Hidden in the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia, Magnolia Slope Cemetery holds a secret. It whispers stories of a bygone era. Magnolia Slope isn’t just a cemetery. It’s a time capsule, nestled on land once belonging to Frances “Fanny” Saltar’s Magnolia Cottage estate. This was a piece of the grand Magnolia Grove plantation. The plantation, a sprawling 151 acres, was bought by Thomas Gordon after 1759. The very names “Magnolia Slope” and “Cottage Street” pay homage to Fanny’s beloved cottage. It stood southeast of where Cottage Street now meets Magee Avenue, once known as Saltar’s Lane. Within those cottage walls, Fanny penned her famous “Reminiscences of Colonial Days in Philadelphia.” Magnolia Slope grew over time. In 1896, the cemetery expanded to nine acres. Among the silent stones, you’ll find baseball legend Joseph H. “Joe” Mulvey. He played for three Philadelphia teams, his legacy etched in the city’s sporting history. The Disston family also rests here. Henry Disston, the industrialist known as “the father of modern Tacony,” has several family members buried at Magnolia Slope. Their presence is a reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this neighborhood. Magnolia Slope is more than just a final resting place. It’s a living testament to Philadelphia’s rich and layered past.
Zion Baptist Church
Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t