Philadelphia Contributionship facts for kids
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Philadelphia Contributionship
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The Philadelphia Contributionship in 2013
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 212 S. 4th Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Built | 1835-36 |
| Architect | Thomas U. Walter Collins and Autenreith |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000732 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 27, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | December 22, 1977 |
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The Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire is the oldest company in the United States that helps people protect their homes from fire. It was started by Benjamin Franklin in 1752 and officially became a company in 1768.
The Contributionship's main building is located at 212 S. 4th Street in the Society Hill area of Philadelphia. It was built between 1835 and 1836. The building was designed by Thomas U. Walter in the Greek Revival style, which looks like ancient Greek temples. It features tall Corinthian columns. Later, in 1866, the front porch (called a portico) was changed, and the top two floors were made larger with a special sloped roof called a mansard roof. This building was recognized as an important historical place in 1971 and a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Contents
History of the Contributionship
The Philadelphia Contributionship (TPC) was founded in 1752. Benjamin Franklin played a big part in starting it. It was set up as a mutual insurance group. This means that the people who bought insurance were also part-owners of the company.
How Fire Insurance Started
TPC offered fire insurance to homes in and around Philadelphia. They introduced new ideas that are still used in insurance today. For example, they would check properties before insuring them. They also set prices based on how risky a building was. If a building wasn't built safely, they might not insure it. They could also raise prices if people stored flammable things in wooden buildings. This company was also the first to save money in a special fund to pay for claims.
Early Meetings and Growth
Benjamin Franklin's newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, first announced the meeting to start the company. This was on February 18, 1752. People who wanted to join were asked to sign up at the Courthouse. They would meet there every Saturday afternoon until April 13, 1752. That was the day they chose the first twelve directors and a treasurer.
In the beginning, the company directors met in taverns and other public places. Larger meetings were held at the courthouse. It wasn't until 1835 that the directors bought land to build their own permanent office.
The Contributionship Today
The Philadelphia Contributionship is still active and helping people today. It offers many types of insurance. These include policies for homeowners, condo owners, and renters. They also offer insurance for landlords and umbrella liability coverage.
The company's network of agents has grown. They now serve people in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. TPC has over 120 employees. It has been named a Top Workplace in Philadelphia for five years in a row by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Important Early Directors
| Name | What They Did |
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| William Coleman | A judge |
| Benjamin Franklin | A printer and famous inventor |
| Samuel Rhoads | An architect and master carpenter |
| Philip Syng | A silversmith (someone who works with silver) |
See also
