“Purchasing agent lives here” it says in my mind. Right here at 3405 Powelton Ave stands a testament to Philadelphia’s rich history. This isn’t just a building. It’s a story etched in red brick and limestone.
Let’s step back to 1884. William Sellers sold this lot to Enoch Lewis. He was the chief purchasing agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Imagine the hustle and bustle of the railroad era. Enoch secured materials that kept the trains running.
Enoch Lewis wasn’t just any resident. He was a man of influence. In 1861 he even had a plan to protect President-elect Lincoln.
The building itself is a Queen Anne residence. It features a terra cotta balustrade on its wrap-around porch. A brick-arched entryway with a balcony above leads to the front door. Limestone belt courses delineate each floor. Terra cotta floral panels add a touch of elegance. Look for the numbers ’18’ and ’85’ below the half-timbered and stuccoed gable. They mark the year of its construction: 1885. The Wilson Brothers designed this beauty.
In 1898 a fire damaged the dwelling. Enoch Lewis quickly repaired the damage. He valued his home.
Enoch Lewis lived here with his wife Charlotte. In 1900, Enoch was listed as a capitalist. Charlotte was a homemaker. Servants Bridget Hagan and Bridget Duffy assisted them.
Their daughter Mary Thorn Lewis was a reformer and social activist. She was educated in private schools.
Even Susan B. Anthony visited the Lewis family. Charlotte Thorn Lewis noted in her diary how well Susan looked.
Enoch Lewis passed away in 1902. He was remembered as one of Philadelphia’s best citizens. He was known for his industry, energy, and integrity. Though not a regular churchgoer he supported the Friends’ principles.
Charlotte Lewis continued to live here. In 1910 she was a widow with her own income. Trained nurse Hannah J. Barrett and servant Chas C. Duchett lived with her.
Charlotte S. Lewis died in 1916. The funeral services were held at her residence.
Theodore J. Lewis, Enoch’s son, then owned the house. He lived here with his wife Anna. Servants Margaret and Mary Furey assisted them.
Theodore was the son of Enoch Lewis. Anna was the daughter of George Burnham. George Burnham was president of the Baldwin Locomotive Works.
In 1946 Anna B. Lewis transferred the title to the Alumni Corp. of Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.
In 1948 the title was transferred to Drexel Institute of Technology. Today, 3405 Powelton Ave is the home of Drexel University’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi.
This building has seen industrialists, social activists, and students walk through its doors. 3405 Powelton Ave stands as a reminder of Powelton Village’s vibrant past. It connects us to the industrialists and families who shaped this neighborhood.