Librarian and Archivist Mr. Alexander Bartlett over at the Germantown Historical Society most graciously replied to an email inquiry by myself regarding the Pastorious marker in Queens Village - moved from its original site per I-95 construction.
I think he will not mind if I share this:
"...However, in the vicinity of the tablet, demolition to make way for I-95 did not extend to the west side of Front Street. Also, Naudain Street has existed for well over 150 years, if not more. In the photograph of the dedication ceremony, the right of way of Naudain Street is visible at the left, particularly in the background shown as a gap between the buildings. The plaque was placed immediately to the north of the street. Unfortunately no one knows when the plaque disappeared, or where it wandered off to. Sadly, my guess is that the city either removed it at some point in the past, or it was stolen. Either way, it probably no longer exists..."
He then also suggested an article at the Southwark Historical Society by Jim Murphy.
https://southwarkhistory.org/gone-missing-the-bronze-historical-marker-of-francis-daniel-pastorius/
"...The location, though, is important. It’s the home of the man who founded Germantown. He drafted the first anti-slavery document in America in 1688. And the first 13 German settlers he represented drew straws here for their lots on October 25, 1683.
His “home” was actually a cave, 15 feet wide and 30 feet long, “half under and half above ground.” It furnished shelter for some 20 people while their houses were being built in Germantown.
Over the door, Pastorius wrote an inscription that translates as: “A little house, but a friend to the good, keep away, ye profane!” When William Penn saw it, Pastorius says, he “burst into laughter, and encouraged me to keep on building.”
The now-missing 28-by-48-inch bronze plaque was placed on Pastorius’ house October 25, 1924. Like 25 others, it was designed by famous architect Paul Philippe Cret. Later, the Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Commission developed the blue and gold historical markers you see today.
William Penn agreed to let Pastorius purchase three lots in the city behind each other at Front, Second and Third Streets. The first two were “a hundred feet broad and four hundred long.” Lot #1 was carved out of William Penn Jr.’s land at the northwest corner of Front and Cedar Street (now South Street.) He was three years of age at the time. ..."
If anybody does run into a present whereabouts of this Pastorius Historical Marker please contact the Germantown Historical Society
library@germantownhistory.org
.
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