3308 Race Street

 

The History of the Building

 

“two-and-one-half story Victorian brick house with wood porch supported by turned posts. Two-story projecting bay and Palladian-inspired tripartite window configuration below -large front gable. First--floor windows and door boarded up currently.”

(Inventory of Buildings in Powelton from the application submitted to the National Register of Historic Places, 1985)

 

Previous Residents of 3308 Race Street

 

1895 Directory: Nathan Sellers, treasurer, 26 S. 15th, h 3308 Race

            In 1880, they lived at 3612 Baring St.  In 1891 directory, he was listed at 3314 Race St.

 

1900:

Nathan Sellers             63

Mary K[een] Sellers     57        Married 37 years, 3 children   

Hannah McBride         42        Servant; born in Ireland

(ED 578, 13A)

            Mary Sellers was the daughter of John Sidney Keen and Hannah McIlvain.  The Keen and McIlvain families were long-term residents of the area.  The McIlvains settled on Market St. about 1805.  The Keen family lived at 32nd and Chestnut, now the site of the original building of the Drexel Institute. A brief overview of the Sellers family appeared in the Powelton Post, March, 2009.

 

1904, Feb. 9: “Nathan Sellers, treasurer of the Commercial Exchange, and one of the best known grain and flour men in Pennsylvania, is lying in critical condition at his home, 3308 Race street.  He is suffering from a serious complication which followed a relapse after apparent recovery from a severe attach of the grip about three weeks ago.  It was stated at his home last night that little hopes were held for his recovery.”  (Phila. Inquirer)

 

1904, Feb. 17: Death of Nathan Sellers, 67 years old, of 3308 Race St.

 

1906 Blue Book: Mrs. Nathan Sellers

 

1910:

Mary K. Sellers            65        Widowed, 3 children; owner, free of a mortgage

Howard K. Bunting     26        Nephew; civil engineer in iron & pipe mill

Ralph Jackson              25        Boarder; clerk, iron & pipe mill

Frank Eves                  36        Boarder; clerk for a trust co.

Mary A. Graham          21        Servant, cook; born in Ireland

(ED 533, 6A-B)

            In 1920, Howard Bunting was living with his parents in Chester, Delaware Co.

 

1911, Oct. 18: Death of Mary Keen Sellers, wife of the late Nathan Sellers. Funeral services from her late residence, 3308 Race St.

 

1930:

Harry F. Haas              55        Shop keeper (type unreadable); married at age 24; owner, house valued at $20,000

Laura B. Haas              53        married at age 22

Mildred N. Chase        29        Daughter; married at age 26

Donald Chase              32        Son-in-law; ladies wear (rest unreadable); born in Michigan, parents born in Pa.; married at age 29

Henry L. Haas             21

Dorothy H. Haas         17

(ED 397, 15A)

            In 1920, he was a furniture buyer.

 

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Revised 3/8/2012                                                                                                                   About Powelton Village