text: seven walking tours through historic Philadelphia

Barclay Hotel

Barclay Hotel entrance

1938 Ad for Barclay hotel
Note that proofreading for typos did not appear to be a priority in 1938

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Just east of the the SE corner of the square, on the other side of 18th Street, is the Barclay Hotel, one of the most fashionable and elegantly run hostelries in America. It was owned by John McShain, the millionaire Philadelphia builder who also owned the Lakes of Killarney in Ireland. The scene of some of society's most glittering private parties, it has also housed almost every distinguished celebrity who has traveled to Philadelphia.

Immediately north of the Barclay is the Curtis Institute of Music



Rittenhouse Square