Tofani doors make a great scavenger hunt. Use the mural on Passyunk Avenue for ideas, or try this bingo game: https://www.ericthepuzzler.com/find-a-puzzle/tofani

Although fewer remain each year, there are still enough to make this a rewarding, yet pretty easy challenge. We found most of these wandering for about an hour in the streets between Dickinson-Moore & 8th-14th.

Opened by Italian immigrant Arthur Tofani in 1913, the Tofani Lumber & Millwork Company specialized in staircases, windows, frames, and the ubiquitous doors. After Arthur’s death, his wife took over the company which she ran for decades–a rare, woman-led company in the building industry. The mill moved out in the 1980s, but their legacy remains throughout South Philly.

In the early years, Tofani doors were primarily colonial revival, and often contained fancy millwork and etched starburst glass produced locally by the H. Perilstein Glass Company founded in 1898.

They also produced much simpler versions without all the fancy frills. 

But, by far my favorite are the mid-century designs.

It’s impossible to pick a favorite, but a definite contender is this example with the design extending to the transom above the door. 

In addition to the star glass, many contain bottle glass (colored or clear) or other textures.

Since closing, the old mill has been repurposed but still has the original sign. 1441 South 8th Street.

Today Tofani doors are an emblem of Philadelphia’s row house culture. Head to South Fellini at 1507 Passyunk Avenue for pins, posters and tee shirts displaying these iconic pieces of Philly’s history.