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BadNick · 07-11-2010, 08:21 AM

and it is. Good sleuthiness, Zook. Especially for someone not from this neighborhood. You're up!

The Declaration House (Graff House)

The Graff House, aka The Declaration House, is Jacob Graff's house where Thomas Jefferson spent the better part of three weeks writing his original Declaration of Independence. The Graff family was living there while he did that so I wonder if they talked about it and if they gave him any ideas? Even though now it's hard to imagine the corner of 7th & Market Sts. not being in the heart of the city, back then it was on the outskirts of old Philadelphia.

Fun Facts
- The house was once owned by Hyman and Simon Gratz. Their sister, Rebecca, is said to be the inspiration for Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe" and Thackeray's "Rebecca."
- Jefferson complained about the houseflies from the stable across the street while writing the Declaration of Independence.
- Jefferson had an account at the City Tavern while writing the Declaration.
- The site became among other things a print shop and a Tom Thumb diner.
- The Independence Hall Association (owners of ushistory.org) led the efforts to have the Declaration House rebuilt in 1975 for the Bicentennial.

07-11-2010, 08:21 AM	#10309 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	and it is. Good sleuthiness, Zook. Especially for someone not from this neighborhood. You're up! The Declaration House (Graff House) The Graff House, aka The Declaration House, is Jacob Graff's house where Thomas Jefferson spent the better part of three weeks writing his original Declaration of Independence. The Graff family was living there while he did that so I wonder if they talked about it and if they gave him any ideas? Even though now it's hard to imagine the corner of 7th & Market Sts. not being in the heart of the city, back then it was on the outskirts of old Philadelphia. Fun Facts - The house was once owned by Hyman and Simon Gratz. Their sister, Rebecca, is said to be the inspiration for Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe" and Thackeray's "Rebecca." - Jefferson complained about the houseflies from the stable across the street while writing the Declaration of Independence. - Jefferson had an account at the City Tavern while writing the Declaration. - The site became among other things a print shop and a Tom Thumb diner. - The Independence Hall Association (owners of ushistory.org) led the efforts to have the Declaration House rebuilt in 1975 for the Bicentennial.