From the December 6, 2010, Shorpy.com. If you're not familiar with this site and like old pictures, this is the one for you. Even better, you can blow up the pictures and really see them in detail.
This Shorpy photo was taken around 1910, and shows the City Hall covered with soot. It is still the largest municipal building in the United States. For a time, it was the highest building in the world, topping out at 548 feet. Construction began in 1871 and continued into the 1900s.
The main architect died in 1890 and his successor died in 1910. One reason for the long building process was major revisions brought about for the inventions of electricity and elevators.
All the way at the top, is a statue of Pennsylvania's founder, William Penn.
Traditionally in Philadelphia, no building was allowed to be taller than Billy Penn, but that was broken in the 1980s. At one time, breaking the tradition was blamed for the lack of success which was the lot of Philadelphia's professional teams.
The soot has since been removed.
And, Then, There Is That Great Sandwich. What Do You Call It? --Cooter
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