HISTORY
"Frankford is a historic gateway to Northeast Philadelphia. The area was first inhabited by Lenape Indians and later settled by the Swedes around 1660. The name “Frankford” originates from the “Manor of Frank,” a land sale from William Penn to a group of London Quaker businessmen called the Free Society of Traders, that dates to 1687." (From www.preservationalliance.com)
1843 Philadelphia County, Charles Ellet, Jr.
1849 Oxford Township Map, M. Dripps.
The site that is now Frankford Works, was developed in the 1920's by Supplee-Wills Jones Milk Company, as a milk distribution center for the surrounding area.
1929 Philadelphia Wards 23 & 41, Geo. Bromley.
1962 Philadelphia Land Use Map.
In the 1940's during WWII, millions of women, known as "Rosie the Riveter" entered the work force to replace men who were drafted abroad as part of the war effort. Women filled many roles at Supplee-Wills Jones Milk Company as seen in the photos below from Temple University Digital Library.
The Supplee-Wills Jones Milk Company distribution center was located here at least through the 1960s.
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Helen Joyce, one of the many women now working for the Supplee-Wills-Jones Milk Company. She has one child and her husband is a seaman first class in the U.S. Navy.
Supplee-Wills-Jones Milk Co. employee Barbara Allen, 1947, From Temple University Digital Library.
The building had many additions and neighboring buildings were combined. Various small factories and manufacturers occupied the building, including textile mills, through to the early 2000's when the building was repurposed as an artist studio building. The building was purchased by its current owners in 2018 and has since been completely renovated. Five of the six buildings on the complex have been completely renovated and a future phase to complete the last building is being planned.
Ghost sign from textile manufacturer.
Frankford Works today.