Dance Hall and Livery Stable

Later in the 18th century following the decline of the tanyards, a long building was constructed on the north side Harmony Court and Hudson’s Alley. The building known as Harmony Hall, housed an extensive livery stable on its first floor and a dancing hall on the second floor. The stables below encouraged visitors and did not seem to detract from the festivities above. Traditionally, Philadelphia Quakers were supposed to avoid dancing, music and other frivolous and vain activities. Nevertheless, dancing became a popular pastime for 18th century Philadelphians and the city’s prominence and selection as the country’s capital fostered an elite social scene where lavish balls were held continually throughout the winter. As it is today, social events like these balls were an important outlet for off the record political discussion and campaigning for the visiting representatives. The conspicuous nature of the balls helped garner political and social influence and dancing ability was popular and important.  The dance hall provided a space for Philadelphians to learn popular dances from a professional dance instructor and served as a location for the dancing parties. Its large open room also hosted meetings, lectures and performances. 

Some of the known instructors at Harmony Hall were William McDougal, Balthazar Quesnet and William Francis  The first American born professional actor and dancer, John Durang, also taught at Harmony Hall. Durang’s popularity in early American society cannot be overstated; he was said to be George Washington’s favorite performer and his hornpipe dance as well as his acting was popular all across the nation. All six of Durang’s children performed alongside their father His son, Ferdinand was the first person to sing Francis Scott Key’s poem to the tune that is known today as “The Star Spangled Banner”. Harmony Hall was owned by a wealthy half Jewish, half Quaker Philadelphian Israel Israel. Israel made his fortune as a merchant in Barbadoes and bought many properties in Philadelphia after he returned. He was an active freemason, eventually becoming a grandmaster and hosted meetings at his dance hall. His many charitable contributions included volunteering to help alleviate the sufferings of those afflicted by the yellow fever epidemic in the 1790s and providing relief for French refugees from Haiti. During the 19th century the building became obsolete and was eventually torn down in the 1880s to make room for the massive Bullitt building designed by G.W. and W.D. Hewitt.