Historic Rittenhouse Town in Northwest Philly, Pennsylvania
Historic Rittenhouse Town
History
Our experienced slip and fall lawyers in Northwest Philadelphia have sponsored this post and recommend visiting this historical landmark in Philly with family and friends for an unforgettable educational experience.
Also known as the Rittenhouse Historic District, the first paper mill in America was built in the early 1690s by William Rittenhouse and his son, who claimed a role in the industrial community. The paper mill was placed on a 20-acre plot of land along Paper Mill Run and supplied paper in America for the next 40 years.
Around 1701, a flood destroyed the original mill, which was then replaced by a second mill, Homestead and Bake House. Over eight generations, Rittenhouse family members operated the paper mill.
In the early 18th century, an endless amount of settlers came to Germantown and expanded the community along with its wagons and horses. The paper production was high in demand for producing German-language bibles as the Mennonite religion grew amongst incomers.
By the mid 19th century, over 40 building has since been constructed in the industrial village such as a multitude of homes for the community, a school, general store, firehouse, and mills that produce rugs, blankets textiles, and grinding grains.
Exhibits
Rittenhouse Town is dedicated to educating the public on early industrial village lifestyles through research, restoration, and educational programs.
Rittenhouse Town maintains six historic structures: Abraham Rittenhouse Home (c. 1720); Rittenhouse Homestead (1707); Rittenhouse Bake House (c. 1730); Enoch Rittenhouse Home (1845); Jacob Rittenhouse Home (1810); and another unnamed 18th century Rittenhouse Home.
During your tour, you can explore these homes and get a chance to observe a staged example of life during that period.
Programs & Events
Sign up for one of their creative workshops like the paper art workshop where you can learn unique techniques to create handmade paper sheets; or the domestic arts workshop where you can join experienced hearth cook, Kelly Brennan, and prepare a classic brunch.
Give back to the Philadelphia landmark by visiting their beer garden and fundraisers held to raise funds to preserve and protect this piece of history.
Lastly, be sure to visit the village gift shop and bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir or a book to learn more about the colonial history from Rittenhouse Town.
If you’d like to learn more about local museums in Philly, visit the Victorian Museum nearby.
Our Local Office
Slip, trip, and fall accidents frequently happen more than you think. Our experienced slip and fall lawyers in Northwest Philadelphia can help you if you’ve sustained injuries caused by such disasters. Contact Philly Slip and Fall Guys law office to schedule your free consultation to learn more.