit of a self-starter – perfect qualities for her new role. Sherley has founded and managed 2 women’s clinics, gathered and led volunteer teams on 14 builds for Habitat for Humanity International to 6 different continents. In fall of 2018 she studied to become a Master Gardener which has led to assembling a team of 25 members to help drive the park’s beautification process including landscape architects, botanists, a Mt Cuba trained volunteer, another master gardener and herself. In addition, Sherley has forged a synergistic relationship with the leadership at Independence National Historic Park.
Washington Square Future
The vision for the park’s landscape, now considered to be an urban arboretum by The National Park Service, will begin in winter 2020. This includes pruning of the 213 trees and providing four season appeal to the flower beds by using perennials. This year’s perennials will include Hellebores (Lenten Rose) that start blooming in January- even in the snow! They will be planted close to the paths for winter and early spring enjoyment. The other perennial is Mahonia which has early yellow blooms followed by blue-black berries that cluster like grapes on plump holly like leaves in late summer and fall. In May, these beds will be planted by volunteers with 2700 annuals including Begonias, Coleus and Impatiens. Eventually native plants will be predominant as birds, insects and animals that roam the park.
Additional improvements coming this year include turf erosion, water run-off systems, and curb repair. These enhancements, coupled with countless historic landmarks, restaurants, and entertainment venues make Washington Square an amazing place to call home!
The Washington Square Affair 2020 is already being planned. Details of the event will be announced next month. If you would like more information on this outstanding gala fundraiser benefitting Washington Square Park please contact Fred Manfred at [email protected].
