Know Your Neighborhood: Olde City Place, 201 - 211 N 4th St.    

Robert Shoemaker (1817 - 1896) had a pharmacy at 2nd and Green Sts for many years before he moved the business to 4th & Race Sts in 1856, adding his brother, Benjamin, as a partner and establishing a wholesale pharmacy business. At that time, wholesale druggists also dealt in paints and glass, besides medicines.

Benjamin H. Shoemaker (1827 - 1919) left his brother's business in 1866, establishing a plate and window glass business next door on 4th St.

Benjamin was a prominent Philadelphian, serving as president of Pennsylvania Hospital for seven years. The businesses occupied 205 - 209 N 4th, which was built in 1870 and 211 N. 4th, which was built in 1860. Robert's business occupied 201 - 203 N 4th (corner of Race), and was built in 1855.

Neither business appears to have survived the depression.

The building is currently divided into 40 condominiums.

1875

1899 , Robert's Wholesale Pharmacy

1877 ad

1868 bill of sale

Stained glass in Masonic Hall, designed & made by Shoemaker & Co.

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