Acquisition of the Henry George Birthplace

Percy R. Williams

[Reprinted from Land and Freedom, January-February 1927]

THE disciples of Henry George throughout the world will rejoice with the trustees of the Henry George Foundation of America over the announcement that the Foundation has achieved its first important objective through the purchase in January of the birthplace of Henry George. The old brick house in which George was born stands on South Tenth street, near Lombard street, in the heart of Philadelphia, and its appearance has changed but slightly since the days when young Henry lived there with his parents. The property has for several years been in the possession of Dr. Thomas S. K. Morton of Philadelphia. An investment of $20,000 will be made in the purchase, remodeling, equipment and maintenance of the birth place. It is hoped that additional property may be acquired soon in order to give the historic house an attractive setting.

The old homestead will be made a permanent memorial to the founder of the great modern movement for economic freedom. The valuable collection of George memorabilia donated by Benjamin W. Burger will add to the interest of visitors to the shrine. The humble dwelling of this great American will be restored as nearly as possible to its original condition and some of the original furniture, now in the possession of his daughter, Anna George de Mille, will be placed therein. Formal dedication exercises are being planned to be held on the next anniversary of the birth of the philosopher, for which notable occasion many of the most prominent and active of his followers will be present to pay a fitting tribute to his memory. The present year, which witnesses the restoration of his birthplace, will also mark the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Henry George.

The officers of the foundation have been gratified to observe the widespread interest in the preservation of George's birthplace and are duly appreciative of all contributions, large or small, that have been made to the birthplace fund. This memorial to our great leader has even enlisted the interest of prominent Single Taxers in Europe and Australia, and it seems fitting to make special mention of contributions recently received from Senor Antonio Albendin, of Cadiz, Spain, and Hon. George Fowlds of Auckland, New Zealand.

The birthplace restoration fund will not be closed until all Single Taxers interested in this worthy project have been given an opportunity to have a part in the establish ment of this memorial. If plans now under consideration are carried through with the enthusiastic support of the loyal friends of the cause, the birthplace of Henry George will become not only a shrine dedicated to the great cause of freedom and justice, but also a center around which a number of important activities associated with the Single Tax movement will be located.