McGillins Olde Ale House

Opened in 1860, McGillin's Olde Ale House is the oldest continuously operated tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... more

by John Rivera

Title

McGillins Olde Ale House

Artist

John Rivera

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Opened in 1860, McGillin's Olde Ale House is the oldest continuously operated tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The famous pub, officially called The Bell in Hand, opened its doors in 1860 in the home of Irish immigrant William "Pa" McGillin, the owner and operator of the establishment. It was nicknamed McGillin's by those who frequented the establishment, and the bar took on the title as its official name. "Pa" McGillin operated the establishment until his death in 1901. Then his wife, known as "Ma" McGillin continued running the business, which had grown to encompass the oyster house next door as well as the remainder of the McGillin's house, displacing her 13 children. "Ma" ran the restaurant until her own death in 1937, at age 90

Uploaded

August 13th, 2013