Advertisements from 1875 Business Directory of Philadelphia
The main aim of this project is to map the concentration of residential
and occupational patterns of two contrasting classes - Shoemakers representing
the lower, working class and Physicians representing the upper class. It is an attempt to compare
the geography of classes of different social status towards the end of 19th century
into the beginning of 20th century in Philadelphia.
In the late 19th century, Philadelphia was unique in that
“every rank and occupation lived jumbled together. The city had a strong sense of community.” (Davis)
By beginning of 20th century there are a dramatic shift in living pattern.
This exercise helps to study the neighborhood transitions during the end of century.
This can be further used to analyze other aspects of the society as the literacy rates, health issues,
Rising poverty rates lead people to move out and the richer concentrate together towards the
beginning of 1900’s. After looking at the maps we analyzed that the Physicians from 1875-1915
lived together in closed knit groups.
The place of residence and Physicians have remained constant from 1875 to 1915.
Where as the shoemakers are staggered and infact
moved to far off areas. This can be attributed to rising housing prices and the loss of low-cost stock
in other neighborhoods.A complicated network of railroads and trolleys also allowed people to live
away from crowded center city and commute to work. In 1907 the Market Street elevated subway
commensed its service. The map of 1915 shows that many shoemakers moved along the subway line.
There is a displacement of people from their original areas of residence.
From 1875-1895 the Shoemakers did not own any businesses but in 1915 the directories
show a segregation of homes and work places. This can also be attributed to the growing
manufacturing shoe Industry. In 1915 it became more specialized.
These maps can be used to analyze the distressed neighborhoods.