The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-06-06
Etc.. Etc., Etc., Etc., Etc.. Etc., Etc.

Philadelphia has never been lacking in public
spirited citizens who felt it their duty to render
their city attractive TO strangers account OF its
fine architectural adornments DR.. Franklin in the
early history of our city, urged the necessity of
ornamental buildings one OF the modes by which
large and intelligent population would be attracted
10 Philadelphia, and, account of it's beauty make
their home In that as in most other respects, he
was wise. ..l --
The science of architecture has greatly improved
recently. In our boyhood we remember to have
gazed with admiration at Mr.. Dundas' residence at
Broad and Walnut, and perhaps incautiously broke
one of the commandments by the indulgence OF
spirit of envy. That was supposed to be beyond the
power ofImprovement yet magnificent as 1t is, it is
no longer a notoriety.
The building OF magnificent hotels in later days
became a speciality. Heads Mansion House, in
Third street. was once the fashionable hea do uarters
but as business and promenade moved westward
new places of resort became necessary, and the
United States and Jones Hotels were opened for
the benefit Of those attracted our city by business
or pleasure
For several years these capac GUS hostefes served
the purpose but the increalng gro Vth of our city
and the wonderful impetus gwen to our trade
Quired greater accommodations for the guests, and
the late George w. Edwards, puoEc-spinted Phila.
delphlan, projected and completed the Girard and
La Pierre Houses. Tney in their turn were eclipsed
in architectural grandeur by the building of the Con-
tDental whicn in and interior decoration equals
II not surpasses, any hotel IN the Onited States
The building OF these vast structures suggested the
idea of immense business houses, and among the
first that entered into the project of grand buildings
was DR.. David Jayne, whose fine store, in Chestnut
street, below Third, has worldwide fame. As
every Phadelphian knows, some of the finest bust
ness houses in the city were butt by him.
- Very soon after the completion of the Chesnut
street building he commenced the Quincy granite
structure running from Dock to Carter street, for
some years used the Post Office, previous to its
removal to the United states Buidng, in Chestnut
street, below Fifth. HIS next venture was the mas
sive Quincy granite building generally known as
Jayne's Hall, i'll Chesnut street, below Seventh. 1t
was of the same colossal character as his previous
edfces and contained immense pu nlic hall which
will be genera ly remembered in connection with
the noon-day pIay er.meetings, where immense
crowds gathered during the religious excitement OF
1856, 5 and 5S This is now converted into stores,
Offices and places OF business. He afterwards bought
the old Arcade and Bolivar House with adjoining
buildings, and built the fine marble edices adoin-
ing Jayne's Hail. Our citizens are aware that these
are the finest business structures in Phlladel.
phia, and will remain through many years to per-
petuate the name and fame of him who reared
them. .. ... .....- .r
Unfortunately for our city, the hand of death has
taken from us citizen that we could Ill spare. In
the very midst OF his usefulness he was proViden.
TALLY removed and 1t is not likely that there is any
one left at present to take his place. He made 1t his
special pride to spend his ample means in the
erection of magnificent buildings, and they are his
enduring monument. AS long as our city endures,
his name will be linked with that of Stephen Girard
az one of our greatest public benefactOrs.
At the time of his death, which occurred only
few weeks ago, he was engaged in building man
sion in which to spend his declining years in that
ease and comfort which life of probity and industry
deserves. With unlimited means at his command il
is reasonable TO suppose that ne would not be penu
rious in the expenditure OF money upon a home for
his later years, to leave for the benefit of his
family. ...... ...
But no one who has not carefully inspected tne
establishment can have any possible conception of
the exquisite taste and beauty that pervades the en-.
tire edIfce. Many of our wealthy men have
built themse yes paatial homes but nothing in our
city at all approaches this in regal magnifcence 1t
seems like legacy left to our city by one who
never ceased in life to uphold her interest and her
honor. .....
The grand edifce now approaching completion
occupies four lots at the southeast of Chestnut
and Nineteenth streets. discretion was commenced
in December, 1868, though the property had been
purchased some time before. DIR. Jayne we believe,
paid about $45 900 for the ground but owing to the
rise the value of real estate in that quarter of the
city it is estimated to be worth 1000 at present.
The lot has front OF 100 feet ChesRut street. and
runs back on Nineteenth street 145 feet, The whole
establishment, including the furniture cannot cost
less than 100000.
The building itself is 60 feet front, by 1O6 feet in
depth, including the fine ervaory in the rear BY
amOst judcious choice OF DR. Jayne his lifetime it
is set back sufficient distance to give to spectators
perfect of its proportions. 1t is four stories
in height of pure white marble, every block of
which was brought from the celebrated quarries at
Lee Mass There is nowhere in this city more
imposing exterior Marble is not material that Is
greatly improved BY excessive ornamentation, and
the protector has shown good taste in emitting fiji
gree work, and depending upon simple massivenes'
for its effect. The Chestnut and Nineteenth street
fronts are composed OF solid certainly
the very perfection Of beauty. H is proper to say
that the whole design OF the building was made by
John McArthur Jr. aided by his efficient assistants
Messrs. Andrews, Summers. and PiersOn, in con
slant consultation with DIR. Jayne himself, WHIT
had keen and cultivated appreciation Of propretJ
and fitness in all such matters. Mr. McArthur, nea
relative of architect Is the uperntendent and ha