The Library Company’s collection of paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, scientific instruments, and other artifacts.

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Charlotte Saunders Cushman "of the Walnut Street Theater"
Cushman was a Boston-born actress who became the leading American stage actress and immensely famous in both America and England. Cushman was the stage manager of the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia from 1842 to 1844, and this portrait was painted during that time., The Folger Shakespeare Library has an almost identical portrait of Charlotte Cushman, also painted by Sully, which was donated to them in 1936 by Mrs. Vincent Cushman, wife of Charlotte's nephew., Bequest of Anne Hampton Brewster, 1892., Exhibited in: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts' exhibition, Memorial Exhibition of Portraits by Thomas Sully (1922); Philadelphia Art Alliance for a theatrical exhibition culled from the Charlotte Cushman Club (1955); National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, This New Man (1968); National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, Thomas Sully, Portrait Painter (1983); Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibition, Women 1500-1900 (1974); Milwaukee Art Museum and San Antonio Museum of Art's exhibition, Thomas Sully: Painted Performance (2013-2014).
Children's Wooden Block Puzzle
A puzzle comprised of 24 blocks with lithograph images of: “Penna. Dairy Scene,” Map of U.S., Pennsylvania Railroad, Mount Vernon, William and his Sister Fishing, “Row Boat Excursion,” “Mary and Sally Feeding the Pet Pony.”, "Pubd by Jacob Shaffer Philada" on the map., Purchase of the Library Company, 1966.
Children's Wooden Puzzle
Three puzzles that have lithographs of: William Penn's Treaty with the Indians, Pennsylvania Railroad, and a Map of the United States. Housed in a wooden box with William Penn's Treaty with the Indians on the sliding lid., "Pubd by Jacob Shaffer Philada" on the map.
Clytie
Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, William Mackenzie, America’s First Rare Book Collector (1994-1995).
Coins from the Cornerstone
Framed collection of medals and coins. Inscribed plate on the frame: “These coins and medals were deposited in the Cornerstone of the Old Philadelphia Library on Fifth St., 1789 and were removed on the demolition of the building in 1888.” Within the frame are the following: 1.) British Half Penny 1773 2.) Connecticut Cent 3.) New Jersey Cent 1787 4.) Bronze Medal of Washington N.D. 5.) Franklin Plaque N.D. 6.) Medal Commemorating the Peace of 1783 7.) Nova Constellatio Cent 1785. The first U.S. coin 8.) Massachusetts Cent 1788, LCP Minutes vol. 3. Sept. 3, 1789, p. 179-180, “The following medals were deposited in the Stone-- A Pewter Coin 2 inches diameter, a figure [illegible] with a Helmet – Right hand a Spear – left hand a Knot, or Cord, from where suspends 4 Shields, being the Arms of 4 Crowns vizt. 1st England –On the right 2d three fleur de Lis/France/below on the right 3d a Lion rampant with a Sword in the right Paw, grasping a Bundle of Arrows in the other – Fourth—a Shield with a Lion rampant at two opposite corners of the Shield, the other two are confused. At the bottom is a detached Shield, as if lying on the ground, unconnected with the other four – The Figure appears to be a large head covering the whole Field—Round the inner Edge is Communi consenu-1789 stamped on this side by Rue – On the other side is a handsome Figure in Robes, sprinkled with Fleur de Lis, sitting in an armed Chair, resting on a raised Step, sprinkled also with Fleur de Lis- The left hand painting to a Pillar, with a Cap of Liberty on it – A female Figure in light Robes is hanging up a Shield on the Pillar having 13 Stripes – Round the inner Edge the Motto Libertas American, 1783. 1789 Stamped – A Copper Inch Coin. A Star radiating with thirteen small stars between the points of the Rays – The Motto Nova Constellatio – On the other Side a circular Wreath with the Letters U.S. – The Motto Libertas et Justitia 1785--1789 Stamped. – A Copper large Inch Coin, a Shield with thirteen Stripes – The Motto e pluribus unum – On the reverse a Plough with a Nags head over it –The Motto Nova Caesaria 1787 – 1789 Stamped –, A George the third half penny 1773. Stamped 1789 – Inch Copper Coin—on one side a Spread Eagle with Massachusett on the inner civil Date 1788 – on the reverse an Indian with a Bow in his Right, and an Arrow in his left hand Motto Commonwealth –Stamped 1789 -- Inch Copper Coin – a Casar’s (sic) head on one side with Vermont: Auctoritas on the inner Circle—On the reverse a Figure like Brittannia date 1785. Motto Inde:e4 Liber: Stamped 1789 – 1 3/4 inch a Medal – Roman head of Genl Washington—round the inner Edge G. Washington General of the Continental Army in America – On the Reverse a Trophy – Cannon, mortar, Trumpet & Rays shooting out all round Washin:reunit par un rare assemblage les talens du Guerrier, les Vertus du Sage.”
Collection of Electrical Tubes and Leyden Jars
Used in electrical experiments., See Library Company Minutes vol. 1, May 1, 1738-Oct. 11, 1742, p. 74, 76, 83, 86, 94, 125-126, for discussion about the air-pump and glass implements., Exhibited in the University of Pennsylvania Library’s exhibition, Benjamin Franklin Winston Churchill (1951).
Collection of objects from the Stevens - Cogdell - Sanders - Venning families
See LCP AR [Annual Report] 1991 p. 26-31., 891 a: Thimble with monogram JES. Bottom decorated with leaves. 891 b. Cameo of George Washington. Italian. 891 c. Back of locket or watch, monogram LSV, 14k gold. 891 d. Small metal plate with monogram C.S.C. 891 e. Token from the South Carolina Society’s Centennial celebration in 1857. Obverse reads: 130 Rich W. Cogdell was admitted a member of the So. Ca. Society, May 2nd 1826. Reverse depicts a hands holding three leaves, reads: Centenl. Celebrn. of So. Ca. Society Mar. 28, 1857. Posteritate. 891 f. Mourning pendant with leather case. Back of pendant reads: John Stevens died June 1, 1772 Aged 52. Mary Stevens died August 1st, 1782, Aged 56. Front has monument with two urns, reads “Rest in Peace” surrounded by trees. Surrounded by a blue border with gold flowers. 891 g. Cameo with neoclassical scene of two men and a women reaching to grab a horse, while a child with a dog sits at the bottom right corner. Italian. 891 h. Button with circular pattern, inscribed W to J. 891 i Clear-cut glass, 3-sided wax seal attached to an ornate (brass?) handle. Depicts: dove with olive branch, man with beard and helmet (Roman?), third side blank. 891 j. Small glass mosaic of beetle. Borders from outside to interior are dark blue, turquoise blue, red. Beetle is composed of gold, red, and green with a white background., Gift of Cordelia Hinkson Brown, Beverly Brown-Ruggia, and family in honor of Phil Lapsansky, 2012., Middle-class African American family active in the Philadelphia African American political, social, educational, and cultural community from the 1850s to the 20th century. The family was involved in several prominent local African American institutions, including the St. Thomas P.E. Church, Church of the Crucifixion, Central Presbyterian Church, the Colored Institute of Youth, and the Citizens Republican Club.
Collection of Red Cross and World War I Pins
Seven pins: 1. Red Cross 1919. 2. Red Cross 1920. 3. Red Cross. 4. Fourth Liberty Loan with flag. 5. Liberty Loan with V. 6. Third Liberty Loan with Liberty Bell. 7. I Helped War Chest with chest filled with gold and American flag crest. 1, 2, 5 -Made by The Whitehead Hoag & Co. Buttons, Badges, Novelties, and Signs Newark, NJ. 3, 6, 7- Made by American Art Works Conshocton, Ohio. 4-Made by American Art Sign(?) New York
Combination Pie Rimmer, Crimper, and Pastry Cutter
Gift of William Woys Weaver, 1995.
Commercial lithography. Theo. Leonhardt & Son, s.e. cor. 5th & Library sts. opposite Drexel Building, Philadelphia
Reads: “Commercial Lithography, Established 1851, Theo. Leonhardt & Son, S.E. Cor. 5th & Library Sts., Opposite Drexel Building Philadelphia.” Reads down the left side, “Bonds, Certificates of Stock, Checks, Diplomas, Cards, Letterheads, Labels.”, Copperplate of an advertisement for the firm used in the 1894-1897 editions of Gopsills Philadelphia City Directory. Contains a view looking southeast of the multi-storied lithographic establishment and vignettes of the front and back of the "Silver Medal" awarded to the business by the Maryland Institute for "Lithographic Work" in 1878. View includes street traffic. Leonhardt & Son was a partnership established circa 1874 between Theodore Leonhardt and his son Arno. The firm operated from 123-125 South Fifth Street, i.e., s.e. cor. 5th and Library streets, beginning in 1890.
Copper Cent Coin
United States one cent piece, "Liberty" and "1801" on the obverse with "United States of America" and "One Cent" on the reverse., Given to commemorate the year the 204 Juniper St. building was built (1801)., Gift of the Women's Committee by Miss Gertrude Atkinson, Feb. 15, 1943.
Cornerstone of Library Company Building at Fifth and Chestnut Streets
Laid on August 31, 1789., The cornerstone was formerly embedded in the base of the statue of Benjamin Franklin (OBJ 596). At the time the cornerstone was laid, a collection of coins and medals was placed inside (OBJ 054)., Library Company Minutes vol. 3, September 3. 1789, p. 178: "The building Committee reported, That the first stone of the edifice was laid on the thirty =first of August last;- that upon the suggestion of Dr. Benjamin Franklin a large stone was prepared and laid at the south=west cornor (sic) of the building with the following Inscription, composed by the Doctor, except so far as relates to himself, which the committee have taken the liberty of adding to it:-`Be it remembered,/In honor of the Philadelphia Youth,/then chiefly Artificers/ That in MDCCXXXI,/They cheerfully,/At the Instance of Benjamin Franklin,/one of their Number,/Instituted the Philadelphia Library;/which, tho' small at first,/Is become highly valuable and extensively useful,/And which the Walls of this Edifice/Are now destined to contain and preserve;/The first stone of whose Foundation,/was here placed/The thirty-first day of August,/Anno Domini MDCCLXXXIX,/ Benjamin Gibbs, Josiah Hewes, John Kaighn, Mordecai Lewis, Thomas Morris, Thomas Parke, Joseph Paschall, Benjamin Poultney, Richard Wells, Richard Wistar, then being Directors-, Samuel Coats, Treasurer, William Rawle, Secretary, Zachariah Poulson, Junr., Librarian'". Vol. 3, September 3, 1789, p. 179-180 describes the coins and medals placed inside the cornerstone. Vol. 8, May 7, 1880, p. 332: "On motion, the matter of the removal of the cornerstone of the building at 5 & Library Sts was referred to Mr. Biddle as a Committee with power to act".
Cuneiform tablet
The tablet is from the archives at Lagash, excavated in the 1880s. It is made of unbaked clay and is a sealed envelope surrounding a similar or identical inner tablet dating from about 2044 B.C. It records the loan of 22 ‘gur’ (small boatloads) of barley from the royal granary at Lagash to two unnamed men, who were probably going to use it for spring planting, hunger having exhausted their supply of seed grain., Gift of Miss Mary McClellan, 1929.
D-horseshoe spectacles
D-horseshoe spectacles with blue-tinted lenses. Marked with "McAllister" and a flower with pivot-style temples. The flower mark was commonly used as a journeymen's mark., Gift of Dr. Vincent J. Marchese, 2013.
Daniel Webster
David Sower
Wood carving of David Sower with an elaborately carved oak frame with plaster., Bequest of Charles G. Sower, 1904., Front inscription reads: David Sower 1st, Printer and Publisher, Founder of the Norristown Herald 1799, Born 1764 Died 1835. Grandson of Christopher Sower 1st., Manuscript note on back reads: Designed and executed by Prof. Rupert Schmid Sculptor from Munich Germany 1886. Pronounced to be a perfect likeness by Edward Stroud before knowing who it was intended for, who lived in the same house with David Sower 1 and was 28 years old when the latter died.
De Fleury at Stony Point Medal
Reads, "Virtutis Et Audaclae Monum. Et Praemium" and "D. De Fleury Equitt Gallo Primo Super Muros Resp. Americ D.D." Translation: "A memorial and reward for bravery and boldness—The American Republic presented this award to M. de Fleury, a French officer, who as the first scaled the walls." Mars is depicted on the ruin of the fort treading on the British flag with his sword raised. Reverse reads, "Aggeres Paludes Hostes Victi” “STONY PT EXPUGN xv Jul MDCCLXXIX." Translation: "Fortifications, marshes, and the enemy overcome—Stony Point taken by assault, July 15th, 1779." Depicts the fort of Stony Point and the enemy’s vessels on the river below it., On July 26, 1779, Congress decided to reward Lieutenant Colonel Fleury for bravery in the attack of the fort at Stony Point. Benjamin Franklin, in Paris, employed Benjamin Duvivier, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint, to create the medal. This medal is the first ever struck by a Resolution of Congress., Gift of Benjamin Franklin., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Deborah Davenport
Portrait of Deborah Davenport of Woodbury, N.J., Bequest of Anne Hampton Brewster, 1892.
Declaration of Independence
Calligraphed Declaration of Independence displayed during the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. The artist recorded the entire text of the Declaration, the coats of arms of the thirteen original states, the names of the Signers on the border columns, a portrait of George Washington, and various vignettes., The artist's name is listed as W.V. Peacon in the Centennial catalog., Gift of Michael Zinman, 1991.
Der Handeck wit dem Erlgletscher (Mountains, trees, wood chopper)
Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
Dickinson Family Funeral Hatchment
A funeral hatchment depicts the coat of arms of the deceased person., Used at the funeral of Gov. John Dickinson, Feb. 14, 1808., Letter inserted in the LCP Minutes, vol. 9, p. 117 from Miss Maria Logan to G.M. Abbot discussing the gift of the Hatchment to the Library Company., Gift of the Heirs of John Dickinson, 1887.
Dickinson's Music Stand or Reading Desk
Four-sided top capable of being raised or lowered on its helical center pole ; cabriole with acanthus; ball and claw feet., Inscription on metal plaque reads, "This desk once the property of the Honorable John Dickinson Author of the "Farmer's Letters" &c. was presented to the Loganian Library by Albanus C. Logan II." Albanus C. Logan was John Dickinson's great grandson, so it is probable that the desk remained in the family before being given to the Library Company., Gift of Albanus C. Logan II, 1870., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
Double Head Study of an Older and a Young Woman.
Gift of David Doret and Linda G. Mitchell, 2022., Label on the verso from Montclair Art Museum (Montclair, N.J.) (Double Head Study), Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ethan D. Alyea. 1964.51., Bust-length, forward-facing portrait study of two white women. In the left, shows an older woman with brown ringlet curls framing her forehead and attired in a white lace day cap tied in a bow under her chin and a dark-colored dress with a white lace collar. In the right, shows a young woman with her dark brown hair parted in the middle and tied back and attired in dress with a white neckline. There is an additional portrait of a woman on the verso of the canvas. A cut out in the frame reveals the eyes of the portrait. A photocopy reproduction is taped to the back. Bust-length portrait of a white woman with her blonde hair tied back and attired in drop earrings, a multi-stranded necklace, and a light blue dress.
Dr. Philip Syng Physick
Dr. Thomas Parke
Sully Register, #1286., Parke was a director of the Library Company from 1778-1835., There is a MS bill in the Daniel Parker Papers at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania from Thomas Sully to the Directors of the Library Company for the portrait and frame (by M. Pike) for $120., Purchased by the Library Company's Board of Directors, 1822., Exhibited at the College of Physicians (1887). Exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (1922).
Drop Leaf Table
Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
Duke of Brunswick
LCP Minutes, vol. 7, June 6, 1867, p. 287-288, “The following presents were recorded for which the Librarian was directed to thank the donor… Portrait Duke of Brunswick- P.F. Snyder.”, Gift of P.F. Snyder, 1867.
Edward L. Carey
Note on the back reads, “1857 Taken from a drawing.”, Gift of Helen Lea Humphrey, 1996.
Edwin Wolf 2nd
Edwin Wolf 2nd was the Library Company's Librarian from 1955-1984., Gift of Mary Wolf, 1992.
Electrical Machine
The Electrical Machine is a static energy generator that works by rubbing the leather pad against the spinning glass globe to produce a static electrical charge in the globe. Franklin owned this apparatus and used it in his experiments and demonstations., LCP Minutes vol. 3, June 12, 1792, p. 312: Benjamin Franklin Bache presented to the Company the Machine, which Doctor Franklin first used to make Experiments in Electricity., Gift of Benjamin Franklin Bache, 1792., Exhibited in: University of Pennsylvania's exhibition, Benjamin Franklin Winston Churchill (1951); Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Electricity Building from the Pan-American Exposition
Depicts the “Electricity Building” from the Pan-American Expo that was in Buffalo, NY in 1901. Green and Wicks of Buffalo were the architects of the building. It was used for exhibits in electrical science and manufactures of electrical apparatus. Power from Niagara Falls was harnessed to distribute electricity throughout the Expo., Gift of Michael Zinman, 2008. (Part of the Michael Zinman World’s Fair Collection.)
Elizabeth Hazlehurst
Paper label reads: “Elizabeth Hazlehurst Sister of John Markoe 17??-1841.” She was married to Isaac Hazlehurst., Gift of Dr. Mary Dewitt Pettit, 1965.
Engraved Plate, "The Return from Boarding School"
After a painting by John Lewis Krimmel, 1819.
Engraved Plate with Portrait of Cephas Grier Childs
Cephas Grier Childs (1793-1871) was an engraver, pioneer lithographer, editor, and publisher.
Engraved Plate with Portrait of W.J. McCahan
William James McCahan was the president and founder of the W. J. McCahan Sugar Refining Co. in Philadelphia.
Engraving Block for James Cox Bookplate
Reads: “No. __, The Library Company of Philadelphia, Purchased from James Cox, Artist of the City of Philadelphia, Communiter Bona Profundere Deum Est.”
Engraving Block for Small Library Company Bookplate
Reads, "The Library Company of Philadelphia."
Engraving Block for the Residence of William Marshall
Residence of Rev. William Marshall, no. 322 Spruce Street, Philadelphia. Shows a partial view of Scots Presbyterian Church, where Marshall was the First Pastor. After a photograph by Frederick DeBourg Richards, March 1859. Marked on the back with a stamp, (illegible) N.J.W.?mmer, 5 Pear St., Phila., Engraving from a booklet entitled: 322 Spruce Street. Philadelphia: s.n., 1859 [54113.O.11 ; 2569.Q.22].
Engraving Block of the Associate Presbyterian Church
View showing the Associate Presbyterian Church, also known as the Secession Church, on Walnut Street above Fourth Street, Philadelphia. Also shows two crates in the front lot of the church and a partial view of the adjoining building, the former residence of Rev. William Marshall, first pastor of the Church. Marked on the back with a stamp, (illegible) N.J.W.?mmer, 5 Pear St., Phila., Engraving from a booklet entitled: 322 Spruce Street. Philadelphia: s.n., 1859 [54113.O.11; 2569.Q.22].
Engraving Plate for Large Library Company Bookplate
Shows the Library Company’s seal.

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