Details
Creator Taber, Donald C., 1895-1981, artist.
Contributor Witham, William E. 1881-1966, associated name.
Title An artist's conception of Swarthmore Crest. A highly restricted residential park. [graphic] / Taber.
Publisher Philadelphia
Publisher PA. Philadelphia. 1934
Date [ca. 1930]
Physical Description 1 drawing: pencil and watercolor; sheet 44 x 58 cm (17 x 22.75 in.)
Description Architectural drawing from a bird's eye perspective showing the residential park originally developed by William E. Witham ca. 1928-early 1930s. Shows the inverted pyramid-shaped residential park between Swarthmore Avenue, and Crest and Cedar Lanes. Swarthmore Avenue and Cedar Lane form the borders of the community. Crest Lane is depicted containing a traffic circle and running down the center of the development. Development includes over a dozen residences with at least two-levels. Most include multiple sections and all include gable roofs and driveways. A small number of cars travel down the street and up driveways. Trees line the interior and exterior of the residential park. Traveling salesman-turned real estate developer William E. Witham developed Swarthmore Crest following the purchase of part of the Gibbon Estate in 1928. Witham built his own Tudor Revival-style residence in Swarthmore Crest in 1931. That year, he advertised the residences already built in Swarthmore Crest as "establish[ing] a standard for the future ... substantial, without show."
Notes Title inscribed on drawing.
Signature of artist in lower right corner.
Date inferred from artist's active dates in Philadelphia and years of development of residences depicted.
Gift of David Doret and Linda G. Mitchell.
Biographical / historical note Donald C. Taber, born in New York, was a commercial artist in Philadelphia by 1930.
Subject Dwellings -- Pennsylvania -- Swarthmore.
Real estate development -- Pennsylvania -- Swarthmore.
Geographic subject Swarthmore (Pa.)
Swarthmore Crest (Swarthmore, Pa.)
Genre Architectural drawings -- Color -- 1920-1930.
Pencil works -- Color -- 1920-1930.
Watercolor drawings -- 1920-1930.
Associated name Witham, William E. 1881-1966, associated name.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| *Doret and Mitchell Collection - Drawings and Watercolors [P.2017.15.16]
Accession number P.2017.15.16