Rows of two-story rowhouses line the streets. This is Haddington in West Philadelphia. A largely African American community it boasts a high home-ownership rate. Many elderly residents call Haddington home. It’s a neighborhood steeped in history and resilience.
Haddington’s story begins long ago. William Smith a member of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange owned much of the land. He commissioned E Allen Wilson to design many of the buildings. The Haddington Title and Trust a prominent financial institution once stood at 60th and Market Street.
The Haddington Historic District a testament to its past. It showcases Colonial and Classical Revival architecture. These elegant buildings were constructed between 1909 and 1915. In 1988 it gained recognition. The National Register of Historic Places listed Haddington. This honor celebrated the area’s architectural significance.
But Haddington is more than just pretty buildings. Crystal Bird Fauset the first African-American woman elected to the Pennsylvania State Legislature lived here. She and her husband Dr. Arthur Fauset resided at 5403 Vine Street. After her 1938 election she served in President Franklin D Roosevelt’s cabinet. She championed the cause of Black people.
The 1970s saw the rise of the Haddington Leadership Organization. It spearheaded new construction and community facilities near 56th and Vine Streets. This revitalization effort shaped the neighborhood’s future. Today a shopping center stands there. It serves as a departure point for trips to Atlantic City and Lancaster County.
Prominent African American churches dot Haddington. Mt Carmel Baptist Better Way Bible Church and St Matthews AME Church stand as pillars of the community. The neighborhood has been a training ground for many successful politicians.
Haddington is a neighborhood of contrasts. It blends its rich history with modern developments. It’s a place where the past shapes the present. The spirit of Haddington is one of community and enduring strength. A testament to the people who have lived and continue to live here. It is a neighborhood worthy of exploration and appreciation.