Carver W Reed & Co.
121 South 10th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Corner Of
10th & Sansom Streets (215) 923-1443
Old Reliable
Established In 1860
Testimonials
Carver W. Reed In The News!
"The Rod Steiger of 10th & Sansom?"- The Jewish Exponent 6-17-2010
"Looking Good For 150" - The Philadelphia Daily News Online 5-19-2010
"Philadelphia pawn shop survived the Civil War, now it faces the Great Recession" - WHYY 5-12-2010
"Seeking a pawn shop for extra money" - 6abc news 5-10-2010
"High-end payday loans" - Philadelphia Inquirer 5-10-2010
Citations & Proclamations!
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
MAYORAL CITATION
MAY 11, 2010
In 1860 --- a year that included Abraham Lincoln’s election as President of the United States, the first route of the Pony Express and the first published installment of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations --- Carver W. Reed established a pawnshop at 1514 Market Street. Today, 150 years later, it continues to thrive as the fourth oldest operational business in our great city.
Though the shop was sold to the Gordon family in 1949, the shop retained its original name. Four generations of the Gordon family have proudly operated the shop, which includes Harry Gordon and his son Charles, grandson Tod and great-granddaughter Rebecca. Carver W. Reed Company serves as a beacon of pride for family-run businesses in Philadelphia and throughout the country.
Especially interesting is Carver W. Reed’s involvement in the Philadelphia community. The original store overlooked Centre Square prior to the construction of City Hall. Harry Gordon began his career by selling jewelry on the sidewalk from a [cigar box] and later became one of the original jewelers who gave Sansom Street its identity as Jewelers Row.
One of the oldest forms of banking, pawnbroking dates back to China more than 2,000 years ago. The legal foundation of today’s statutory regulations of pawn shops was formulated by the Greeks and Romans. Pawnbroking became a recognized business in the United States in the 18th century and by World War II, it was the main source of consumer credit.
Today, patrons continue to visit Carver W. Reed for lending for their collateral.
It is fitting and appropriate, therefore, that the City of Philadelphia officially recognize with this Citation
Carver W. Reed Company
in recognition of its 150th anniversary in our great city and continuing a longstanding tradition of trust among our citizens.
Michael A. Nutter
Mayor
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNER
GOVERNAL COMMENDATION
MAY 11, 2010
GREETINGS:
Called the “Bloomingdale’s of pawnshops”, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the staff, customers, and the entire Carver W. Reed Co. family on 150 years of excellence as the 4th oldest operational business in Philadelphia.
From your earliest years, both the company and the community it serves have grown and changed in innumerable ways. Your unprecedented success during 150 years of business is a testament to your determination, innovation, and unmatched customer service.
You are a valued presence in the city of Philadelphia and a vital contributor to the business, economic, and development climate of the region. It is my hope that you will continue to grow, gain recognition as a local business leader, and win the loyalty of even more customers in the coming years.
As Governor and on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I commend everyone who has supported Carver W. Reed Co. over the years on the company’s 150th anniversary. Congratulations on this milestone and best wishes for many more years of success.
Edward G. Rendell
Governor
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
CITY COUNCIL
CITATION IN HONOR & RECOGNITION
MAY 11, 2010
Honoring and Recognizing
The Carver W. Reed Company
The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and recognize the Carver W. Reed Company on the occasion of their 150th Anniversary
Whereas, The Carver W. Reed Company, a pawnbrokerage that makescollateral loans exclusively on gold and diamonds, was founded in 1860 at 1514 Market Street; and
Whereas, Carver W. Reed has been in its second location, 121 South 10th Street, for over one hundred years, and is the fourth oldest continuously operating business in the City of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, Owner Tod Gordon, a leader in his profession who has served as President of the Pennsylvania Pawnbrokers Association, represents the third generation of his family to operate the Carver W. Reed Company. Mr. Gordon’s grandfather purchased the business from the Reed family in 1949. His daughter, Rebecca, has now joined him in the enterprise; and
Whereas, Carver W. Reed Company is a cornerstone in Philadelphia’s business community, and under its current leadership, is poised to continue successfully for many years to come.
Therefore, By virtue of this Citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors the Carver W. Reed Company for achieving 150 years of valuable service to the citizens of our City. We wish them continued success!
Jack Kelly Anna C. Verna Councilman-at-Large President
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATORIAL CONGRATULATIONS
MAY 5, 2010
Whereas, The Senate of Pennsylvania takes great pride in recognizing those business entities which, through adherence to the highest standards of service, contribute in a meaningful way toward a better and more productive society; and
Whereas, The Carver W. Reed Company is being honored upon providing one hundred fifty years of dedicated service to those within the Philadelphia community; and
Whereas, Established in 1860, the Carver W. Reed Company is lauded as the fourth oldest operational business in the City of Philadelphia. Currently under the leadership of Tod Gordon, the business has developed a strong reputation for providing fair and confidential service to its customers. By steady adherence to the principles of fairness, reliability and integrity, it has become a leader in the community and a model that is worthy of emulation. Over the years, those in leadership positions, as well as its staff members, have contributed in a tremendous way to its growth and development.
Now therefore, the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania congratulates the Carver W. Reed Company for its many accomplishments over the past one hundred fifty years; extends warmest wishes for a future replete with ever-increasing success and service to the community;
And directs that a copy of this document, sponsored by Senator Lawrence M. Farnese, Jr., be transmitted to the Carver W. Reed Company, 121 South Tenth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Lawrence M. Farnese, Jr. Mark. R. Corrigan Senator Secretary
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
MAYORAL PROCLAMATION
MAY 24, 2005
Carver W. Reed has been a good Philadelphia neighbor for 145 years. This little store at Tenth and Sansom Streets is a unique Philadelphia institution.
This small Philadelphia business, that predates the Civil War, continues to serve the interests of Philadelphians in need of the occasional and often indispensable "collateral loan". Businesses like Carver Reed are customarily "big city", yet distinguished by a personal attention to, and affectionate relationship with, their customers and the community.
The history of our city is written with special tales of uncommon people and unusual professions. Carver Reed adds a peerless chapter to our Philadelphia story.
This year, in commemoration of its 145th Anniversary, Carver Reed generously provided $145 gift certificates to the parents of the first 145 children born in January at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. This is only one example of the character and community spirit of one of Philadelphia's most historic establishments.
THEREFORE.......
It is fitting and appropriate, that the City of Philadelphia officially recognize with this Proclamation,
CARVER W. REED
in Philadelphia, and urge all citizens to appreciate and cherish Philadelphia's small and unique business.
John F. Street
Mayor
GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION
DECEMBER 2004
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the management and employees of Carver W. Reed & Company on the occasion of your 145th anniversary and to join you in honoring all of the children born at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital during 2005.
As the oldest jeweler in Pennsylvania, Carver W. Reed is a well-respected member of the local small business community and a vital contributor to the success and prosperity of our commonwealth. Your commercial innovation and outstanding quality of service have strengthened your business and helped to ensure its continued vitality.
..........On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I commend Carver W. Reed & Company for its pioneering business leadership. Congratulations on this accomplishment and best wishes for unprecedented growth and prosperity in the years ahead.
EDWARD G. RENDELL
Governor
December 2004
