In 1863, a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s industrial scene, Matthew Baird, commenced the construction of his opulent mansion. This mansion, the Matthew Baird Mansion, still stands proudly at 814 N. Broad Street in the Francisville neighborhood. The Matthew Baird Mansion isn’t just any building. It’s a four-story, nineteen-room testament to the Late Victorian architectural style, complete with a brownstone facade and five grand bays. The mansion comprises not only the main building but also a connected three-story brick back building and a two-story brick stable, all resting on a 0.1-acre plot. Matthew Baird, one of the initial partners in the Baldwin Locomotive Works, built this mansion as a symbol of his success. His influence on the Baldwin Locomotive Works was so profound that after Matthias William Baldwin’s passing in 1866, Baird took the reins of the company, renaming it Baldwin Locomotive Works, M. Baird & Co. The Matthew Baird Mansion remained the family’s residence for a decade after Baird’s death in 1877. This grand mansion has witnessed the changing tides of Philadelphia, transitioning from a private residence to an apartment building. In 1983, the Matthew Baird Mansion was rightfully recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its legacy within the city’s rich tapestry.
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