North Broad Street in Philadelphia stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant history and evolution. Serving as a crucial artery through North Philadelphia, it has connected neighborhoods, people, and pivotal moments for generations. From its early days as a developing thoroughfare to its status as a home for cultural icons, North Broad Street’s story is etched in its architecture, institutions, and the very fabric of Philadelphia life.
Let’s embark on a visual journey through time, guided by historical photographs from Temple Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center, to witness the transformation of North Broad Street Philadelphia.
1870: McKensey Greenhouses at Broad and Columbia
In 1870, where bustling city life now thrives, the intersection of North Broad Street and Columbia Avenue (now Cecil B. Moore Avenue) was occupied by the serene McKensey Greenhouses. This image, captured by the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, offers a glimpse into a time when horticulture flourished along this developing street, just six years before these glass structures would be replaced by urban development. This photograph, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, marks an early stage in North Broad Street’s transformation from agrarian outskirts to urban corridor.
1871: City Hall Construction at Broad and Market
The year 1871 witnessed the ambitious undertaking of constructing Philadelphia City Hall. This photograph from the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin captures Penn Square at Broad and Market Streets, cleared and ready for the foundations of what would become an iconic landmark. The image, part of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, highlights the grand scale of city planning and development taking place, shaping the very core of Philadelphia and influencing the trajectory of streets like North Broad.
1922: North Philadelphia Station and Broad Street Bridge
By 1922, North Broad Street was establishing itself as a major transportation hub. This photograph showcases North Philadelphia Station, along with the impressive bridge spanning over Broad Street. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, illustrates the integration of rail transport into the urban landscape, facilitating movement and connection along North Broad Street and beyond. The station became a crucial point for commuters and travelers, further solidifying North Broad Street’s importance.
1924: The Metropolitan Opera House on North Broad Street
The Metropolitan Opera House, captured in this 1924 photograph at Broad and Poplar streets, epitomizes the cultural vibrancy that blossomed along North Broad Street. Advertisements for vaudeville performances on its awning hint at the entertainment and artistic energy of the era. Part of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, this image immortalizes “The Met” as a beacon of arts and culture, drawing crowds and adding to the street’s dynamic character.
1925: Philadelphia Inquirer Building and North Broad Street View
A bird’s eye view from 1925, courtesy of the City Parks Association, presents a sweeping panorama of Broad Street looking north from Center City. The iconic clock tower of the Philadelphia Inquirer building dominates the skyline on the left, a symbol of media and news anchoring North Broad Street. This photograph, from the City Parks Association of Philadelphia Records, captures the grandeur of the developing cityscape and the Inquirer Building’s prominent place within it.
1925: Russell Conwell’s Home, Founder of Temple University
In 1925, North Broad Street was also home to influential figures. This image showcases the residence of Russell H. Conwell, the visionary founder of Temple University, located at 2020 N. Broad St. Captured by the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, the photo highlights the personal connection of prominent citizens to North Broad Street, linking education and community leadership to this vital thoroughfare.
1929: North Broad Street Station Main Entrance
The architectural details of North Broad Street Station are highlighted in this 1929 photograph. The grand staircase at its main entrance speaks to the station’s importance and the era’s emphasis on impressive public infrastructure. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, focuses on the station’s design elements, inviting passengers into a space of travel and connection.
Another photograph from 1929 captures the full exterior of North Broad Street Station, with automobiles parked along the roadway. This image, part of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, places the station within the context of early automobile usage, showing how personal transportation was beginning to integrate with established public transit hubs along North Broad Street.
1940: Baker Bowl Ice Rink on North Broad Street
In 1940, North Broad Street offered recreational spaces alongside its transport and cultural landmarks. This photograph shows people enjoying ice skating at the Baker Bowl, located near North Broad Station. With the station visible in the background, this image from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection reveals a moment of leisure and community activity, showcasing the diverse functions of North Broad Street.
1940: Logan Neighborhood Welcomes Republican National Convention
Patriotism and civic engagement are evident in this 1940 image of storefronts on Broad Street near Lindley Avenue in the Logan neighborhood. Flags were displayed by the Logan Business and Improvement League to welcome attendees of the Republican National Convention held in Philadelphia. This photograph, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, captures a moment of national significance and local pride along North Broad Street.
1948: The Divine Lorraine Hotel on North Broad Street
The iconic Divine Lorraine Hotel on North Broad Street is featured in this 1948 Philadelphia Evening Bulletin photograph. The caption, “Sold – Followers of Father Divine bought the 246-room Lorraine Hotel… for $485,000,” marks a significant moment in the hotel’s history and its association with Father Divine’s Peace Mission movement. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, highlights the Divine Lorraine’s architectural grandeur and its evolving social and cultural significance on North Broad Street.
1949: Broad and Erie Intersection
The bustling intersection of Broad Street and Erie Avenue is captured in this 1949 photograph. This image, part of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, provides a street-level view of daily life and commerce at a major crossroads on North Broad Street, reflecting the post-war era’s urban activity.
1949: Paul Robeson Performs at the Metropolitan Opera House
Cultural and artistic milestones continued at the Metropolitan Opera House. This 1949 photograph captures the legendary singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson performing on its stage. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, links North Broad Street to figures of immense artistic and social importance, reinforcing the Met’s role as a cultural epicenter.
1956: “Farewell Kiss” on Broad and Diamond Streets
A poignant moment of farewell is immortalized in this 1956 Philadelphia Evening Bulletin photograph titled “Farewell Kiss”. Taken at Broad and Diamond streets, it depicts a woman kissing her husband, a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, as he departs for training. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, captures personal stories amidst the backdrop of North Broad Street, reflecting post-war life and military service.
1960: Dropsie University on North Broad Street
Education and intellectual pursuits were also part of North Broad Street’s identity. This 1960 photograph features Dropsie University, formerly located on the 2300 block of North Broad Street. As the first U.S. institution granting degrees in post-doctoral Jewish studies, Dropsie University added an academic and scholarly dimension to North Broad Street. This image is part of the Philadelphia Jewish Archives Photographs.
1964: Cecil B. Moore Honored on North Broad Street
Civil rights activism found a prominent voice on North Broad Street. This 1964 photograph captures Cecil B. Moore, then president of the Philadelphia NAACP, receiving an honor at Beautiful Times Plaza on North Broad Street. Moore, for whom Cecil B. Moore Avenue is named, was a key figure in the fight for equality in Philadelphia. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, connects North Broad Street to the civil rights movement and local leaders who shaped the city’s social landscape.
1965: Martin Luther King Jr. at the Baptist Temple
North Broad Street became a stage for monumental moments in the Civil Rights Movement. These screen captures from Temple Libraries’ Urban Archives show the powerful presence of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Baptist Temple (now Temple Performing Arts Center) in August 1965. The images capture both the crowds gathered outside to hear him speak and King delivering his speech inside, signifying North Broad Street’s role as a venue for important social and political discourse.
1965: Civil Rights Demonstration on North Broad Street
The spirit of the Civil Rights Movement is further exemplified in this 1965 Philadelphia Evening Bulletin photograph. Demonstrators are seen marching from the Uptown Theater (Broad and Dauphin) towards Girard College. The caption highlights the direct action and visible protests taking place on North Broad Street, emphasizing its role as a public space for social change. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, underscores the street’s significance during this pivotal era.
1969: Progress Plaza on North Broad Street
Economic development and community progress are reflected in this 1969 photograph of Progress Plaza on North Broad Street at Oxford Street. Newly built at the time, Progress Plaza, anchored by an A&P market, represented urban renewal and the creation of commercial spaces within North Philadelphia. This image, part of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, showcases North Broad Street’s adaptation to changing urban needs and economic landscapes.
1969: Temple Law Students Vietnam War Protest on North Broad Street
Student activism and anti-war sentiment marked the late 1960s. This 1969 photograph shows Temple Law students marching along North Broad Street near Columbia Avenue (now Cecil B. Moore Avenue) during a Vietnam War protest. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, connects North Broad Street to the era’s broader social and political movements, highlighting student voices and their engagement with national issues within their local environment.
1972: Broad and Susquehanna Commercial Corner
Local businesses and community services thrived along North Broad Street. This 1972 photograph depicts a pharmacy, barbershop, and medical center lining Broad Street near Susquehanna Avenue. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, offers a glimpse into the everyday commercial activity and local amenities that served the North Broad Street community.
1973: Broad and Lehigh Intersection
The intersection of Broad Street and Lehigh Avenue is showcased in this 1973 photograph. Part of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, the image captures the architectural styles and urban fabric of this part of North Broad Street in the early 1970s.
1975: Performance at Broad and Girard
Community celebrations and cultural events animated North Broad Street. This 1975 photograph captures a performance by Anthony Brockington and the Angelic Choir at Broad and Girard during the American Way North Philadelphia Style festivities. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, highlights the street’s role as a venue for community gatherings and artistic expression.
1975: Shopping at Progress Plaza
Everyday life at Progress Plaza is depicted in this 1975 photograph. A woman is seen walking across the shopping center’s parking lot. This image, part of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, continues to document Progress Plaza’s role as a retail destination and community hub on North Broad Street.
1977: Boy Outside Columbia North YMCA
Community institutions and youth activities are captured in this 1977 photograph. A boy is seen climbing a pole outside the former location of the Columbia North YMCA on Broad Street. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of children and the presence of community organizations along North Broad Street.
1978: Beury Building near Broad and Erie
Architectural landmarks continued to define North Broad Street. This 1978 photograph showcases the Beury Building, located on the east side of Broad Street near the intersections of Erie and Germantown avenues. This image, from the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, highlights the Beury Building as a significant architectural presence and a marker of North Broad Street’s urban landscape.
1989: Wilkie Buick on North Broad Street
The automotive industry’s presence on North Broad Street is documented in this 1989 photograph of Wilkie Buick. Once located adjacent to Temple University’s Main Campus, Wilkie Buick represents the commercial diversity of the street. This image, from Temple Times Photographs, captures a moment in automotive retail history along North Broad Street, viewed from Temple’s former University Services Building.
North Broad Street Philadelphia’s journey through time, as seen through these photographs, reveals a street constantly evolving, yet always central to the city’s identity. From greenhouses to grand opera houses, from civil rights marches to everyday moments, North Broad Street’s story is a microcosm of Philadelphia’s own rich and dynamic history.
