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Treasure Philly!

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local
businesses

Right: Parking Lot – Germantown Avenue and Venango Street. Photo of Sign and General View. 1/25/1962. Photo: Widdop. Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.

15. 1962 Germantown and Venango Parking.tif
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Bowlorama at North Broad Street and Erie Avenue. 5/14/1959. Photo: Bender. Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.

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the Broad street Arcade

 

Currently vacant land, in the early 1900s, 3625-3629 North Broad Street was the home of Broad Street Casino Theater. In 1922, the theater was purchased by new owners, who demolished it and then erected the Broad Street Arcade. Taking advantage of the fact that the parcel stretches from North Broad Street to Germantown Avenue, the Broad Street Arcade featured storefronts on both streets. The Arcade was a significant shopping destination in the thriving mid to late twentieth century Broad, Germantown, & Erie commercial corridor.

 

Neighbors recall visiting many stores in and near the Broad Street Arcade, such as the Pansy Shop, clothing shops, and the Arcade Pet Shop. They also remember the Arcade burning down, leaving the vacant lot that exists today. Memories of the Broad Street Arcade often inspire discussions about other businesses which shape the community’s past and present.

Left: The Pansy Shop at the Broad Street Arcade, 3625 North Broad Street, and adjacent businesses. 5/14/1959. Photo: Bender. Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.

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Looking North at the Broad, Germantown, and Erie intersection. 5/17/1940. Photo: Wenzel J. Hess.. Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.

© 2024 Philadelphia Historical Commission | 1515 Arch Street, 13th Floor  | preservation@phila.gov

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