Cornerspotter is a Curbed Philly feature in which we show you a historical photo of the city and you tell us where the photo was taken. The prize? Your name here along with our promise to spot you for a soft pretzel. Send your guesses to our tipline: philly@curbed.com
In this 1902 photo, signs tell us that the local businesses included the New Bingham Hotel Roof Garden and "J.B. Fleshman & Co., stocks, bonds, grains & cotton." There was also a shooting gallery, a Philadelphia Railroad ticket office (now SEPTA?), an oriental rug salesroom and a brokerage, whose window displayed this poster: "International cricket match, Haverford Merion Cricket Club grounds, Marylebone Cricket Club and the Gentlemen of Philadelphia, Jul. 28, 29, 31, admission 20 cents."
For you sports-history buffs, this match between England's Marylebone and Philadelphia's Gentlemen was a famous one. Marylebone remains the oldest and most venerated cricket club in the world, and they came from London to play against the winning Gentlemen, who had brought the city fame with all their wickets and bowls and ... stuff. The match ended in a draw.
As for the venue, the Merion Cricket Club, founded in 1865, is still around today, and offers hockey, squash, golf, bowling, soccer, tennis—everything except cricket, which no one really plays anymore since we all forgot how to be British.
Another hint to identify the photo's location: Former Mayor Ed Rendell is very proud of himself for this area.