Elfreth's Alley Fete Day

Elfreth's Alley Fete Day

First weekend in June

Elfreth's Alley is a well-preserved street of privately owned 18th-century homes in Philadelphia. It is the only street in the city that has survived architecturally since the alley first opened in 1702. The 30 houses on the street, dating from 1713 to 1811, have all remained private residences, with the exception of the Mantua Maker's House, which is now a museum open to the public.
The idea of holding an "at home" day dates back to 1934, when a group of residents formed the Elfreth's Alley Association. Now called Fete Day, it is a day on which many of the houses are open to visitors, with members of the Association acting as hostesses in Colonial dress. On Fete Day in 1963, the Alley's distinctive character and historical value were officially recognized by its designation as a Registered National Historic Landmark. Over the years the Elfreth's Alley Association has played an active role in renovating the street's cartway and brick sidewalks, as well as saving some of the houses from destruction.

CONTACTS:
Elfreth's Alley Association
126 Elfreth's Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-574-0560
www.elfrethsalley.org

SOURCES:
GdUSFest-1984, p. 160

Celebration days:
2011: Jun 4; Jun 5
2012: Jun 2; Jun 3
2013: Jun 1; Jun 2
2014: Jun 7; Jun 8
2015: Jun 6; Jun 7