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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Municipal Stadium under construction, South Philadelphia, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of Municipal Stadium, later known as John F. Kennedy Stadium, under construction in 1925 in preparation for the Sesqui-Centennial International Exhibition the following year. Designed by the Philadelphia firm Simon & Simon. Broad Street and the Delaware River are also visible. Located at 3601 Broad Street in South Philadelphia. The stadium was demolished in 1992., Negative numbers: 4826a, 4826b, 4828a, 4829a, 4831, 5214, 5406-5409, 5413.
Naval Shipyard, League Island, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of the Naval Shipyard on League Island at the base of Broad Street in South Philadelphia. Buildings, facilities and equipment are visible on the island and a variety of types of ships can be seen docked in the harbor. Municipal Stadium (later John F. Kennedy Stadium) and South Philadelphia are visible in the murky distance in some shots., Negative numbers: 1346, 2793, 5918, 5923.
New Central High School and La Salle University, Phila., Pa.
Aerial views showing the campuses of Central High School and La Salle University in the Logan (or Olney) section of Philadelphia. Depicts school and university buildings, as well as row homes in the vicinity of Olney and Ogontz avenues. Central High School was designed by Irwin T. Catharine and built 1937-1939., Negative numbers: 19839s, 19841s, 20940n., Negatives 19839s and 19841s dated June 26, 1939., Negative 20940n dated May 12, 1940.
[New Jersey coastline from Margate City to Brigantine.]
Aerial view of the New Jersey coastline taken from an extremely high altitude. The expanse of shoreline and adjacent inland areas can be seen roughly from Margate City to Brigantine. View is facing east towards Atlantic City from a vantage point in the vicinity of Northfield, New Jersey and is far enough west that Lakes Bay is visible in its entirety. Because of the high vantage point, many physical geographic features of the area can be seen but residential areas and other developments appear very small., Negative numbers: 15219n., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: Atlantic City, NJ, October 27, 1931.
New Jersey State Prison, Trenton.
Aerial views of the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton. Groups of men stand around an outdoor recreation area, which includes a baseball diamond., Negative numbers: P108-P111.
New Olney High School, N. Phila.
Aerial views showing Olney High School under construction. Located at North Front Street and Duncannon Avenue in the Olney section of Philadelphia, the building was designed by Irwin T. Catharine in the Academic Gothic style. Includes views of nearby rowhomes., Negative numbers: 12618, 12619.
New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey.
Aerial views of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation on the Camden, New Jersey waterfront along the Delaware River. The shipbuilding facilities can be seen from several angles in both close-up and distant views. Adjacent railroad tracks and neighborhoods are also visible and other parts of Camden can be seen in the distance. The company launched its first ship in 1901 and its last in 1967., Negative numbers: 1683, 1685, 2516, 7204, 7206, 7207.
N.J. State Colored Home, Vineland, N.J., Aug. 27, 1930.
Aerial view of an institution, probably an African American nursing home and surrounding grounds. In the center are two large buildings. In the right, a water tower is surrounded by a forest of trees. Roads and houses are visible., Title from negative sleeve., 13015 not digitized; similar view to P102; P102 includes entire house in lower portion of negative., Accessioned 1983., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Nolde and Horst
Aerial view of the Nolde and Horst Company hosiery plant located at Moss and Windsor Streets in Reading, Pennsylvania. Row houses and other buildings surround the factory. View is northwest to southeast. Factory built ca. 1900. Probably taken September 12-16, 1922., Negative number: 2769., Record created with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Norristown State Hospital, Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Aerial views of the Norristown State Hospital campus and surrounding farmlands. Opened in 1880 as Pennsylvania's first state inpatient psychiatric facility. Buildings were constructed in the "cottage" model, with separate structures above ground that were interconnected by a series of tunnels underground. This model allowed patients to be separated and treated according to their level of functionality., Negative numbers: 1772, 1678, 1805.
[North Philadelphia waterfront looking south along the Delaware River, Philadelphia.]
Aerial views of the Delaware River looking south from the Camden, New Jersey side of the river from a low altitude. Ships and industrial facilities are visible and the Philadelphia city skyline can be seen in the distance., Negative numbers: 14734n., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: N. Phila Waterfront & Delaware River, Phila, Pa., July 12, 1931 (city in background).
Ocean City, New Jersey.
Aerial views of Ocean City, New Jersey looking northeast towards Great Egg Harbor Inlet and Longport. The entire northeast portion of the island is visible, as are portions of Great Egg Harbor Bay and the Atlantic Ocean., Negative numbers: 5945, 5946.
Ocean County forest fire, New Jersey. [graphic].
Aerial view shows smoke most likely from the Ocean County forest fire on May 4, 1930 that destroyed part of the town of Forked River. View of Forked River from east to west looking across Barnegat Bay from the vicinity of what is now Island Beach State Park, a portion of which is also visible., Negative numbers: 12387., Record created with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Ogontz School
Aerial view of the Ogontz School located in Rydal, Abington Township. Depicts a three-story L-shaped building surrounded by trees and open fields. Originally founded in 1850 as the Chestnut Street Female Seminary (in Philadelphia), the school moved to Elkins Park in 1883 and changed its name to the Ogontz School for Young Ladies. In 1917 it relocated to Rydal and became known as the Ogontz School until it closed in 1950 and gave the property to Pennsylvania State College., Negative number: 1351.
Overbrook High School.
Aerial view of Overbrook High School under construction. Located at 59th Street and Lancaster Avenue, the school was built 1924-1926 in the Academic Gothic style after designs by Irwin T. Catharine. View includes Pennsylvania Railroad tracks and rowhomes in the surrounding area., Negative number: 5216.
Overbrook Seminary.
Aerial views of the grounds of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary located at 100 East Wynnewood Road. Shows original seminary building built 1864-1871 and library opened in 1911. The outline of a baseball diamond can be seen on the lawn. St. Charles Borromeo, founded in 1832 by Rt. Rev. Francis P. Kenrick, tenanted several locations in Philadelphia before relocating to Overbrook in 1871., Negative numbers: 1146, 1179, 1430, 1869.
Penn Charter School.
Aerial views of William Penn Charter School located in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Depicts main school building, athletic fields, and surrounding residences. The co-educational Quaker school was established in 1689 by William Penn., Negative numbers: 5393, 5877, 5878.
[Penn Hardware Company foundry and environs, Reading, Pennsylvania.]
Aerial view of the Penn Hardware Company plant at the foot of Spruce Street between the canal and the Schuylkill River in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1877 by two brothers, C. Raymond and Albert A. Heizmann. This view shows the factory from the south with the river, bridges and other areas of Reading visible in the distance. Probably taken September 12-16, 1922., Negative numbers: 2758., Record revised with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Pennsylvania and Reading Railroad terminus on the Delaware River, vicinity of Lehigh Avenue and Richmond Street, Port Richmond, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of the terminus of the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroad at Port Richmond, Philadelphia. Railroad ends at the Delaware River, where an extensive network of railroad tracks, piers and industrial buildings are visible along the riverfront, many of which served the coal trade. Large ships are visible on the river and portions of the city to the north and west of the terminus can be seen in the distance., Negative numbers: 2841, 2842, 4862., Record revised with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb.
Aerial view of the Mt. Airy campus of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb (later renamed Pennsylvania School for the Deaf). Constructed circa 1890 after designs by Cope & Stewardson and Wilson Brothers & Company, the school operated at this location from 1892 until 1984, when it relocated to Germantown. The school was established by David Sexias in Center City in 1820. View includes residences and adjacent railroad tracks. Looks northeast towards Montgomery County., Negative number: 1536.
[Pennsylvania Railroad, Manayunk Bridge, Spanning Schuylkill River & Green Lane, Manayunk, Philadelphia.]
Aerial views of the Pennsylvania Railroad's Manayunk Bridge spanning the Schuylkill River at Green Lane in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today, the bridge also spans the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76). View looks southeast towards Manayunk from Green Lane, with the Green Lane automobile bridge also visible. Beginning stages of construction projects are visible on the west bank of the river at Green Lane., Negative numbers: 8844., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: Manayunk Bridge, Manayunk.
Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg.
Aerial views of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building located at 3rd and State Streets in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The building was designed by architect Joseph M. Huston of Philadelphia. Includes views of the capitol from several angles so that much of Harrisburg is visible in the distance., Negative numbers: 1472, 1483, 5772.
[Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, Delaware River Bridge, Spanning Delaware River, West of Rotary Island, Yardley, Pennsylvania.]
Aerial views of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad's Delaware River Bridge (also known as the Yardley Bridge and the West Trenton Railroad Bridge) spanning the Delaware River west of Rotary Island between Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and West Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey. The bridge was designed by engineers Edwin Chamberlain and William Hunter and was built by F.W. Talbot Construction Company from 1911-1913. A steam locomotive travels over the bridge and surrounding farmlands are also visible., Negative numbers: 5529., Manuscript note on negative sleeve: Mercer Co.
[Philadelphia and Reading Railroad facilities, Reading, Pennsylvania.]
Aerial view of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company's railroad shop, yard and railroad tracks in Reading, Pennsylvania. Residential areas adjacent to the yard, farmlands and fairgrounds are visible in the distance. Seventh St. view is south to north. Probably taken September 12-16, 1922., Negative numbers: 2757., Record revised with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.
Philadelphia House of Correction.
Aerial view of the Philadelphia House of Correction, opened in 1874 in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia. Depicts the razing of the original building and construction of a new facility using the old materials., Negative number: 5602a.
Philadelphia House of Correction.
Aerial view of the Philadelphia House of Correction, opened in 1874 in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia. Depicts the razing of the original building and construction of a new facility using the old materials. Holmesburg Prison can be seen in the distance., Negative number: 5458.
Philadelphia House of Correction.
Aerial views of the Philadelphia House of Correction, opened in 1874 in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia. Depicts the razing of the original building and construction of a new facility using the old materials., Negative numbers: 5489-5492.
Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Aerial views showing the Philadelphia Museum of Art, built 1919-1928 after designs by Horace Trumbauer and the firm of Zantzinger, Borie, and Medary., Negative numbers: 12549-12555., Negatives dated May 22, 1930., 12553 not digitized; negative is damaged and cannot be scanned.
Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Aerial view showing the Philadelphia Museum of Art, built near the Schuylkill River 1919-1928 after designs by Horace Trumbauer and the firm of Zantzinger, Borie, and Medary. View includes part of West Philadelphia., Negative number: P276., Negative dated September 18, 1931.
Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Aerial views showing the Philadelphia Museum of Art under construction. Designed by Horace Trumbauer and the firm of Zantzinger, Borie, and Medary, the museum was built from 1919 to 1928 near the Schuylkill River., Negative numbers: 5493, 5494.
Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Aerial view showing the Philadelphia Museum of Art under construction. Designed by Horace Trumbauer and the firm of Zantzinger, Borie, and Medary, the museum was built from 1919 to 1928 near the Schuylkill River. View looking southeast includes Center City to the Delaware River., Negative number: 5915.
Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Aerial view showing the Philadelphia Museum of Art under construction. Designed by Horace Trumbauer and the firm of Zantzinger, Borie, and Medary, the museum was built from 1919 to 1928 near the Schuylkill River. Construction materials are visible around the perimeter of the building., Negative number: 6277.
Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Aerial view showing the Philadelphia Museum of Art under construction, including scaffolding on the front facade. Designed by Horace Trumbauer and the firm of Zantzinger, Borie, and Medary, the museum was built from 1919 to 1928 near the Schuylkill River., Negative number: 7290., 7290 not digitized; negative is damaged and cannot be scanned.
Philadelphia Protectorate for Boys.
Aerial views of the Philadelphia Protectorate for Boys located near Audubon, Lower Providence Township, Pennsylvania. Depicts grounds and environs of institution, including the main u-shaped, multi-storied brick building and courtyard populated with bystanders. Founded in 1898 by Catholic Archbishop Patrick John Ryan, the reformatory was established to protect, educate, and train boys in useful arts and handicrafts. Renamed Saint Gabriel's Hall in the 1960s., Negative numbers: 1566, 1895, 2538-o.
Philadelphia showing Girard College.
Aerial view of Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood, looking east from East Fairmount Park (foreground) to the Delaware River (background). View shows Girard College, the Corinthian Avenue Reservoir, and Eastern State Penitentiary in the distance. Also shows a railroad tunnel bordering the park. Row homes and factories are visible., Negative number: 1651.
Piers on the Delaware River south of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, South Philadelphia, Philadelphia.
Aerial views of the piers along the Delaware River riverfront south of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (formerly the Delaware River Bridge). Various types of boats are visible on the river, as are both the Camden, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania riverfronts. Views extend as far south as Oregon and Pattison Avenues., Negative numbers: 21737s, 21739s, 21740s.
Port of Wilmington, Wilmington, Delaware.
Aerial views of the Port of Wilmington showing marine cargo sheds and marine terminals, stacks of shipping containers and other industrial buildings and facilities related to the shipping industry. One cargo ship is docked. Construction of the port was completed in 1922 and it officially opened in 1923. The port is located at the confluence of the Delaware and Christina Rivers., Negative numbers: 4729, 4730, 4731, 4732, 6158, 6159., 4729 not digitized; negative is similar to 4732., 4730 not digitized; negative is damaged and cannot be scanned.
Princeton, N.J.
Aerial views of the campus of Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey. Chartered 1746 as the College of New Jersey. Name changed to Princeton University in 1896. Depicts many campus buildings and two views (6020 and 6021) show nearby stadium., Negative numbers: 6019-6021.
Princeton University.
Aerial views of the campus of Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey. Chartered 1746 as the College of New Jersey. Name changed to Princeton University in 1896. Depicts many campus buildings and two views (1228 and 1253) show nearby railroad station., Negative numbers: 1228-1230, 1253.
Princeton University Graduate College.
Aerial view of the Princeton University Graduate College located in Princeton, New Jersey. The ensemble of connected residential and dining halls were built in 1913 solely for the use of postgraduate students. Designs by Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson., Negative number: 1234., Record revised with information supplied by former Aero Service employee Carl H. Winnefeld, Jr.

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