9 South Front Street, 1858

This photo is one of the oldest in the HSDC archives that is not of a person. Previously #5 South Front Street in Harrisburg (note the "5" on the right door), it was 9 South Front Street when the photo was taken on February 5, 1858 by A. C. Smith. The home was built in 1798 by Henry Islett. Frederick Kelker moved from Lebanon to Harrisburg in 1805 and started a hardware business here. Frederick died in 1857 and the business was moved by Kelker and Brothers to Market Square. Rudolph F. Kelker had A. C. Smith take the photo before demolishing the house to make room for a new residence, which was later given to the Historical Society of Dauphin County and served as our home from 1908 to 1941. Photo ID: C02799.