Join me this year as we explore some well-known and lesser-known mostly historic sites in Philadelphia in a monthly program called “I’ve lived in Philadelphia Forever But Have Never Been To ______.”
“Forever” can mean a short time or many years, and maybe you have visited the site a long time ago, or never. We'll visit locations from the 18th Century to the present time every month throughout 2026. I welcome your suggestions of places you'd like to visit.
Last year we visited everywhere from City Hall to the Bok building. We started the new year with two 18th Century landmark homes in Society Hill, the Powel House and the Hill-Physick House, both properties of the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks. Next was the Free Library and their Rare Book Department and in May we had a very special visit to the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry’s Armory.
In June we will have a tour and chance to try some beverages at the Man Full of Trouble Tavern in Society Hill.
Thursday, June 25, 4 pm to 5:30 pm
We will gather at the Man Full of Trouble Tavern, 127 Spruce Street for a tour of the historic site by owner Dan Wheeler.
Built in 1759, the tavern MFoT is the only remaining pre-revolutionary war tavern in Philadelphia. More recently, it was a dive bar catering to dockhands, sailors, and “working waterfront stiffs”. It was closed in 1996 and has now been restored with the help of John Milner Architects and opened as a 25-seat tasting room and bar associated with Chester County’s Succession Fermentory. Succession was founded by partners Keith Hartwig (brewer, artist, educator) and Justin Kerber (chef) in 2021.
MFoT offers a full range of spontaneously fermented beers, as well as sour and farmhouse beers, along with a curated selection of Pennsylvania wine and spirits. They write, “All of our beers are brewed with locally sourced ingredients….We proudly support local farmers and land stewards who recognize the value of being rooted, working sustainably, and preserving the uniqueness of our regional culture and ecology.”
After our 30 minute tour of Dan Wheeler’s gallery of artifacts on the second floor of the tavern, we can enjoy the ambience and beverages of the Succession Fermentory folks. We may even be able to chat with the very busy bartender, if there aren’t too many other enthusiasts there that day.
Accessibility: The Man Full of Trouble tavern has stairs to the second floor museum.
Directions: The tavern is located near the corner of Second and Spruce Streets, close to the end of SEPTA bus routes 12, 21, 42 and 48, and there is street parking in the neighborhood.
Meet at the Man Full of Trouble Tavern, 127 Spruce Street at 4 pm. The tour will conclude about 4:30 pm and you are welcome to join other participants to try the beverages on offer at the tap room.
Cost: $6 ($5 donation to the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks and $1 for FitC for administrative costs.) No refunds for cancellation.
Number: Limited to 12 attendees.
This is a rain or shine event.
Thanks to FitC Volunteer Organizer: Joan Wells
Questions about registration or cancellation? Contact mignon.adams@gmail.com
