Fish House Cove, in honor of the Tammany fish house. During 1835, the Tammany Pea Shore Company sold the former Hood House to Robert Hoare, one of its members. In 1867, Hoare’s widow sold the house and its 2.39 acres to Emily G. Vennell, wife of Isaac K. Vennell. Initially, the Vennells operated a general store in a portion of the house. However, in response to growing use of the Fish House for recreational activities, Isaac opened his Fish House Hotel sometime between 1888 and 1891. Other bars also served the thirsts of summer revelers, including the Tippin family’s Schiller Heights Hotel, located across today’s Tippin Pond, and the Hastings-Sutton Hotel, situated behind the Vennell house. Residents of the Kensington and Fishtown sections of Philadelphia frequently visited the cove and Pea Shore for swimming, sailing and fishing activities. Pea Shore was a favorite place of visitation for Walt Whitman, the good gray poet.

By 1886, quite a little settlement had developed at Fish House. The Pennsylvania Railroad provided both a small passenger and freight station for the convenience of residents and visitors alike. It was during this year that the U.S. Government established the Fish House Post Office. Initially located in the diminutive railroad station, Annie Vennell served as the postmistress.