Philadelphia Knights of Pythias
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1907 by politician and civic leader, B.G. Collier, this order first met above a South Philadelphia barber shop. In 1913 the lodge moved to this site, erecting a new building here in 1923.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1907 by civic leader B.G. Collier, this Black fraternal lodge first gathered above a South Philadelphia barber shop before growing into an established institution. By 1913 it had moved to this site, and in 1923 the order erected its own building here. Fraternal orders like this offered Black Philadelphians mutual aid, fellowship, and a foothold of self-organized community life during the Jim Crow era.
Why it matters
Black fraternal societies were vital engines of mutual support and leadership when mainstream institutions excluded African Americans, anchoring community strength in cities nationwide.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer1.1 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall1.2 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.2 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center1.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall1.2 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall1.3 mi away · PA
Attractions
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.5 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.6 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.9 mi away
- Italian market1.0 mi away · Christian Street
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.0 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Liberty Bell1.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden1.1 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily1.1 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon1.1 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe1.1 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory1.1 mi away
- Maya's Pizza & Grill1.1 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.5 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.5 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.6 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.6 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.7 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.7 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · B.G. Collier
Themes & tags
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