Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org

While it may look like a public library, this attractive piece of architecture was actually the home of the Western Market back in 1859. After a city ordinance (instituted in the same year), market sheds were banned from the center of Market Street in between 15th and 17th Streets; this elaborate building was the new stand-in. Fresh produce was brought in from local farmers both beyond the Schuylkill River and to the north and west to be sold in the Western Market. It was surrounded by commercial stores that boasted choice tobacco, varied teas and hardware. The corner of Market Street and 16th looked a little bit different back then, especially due to the absence of Philadelphia City Hall (which would not be completed until 1901). —-Alex Graziano