Views of the greater Philadelphia area taken circa 1920s-1930s by Aero Service Corporation, an aerial photography firm established in Philadelphia in 1919.

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Graterford State Correctional Institution.
Aerial view showing the construction of the Graterford State Correctional Institution in Graterford, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Built 1928-1934 near the Perkiomen Creek. Construction equipment and vehicles are visible. Workers can be seen along the perimeter of the high exterior walls., Negative number: 9114.
Graterford State Correctional Institution.
Aerial view of the Graterford State Correctional Institution and surrounding area in Graterford, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Built 1928-1934 near the Perkiomen Creek. Depicts construction of buildings within the prison walls., Negative number: 14528n.
Hamilton Watch Company
Aerial view of the Hamilton Watch Company complex at Columbia and North West End Avenues in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Surrounding homes and buildings are visible, along with croplands in the distance., Negative number: 1670., Record created with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Haverford Grammar School.
Aerial view of the Haverford School, located at 450 Lancaster Ave. in Haverford, Pa. Depicts circular driveway in front of school buildings, and nearby residences. Pennsylvania Railroad line and Haverford Station can be seen in the distance. Founded in 1884 as the Haverford College Grammar School. Renamed Haverford School around 1916 after it severed ties with the college., Negative number: 2756.
Heintz Manufacturing Company plant, Olney Avenue and Front Street, Olney, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of the Heintz Manufacturing Company steel fabricating plant in the Onley section of Philadelphia. The factory and its watertower can be seen from several angles adjacent to railroad tracks, surrounded by rowhomes and undeveloped land., Negative numbers: 11295, 11296, 11297, 11298, 11300, 11301, 11302.
Heinz Pickle Company plant, Salem, New Jersey.
Aerial views of the Heinz Pickle Company factory showing the food processing facility along the banks of the Salem River in Salem, New Jersey., Negative numbers: 11127a, 11128a.
Henry Avenue Bridge construction, Philadelphia.
Henry Avenue Bridge construction, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of the Henry Avenue Bridge (also known as the Wissahickon Memorial Bridge) under construction. The bridge spans Wissahickon Creek at Lincoln Drive and Henry Avenue and was built from 1930-1932 after designs by Ralph Modjeski and and Paul Cret. Areas of the city to the north and east of the bridge are also visible., Negative numbers: 13961n, 13963n, 14393n.
High altitude views of Atlantic City, New Jersey and environs.
Aerial and vertical views of the New Jersey coastline, mainly Atlantic City, taken from a very high altitude. Atlantic City can be seen almost in its entirety and the Absecon Inlet is also visible., Negative numbers: 19573n, 19574n, 19578n.
Hog Island shipyard, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of the shipyard at Hog Island in Philadelphia. Industrial buildings and sheds, railroad tracks and shipbuilding equipment can be seen from several angles and many boats and ships are docked in the harbor., Negative numbers: 1211, 1216, 1387, 1388, 2851.
Holmesburg Prison, Philadelphia.
Aerial view of Holmesburg Prison, opened in 1896 on Torresdale Avenue in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia. Shows central rotunda, from which eight blocks of cells extend. Designed by Wilson Brothers & Co. The prison closed in 1995., Negative number: 2526a.
Hotels along the Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Aerial views of the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Views are taken from a lower vantage point so that several hotels and surrounding areas can be seen in some detail., Negative numbers: 6201, 6202, P240, P241, P244.
[Housing development in the vicinity of Castor and Frankfort Avenues, Mayfair, Philadelphia.]
Aerial views of housing and real estate development located around the intersection of Cottman and Frankford Avenues in Philadelphia. View faces north from a vantage point just south of the intersection. Adjacent farmlands are visible., Negative numbers: 18262n.
[Inauguration of Governor Arthur H. James at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania].
Aerial views of the inauguration of Arthur H. James as Pennsylvania's governor outside the State Capitol building in downtown Harrisburg on January 17, 1939. James served as Governor from 1939-1943. Crowds of people gather on the steps of the Capitol, in the open area in front of the building, and on adjacent 3rd and State Streets. The ground is snow-covered. The Capitol, designed by architect Joseph H. Huston, is visible in its entirety, as is the area immediately surrounding it., Negative number: 19538n., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: James' Inauguration, Harrisburg, Pa, Jan. 17, 1939.
[Independent Pier Company, Tioga Marine Terminal, Delaware Avenue at Tioga Street, Port Richmond, Philadelphia.]
Aerial views of the Independent Pier Company at the Tioga Marine Terminal along the Delware River in Philadelphia. Adjacent pier are visible and a large ship is docked at the facility. Businesses lining Delaware Avenue just west of the riverfront can be seen as well., Negative numbers: 16099n., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: Independent Pier Co., Phila, Pa., October 19, 1933.
Indian Head Park Beach on Perkiomen Creek, Oaks, Pennsylvania.
Aerial views of Indian Head Park Beach on Perkiomen Creek. The location was the site of W.M. Keyser's Mill, which was sold to the park in 1918. Views show several buildings of various sizes alongside the creek at the site of a small dam., Negative numbers: 6834, 6835., Text included in image: Indian Head Park Beach; "On the Perkiomen"; Oaks, Penna.; Dancing, Roller Skating, Bathing, Boating and Canoeing; Inn and Picnic Pavillion.
Industrial piers on the Delaware River, Camden, New Jersey.
Aerial views of industrial piers on the Camden waterfront. Campbell's Soups pier and R.C.A.-Victor Talking Machine Company facilities are visible along with railroad tracks and other industrial facilities further south along the Delaware River., Negative numbers: 1342, 1343.
[Industrial waterfront along the Delaware River, Camden, New Jersey.]
Aerial views of industrial facilities on the Camden, New Jersey waterfront along the Delaware River. Residential areas near the waterfront are also visible., Negative numbers: 7993., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: Camden Water Front, 12/10/1927.
Inland views of Absecon Island, New Jersey.
Aerial views of Atlantic City, Ventnor City, Margate City and Longwood on Absecon Island, New Jersey. Western and southern vantage points provide views of residential areas, undeveloped land, inland waterways and marshlands on the west (inland) side of the island. The coastline and Atlantic Ocean can be seen in the distance., Negative numbers: 5948, 5949, 5950, 5952, 5953, 5955, 5956, 5957, 5963.
[James Weldon Johnson Homes and environs, North Philadelphia, Philadelphia.]
Aerial views of the construction of the James Weldon Johnson Homes, a low rent housing project consisting of 535 dwelling units in 59 buildings (including a Community Building) built on 19.4 gross acres. The first tenants moved into the project on October 1, 1940. At the time of completion, the project was owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Designed by architect William Pope Barney and Frank R. Watson. Located at 2500 West Norris Street in North Philadelphia. Surrounding row homes to the south and east are visible for some distance., Negative numbers: 20754s.
Jefferson Hospital, 10th & Walnut Streets, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of Jefferson Hospital and surrounding area., Negative numbers: P142, P143, P144, P145.
Junior High School No. 3, Trenton, New Jersey.
Aerial view of Trenton Junior High School No. 3, located at 1001 West State Street in Trenton, New Jersey. Depicts a large front building adorned with a clock tower, flanked by two identical smaller buildings set back on each side with entrances marked by columns. Built 1924. Nearby residences and the Delaware River are visible., Negative number: 11311.
Knickerbocker Lime Co.
Aerial view of the Knickerbocker Lime and Mortar Company factory plant in Mill Lane, Pennsylvania, near Malvern. Depicts strip mining facilities, including processing plants, silos, smokestacks, railroad tracks and freight cars, and quarrying activity. The surrounding area is mostly open land, with some residences and farms visible. The company, part of the Van Sciver Corporation, operated here from 1899 to 1929 and also maintained two offices and depots in Philadelphia. Views are southeast to northwest [2864, 2867], east to west [2865] and south to north [2868]., Negative numbers: 2864, 2865, 2867, 2868., Record revised with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Langhorne Speedway under construction
Aerial view of the Langhorne Speedway under construction. Opened in 1926, it was the first one-mile dirt track built specifically for automobile racing. In this southwest-to-northeast view, grandstand seating is visible, as are Route 1 and Woodbourne Road. Probably taken June 1926. The final race was held at the speedway in 1971., Negative number: 6016., Record created with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
Aerial views showing the Lawrenceville School's campus, particularly the golf course and nearby buildings. The school was founded in 1810 as Maidenhead Academy, and after several other names was refounded as the Lawrenceville School in 1883. Also in the 1880s the school expanded and erected new residential and academic buildings after designs by the firm Peabody & Stearns, with landscaping done by Frederick Law Olmsted., Negative numbers: 1219, 1244.
The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
Aerial views showing the Lawrenceville School's campus, including Fathers' Building, Memorial Hall, the landscaped "Circle" around which dormitories stand, and tennis courts. The school was founded in 1810 as Maidenhead Academy, and after several other names was refounded as the Lawrenceville School in 1883. Also in the 1880s the school expanded and erected new residential and academic buildings after designs by the firm Peabody & Stearns, with landscaping done by Frederick Law Olmsted., Negative numbers: 6010, 6011, 6012, 6013, 6014., 6013 not digitized; similar view to 6010
Leeds and Northrup Company plant, 4901 Stenton Avenue, Nicetown-Tioga, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of the Leeds and Northrup plant and laboratory in the Nicetown-Tioga section of Philadelphia. The company was founded by Morris E. Leeds and Edwin F. Northrup in 1903. Originally known as Morris E. Leeds & Company, the organization produced electrical measuring instruments for laboratory and testing use and was an important supplier of this equipment to industrial markets. In the late 1990's, the company became the L&N Metallurgical Products Company. The facility consists of several buildings and sits alongside railroad tracks very near a residential area with row homes., Negative numbers: 11312, 11313, 11314, 11315, 11316, 11319.
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.
Aerial view showing Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Depicts campus buildings, nearby residences and industrial areas, and bridges spanning the Lehigh River. Lehigh University was founded in 1865 by Asa Packer., Negative number: 4506.
Location of the Halls-Mills murders crime scene, Somerville, New Jersey.
Aerial views of the site of the murders of Eleanor Reinhardt Mills, the wife of a New Brunswick janitor, and Edward Wheeler Hall, a New Brunswick Episcopal priest, known as the Halls-Mills murders. The bodies were found at this site in Somerville near New Brunswick, New Jersey on September 16, 1922. The trial began in Somerville in November, 1926, and lasted 30 days. It garnered huge national attention in the newspapers and on radio but in the end no convictions were made and the case remains unsolved., Negative numbers: 6589, 6590.
Lower Merion schools, Penna.
Aerial view of Lower Merion Senior High School and Ardmore Junior High School, located at 245 East Montgomery Avenue in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. The high school moved to this location in 1911, and the junior high school building was added in 1922. Includes surrounding property and nearby residences. The high school was demolished and replaced by an updated building in 1963 and the junior high school was demolished in 1992., Negative number: 5191.
Luckenbach Lines steamship on the Delaware River, South Philadelphia, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of a Luckenbach Lines ship sailing and docked in the Delaware River. Piers and industrial facilities are visible along the riverfront at Delaware Avenue between Snyder and Oregon Avenues. Various types of boats and watercraft sail on the river. The Philadelphia skyline can be seen in the distance., Negative numbers: 5177, 5178, 5183.
Marshall Farm, Abington Township, Pennsylvania
Aerial views of the Marshall Farm in Abington Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Farm located on what is now Sharpless Road in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania. Revelation and Meadowbrook Roads and Washington Lane are visible. Bryn Athyn Cathedral can be seen in the distance in 1322., Negative numbers: 1318; 1322; 1329., Record created with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
McCahan Sugar Refining Co.
Aerial views from different directions and altitudes of the W.J. McCahan Sugar Refining Company between Tasker and Morris Streets along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Views show vessels docked on piers, activity on wharves, and warehouse and factory buildings. The refinery was erected 1892-1893., Negative numbers: 5399, 5431, 5804, 5805, 5807, 6114, 6115, 6117., Negatives 5804, 5805, and 5807 dated May 5, 1926., 6114 and 6115 not digitized; similar view to 6117.
Mercer Automobile Company
Aerial views of the the Mercer Automobile Company factory plant on Whitehead Road in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, north of Trenton. Mercer was an American automobile manufacturer from 1909 until 1925 notable for its high-performance cars, especially the Type 35 Raceabout. View shows several buildings and water towers that comprise the factory surrounded by a scattering of buildings, some likely residential, spread across a relatively open landscape., Negative number: 1220., Record created with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Metropolitan Edison Power Plant
Aerial view of the Metropolitan Edison electric power plant along the Schuylkill River in West Reading, Cumru Township, Pennsylania. View is southwest to northeast with the city of Reading, Pennsylvania visible in the background. A number of other factories, smokestacks, railroad tracks and a bridge are also visible. Image probably taken November 1928., Negative number: 9110., Record created with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Montgomery County Court House and annex, Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Aerial views of the Montgomery County Courthouse and annex in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The courthouse was built from 1853-1856 and was designed by architect Napoleon LeBrun. The dome was added in 1902, designed by the architecture firm Schermerhorn & Reinhold. The annex was added from 1926-1930 and was designed by architecture firm Rankin & Kellog. View looks towards the courthouse from the west and areas of Norristown surrounding the building are also visible., Negative numbers: 11481, 11483, 11490, 11491.
Moon development, Morrisville, Pennsylvania.
Aerial views of a large house being constructed in an area of sparse residential development in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. The Delaware River, a more densely populated area of Morrisville, and Trenton, New Jersey are all visible in the distance., Negative numbers: 6451, 6452.
Morrisville Yard, Morrisville, New Jersey. [graphic].
Aerial view of the Morrisville Yard, a rail yard originally used by the Pennsylvania Railroad for freight trains. The yard is now used by New Jersey Transit rail operations. Images show views of the yard surrounded by farms and croplands. View (1226) from the southwest from west of the Five Points/Fallsington area. View (1227) shows a major curve in tracks as they turn northeast with Morrisville and possibly Trenton in the background., Negative numbers: 1226, 1227., Record created with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
[Municipal Auditorium, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, West Philadelphia, Philadelphia].
Aerial views of the Municipal Auditorium under construction. The facility was also known as Convention Hall and later as Civic Center Auditorium. The building was designed in the Art Deco style by the architect Philip H. Johnson and was demolished in 2005. View is facing northwest and shows the structure about 50 percent complete, with portions of the University of Pennsylvania campus visible in the distance., Negative number: 13242n., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: Convention Hall, W. Phila. Pa., Sept. 26, 1930.
[Municipal Court Building under Construction, 1801 Vine Street, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia].
Aerial views of the Municipal Court Building under construction in June, 1939. Building was designed in the classical revival style by architects John T. Windrim and Morton Keast. View looks southwest from the vicinity of 17th and Callowhill. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is visible from Logan Circle to just beyond 22nd Street. Major features of the parkway can be seen, including the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Franklin Institute. The view to the west stretches to 30th Street Station and the Schuylkill River., Negative number: 19826s., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: Municipal Court Bldg. under construction, Logan Circle - Phila., June 26, 1939.
Municipal Stadium in preparation for the Sesqui-Centennial International Exhibition, South Philadelphia, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of Municipal Stadium, later known as John F. Kennedy Stadium, in 1926 as it is being prepared for the Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition. A stage is being constructed at one end of the field and a few people are in the stands. Broad Street and other areas of the exposition site are also visible. Stadium was designed by the Philadelphia firm Simon & Simon. Located at 3601 Broad Street in South Philadelphia., Negative numbers: 6105, 6276, 6287, 6291.

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