Brown, George

Brown, George

George Brown was a master builder of Philadelphia around the middle of the 19th century. Brown built multiple "marble front" residences in the Logan Square neighborhood during the 1850s. He also probably built the Smythe building at 101-105 Arch street which has been demolished. Brown was elected to the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia in 1853. According to City Directories from the 1830s, 1840s and 1850s Brown's address, both business and home, changed multiple times. In 1845 and 1850 George Brown, a carpenter, was working out of a property on Schuylkill 6th above Pine and his home was on Schuylkill 3rd near Lombard. Brown died in 1860.

Biography from the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings site, a project of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Tom Stokes.

374

Brown

George

1/1/1860

7/18/1853

Wood near 12th St. (CD) (1830)

South side of Arch St. west of 18th Street

several bldgs around Logan Square

see comments

Smythe Bldg., 101-5 Arch St. (demol., facade preserved

City Directory - 1835 - George W. Brown, carpenter, Wood near 12th St. (possible relative) 1840 - George, carpenter, 81 N. 9th. Also, George W., carpenter, 4 Carlton. 1845 - George, carpenter, Schuylkill 6th above Pine; house Schuylkill 3rd north of Lombard. Also listing for same name, carpenter, at 97 New Market. 1850 - George, carpenter, Schuylkill 6th above Pine; house Schuylkill 3rd near Lombard. 1854 - George, carpenter, 237 S. 17th; house 20th near Lombard Bus. Dir. (APS) 1860, pg. 1024: Turner & Brown (right man?) Elbow Lane, carpenter ------------------ City Records D.C. Liens book #402; filed April 12, 1847; satisfied October 25, 1847 (with his signature) George Brown & Walter Allison trading under the firm of Brown & Allison vs. William Cross. Claim for $155 for materials and work and labour against a 3-story brick house situate on the north side of Harmstead street beginning at the distance of 118 feet eastward from the east side of Schuykill 3rd street. ------------------ City Records D.C. Liens book #405; filed January 17, 1855; satisfied February 22, 1855 George Brown & Walter Allison trading as Brown & Wilson. Claim for $2,859.61 for carpenters work against a 3-story brick building with brown stone front and lot of ground situate on the south side of Arch street beginning at the distance of 132 feet westward from the west side of 18th street in front 22 feet in length or depth 160 feet the building 117 feet in depth. ------------------ City Records D.C. Liens book #405; three claims filed June 14, 1855; satisfied April 11, 1856 George Brown & Walter Allison trading as Brown & Allison vs. Richard Kimble. Claim for $2,528.45 for work and materials against 3-story marble front building and lot of ground situate on the west side of Logan Square commencing 121 feet north of Race street in front on said square 32 feet 6 inches and in depth 120 feet. Claim for $5,056.90 for work and materials against 2 3-story marble front buildings situate on the west side of Logan Square commencing 121 feet north of Race street in front on said square 32 feet 6 inches and in depth 120 feet. No. 2 on the north side and adjoining No. 1 of the same front and depth as No. 1, apportioned. Claim for $2,528.45 for work and materials against 3-story marble front building and lot of ground situate on the west side of Logan Square commencing 153 feet 6 inches north of Race street in front 32 feet 6 inches and in depth 120 feet. ------------------ "Philadelphia Preserved" Page 98. Smythe Building, 101-105 Arch St., built probably by this "Brown" and Walter Allison, 1855-57. Demolished for trolley loop; facade dismantled by Fairmount Park Commission.