Description:

Pennsylvania Hall
Philadelphia, PA, December 23, 1837
Slavery: The Building of Pennsylvania Hall, Site of Early Abolition Movement
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An important autograph document handwritten written on behalf of the "Committee of Penna. Hall." Philadelphia, December 23, 1837. One page, 7.5" x 5.25". A central fold with tape repair at left margin of verso; two tiny areas of chipping at right margin. Overall, very good.

The document issues payment for work related to constructing the Hall addressed to James V. Eaton. Line items include "granite work," "window sills", "Cellar windows," and more. These details indicate finishing work for the structure, which would be unveiled just five months after this document.

Funded by subscribers, Pennsylvania Hall was the home of historic debates about slavery, and strategically located just a few blocks from the seat of government, Independence Hall. Within its grands rooms, divisive speeches and discussions were held about "the evils of slavery," as well as other matters "not of an immoral character."

Pennsylvania Hall was dedicated on May 14, 1838. As with the site of any controversial gatherings, it soon had its opponents, who objected to the meetings held within as detrimental to "citizens who entertain a proper respect for the right of property."

Not surprisingly, then, the building was attacked just two days after its dedication by an anti-abolitionist mob of as many as 12,000-15,000 rioters. In the ensuing melee, and despite the efforts of the mayor of Philadelphia to quash the impending maelstrom, rioters burned the building to the ground.

Far from garnering an outpouring of sympathy for the anti-abolitionist cause, the violent destruction of Pennsylvania Hall appeared to become galvanizing moment in the abolitionist movement. Nonetheless, bitter debates about this most fraught of issues would continue into the 1840s and 1850s, with the central battleground still being "the city of brotherly love."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.5" x 5.25"
  • Medium: AD

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