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Carpenters' Hall

Carpenters' Hall was one of my favorite because of its purpose, especially because of the first meeting of the 13 colonies which became the United States. Carpenter's hall stands as a tribute to the hands that built America and is a simple well made structure. The most amazing thing I learned was how books and souvenirs relating to American history and architecture are stocked along with some postcards. When Benjamin Franklin needed an architect to build his house, he turned to master builder Robert Smith of the Carpenters' Company. Founded in Philadelphia in 1724, the Carpenters' Company was organized to share information about the art of building, determine the value of completed work, hone architectural skills, and help indigent craftsmen. This building housed the seven-week session of the First Continental Congress that met in 1774.

Architecturally, the building is in the form of a Greek cross. The pedimented doorway with Doric detail is gracious and welcoming. Three Palladian windows line the second floors under which are stone balustrades. The belt course (band separating the floors) is unusual in that it is outlined in wood instead of brick. What I also saw Inside the Hall was eight Windsor chairs used by members of the First Continental Congress are on display. Also displayed are early carpentry tools. What I learned from the tour was that, during the Revolutionary war the hall was used by both sides as a field hospital. In subsequent years the building served as Customs House, a bank, hosted the country's first trade exhibition and was an auction hall. Over the years the Hall has been visited by Presidents, Kings, Supreme Court Justices and dignitaries from around the world. Moreover this hall plays an important role in America's history and we cannot forget its purpose.

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