South Philly's Antiquarian's Delight

Obviously in every neighborhood there are old and new buildings and South of South is no exception. As we were walking up Kater Street we noticed a building with broken glass windows and weeds growing out of the cracks of the pavement. We began to think this was an old abandoned building but as we rounded the corner to Sixth Street we were able to see the front of the building and discover that it was actually up and running.

Six-fifteen South Sixth Street (between South and Bainbridge Streets) is home to The Antiquarian’s Delight. An antique flea market that is open 5 days a week (Wednesday to Saturday, 12-7 p.m. and Sunday, 12-6 p.m.) thrives in what appears to be a rundown building. There are several vendors there each day and more are there on the weekends, up to about 25 total.

Although The Antiquarian’s Delight building is not all that pretty on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Inside there is a great variety of items sold. Many clothes, jewelry, furniture and various knick knacks are found throughout. There is something for everyone. There are wild and wacky and classic and elegant items being sold. In addition to the items having varying personalities, many visiting antiquarians recommend taking some time to talk to the vendors. They all have stories to tell.

The building that The Antiquarian’s Delight is housed has an interesting story to tell. It is hard not to notice the Hebrew writings on the outside walls. This building was once a synagogue in the South of South area and the Antiquarian's Delight, or South Street Antiques Market, set up in 1983.

For an antique collector, The Antiquarian’s Delight is just that, a delight for anyone in search of… anything. This is a great place to visit any day of the week and with more vendors on the weekends, anyone can make a whole day of it.

By Emily Heinz and Rebecca Howe, South of South, Group 6