Collection of 179 glass and film negatives created by Alfred Hand between 1920 and 1921. They depict historic houses, places of worship, and Revolutionary War sites in Germantown and the Philadelphia region, and are accompanied by negative sleeves with descriptive manuscript notes about each site.

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4518 & 4520 Germantown Ave. Neglee House. When built, uncertain, but Jas. Logan lived in it while Stenton was being built, 1727-1734. [graphic].
View of front facade, with a one story shop in the foreground. Residence built circa 1727. John Naglee owned the house from 1727 to 1752., Inscribed in negative: 3328., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
4825 Germantown Ave., home of Christian Ottinger, a soldier of the Pennsylvania Line in the Revolutionary War. [graphic].
Depicts the west fronts of neighboring dwellings along Germantown Avenue, 4821 in the foreground and 4825 in the background, the latter built circa 1781 by Christopher Ottinger, a Revolutionary soldier who became a master coach maker after the war. A man stands on the steps of the Ottinger House., Inscribed in negative: 2211., Title from negative sleeve.
5140 Germantown Ave. The "Cory" or Crows' Nest. Wm. Wynn Wister's Place. Gilbert Stewart lived there from 1796 to 1800. He painted Washington's portrait in the barn, which is not now standing. [graphic].
Exterior view of front porch of house set back from the street and surrounded by trees., Inscribed in negative: 3350., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
5214 Germantown Ave. The Hacker House. Site of the British encampment during the Battle of Germantown. [graphic].
View of east front of house built circa 1755 and known successively as the Conyngham, Wister and Hacker House. Also served as the headquarters of the Germantown Historical Society., Inscribed in negative: 3351., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the Old Fisher House., Original negative housed in freezer.
5218 Germantown Ave. [graphic].
View of the ivy covered east front of the Howell House, built circa 1795 and later used by the Germantown Historical Society as a Costume Museum., Inscribed in negative: 3352., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
5222 Germantown Ave., Endt-Hansberry House. Theobald Endt, clockmaker owned it in 1766. [graphic].
View of the east front of the Endt - Hansberry House, owned by clockmaker Theobald Endt in 1766. Converted to apartments and a store in the early twentieth century. The word "Painting" is visible on the store front window directly north of the entrance stairs to 5222 Germantown Avenue., Inscribed in negative: 3353., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
5267 [sic] Germantown Ave. I have no record of when it was built. Anthony Gilbert, a blacksmith, renowned for his strength, lived there in 1809. It is next door above "Grumblethorp." [graphic].
Exterior view of front facade of dwelling occupied by Anthony Gilbert in 1809, a blacksmith who was known for his great physical strength. Original portion of house built circa 1745 as Wister's Tenant House, immediately north of Wister's Big House. An advertisement for Kansis City Beef is visible on the butcher shop awning next to Wister's Tenant House., Inscribed in negative: 3369., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
5300 Germantown Ave., N.W. cor. Queen Lane. [graphic].
View of the south flank and east front of the Sower House, built in three stages: the rear ell circa 1723, the front section circa 1755 and the union of these two sections circa 1795. Owned by the Sower (Sauer) family, who purportedly created the first type cast in America in the basement of this house in 1772-73. Owned by the Trinity Lutheran Church since 1836 and used as a church house since 1950., Inscribed in negative: 3355., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
5430 Germantown Ave. Home of Captain Albert Ashmead of the American Army. [graphic].
Exterior view of east front of dwelling of Captain Albert Ashmead, built before 1796. Albert's grandfather, William Ashmead, manufactured Germantown wagons in the rear of the property. Main house was used as a show room and was later turned into residence after Albert Ashmead's marriage. Includes a banner hanging in between 5430 and 5434 Main Street ( i.e. Germantown Avenue), advertising John A. Foley's Manheim Stables & Riding Academy at 5434 Main Street., Inscribed in negative: 3356., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
5434 Germantown Ave., home of Jno. Ashmead, father of Capt.. Albert Ashmead. [graphic].
Exterior view of east front of residence of William Ashmead, built in 1740 and later owned by his son John Ashmead. Image depicts the site when it was under the ownership of the Manheim Stables & Riding Academy, and contains a partial view of a banner advertising the stables and academy., Inscribed in negative: 3357., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
5450 Germantown Ave. Supposed built in 1790, by one Morgan. Thomas Armat lived there from 1807 till his death in 1831. [graphic].
View of east front of house built circa 1790. Purchased by merchant and philanthropist Thomas Armat in 1807. Armat resided here until his death in 1831. His family owned the property until 1841. The home was later occupied by Dr. William Ashmead., Inscribed in negative: 3358., Title from negative sleeve., Thomas Armat was one of the founders of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and donated the land on which the church was built. He also had Loudoun constructed for his only son, Thomas Wright Armat in 1801., Original negative housed in freezer.
6019 Germantown Ave. Built by Daniel Pastorius. Also known as the Green Tree Inn. [graphic].
Exterior view of west front and south flank of tavern built in 1748 by Daniel and Sarah Pastorius adjacent to the homestead of his grandfather Francis Daniel Pastorius. Also known as the Saddler's Arms, The Hornet's Nest, and Mackinett's Tavern. David Mackinett was Sarah's second husband after the death of Daniel Pastorius. Includes partial views of properties north of the old tavern, most likely demolished when the tavern moved north in 1930 for the expansion of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Germantown. Later used as church offices., Inscribed in negative: 2753., Title from negative sleeve., Modern reference print available.
6043 Germantown Ave. Centre of fierce skirmish during the Battle of Germantown. [graphic].
Exterior view of west front of house built circa 1750 and purchased by Dr. William Shippen as a summer residence in 1775. Dr. Samuel Blair, Shippen's son-in-law and president of Princeton University, also lived here. Image includes a group of people standing on the corner, looking toward the camera., Inscribed in negative: 2214., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the Blair House or The Laurens.
6303 [sic] Germantown Ave. [graphic].
Exterior view of west front and south flank of house at 6205 Germantown Avenue, built by Dirck Keyser, a Mennonite preacher and silk merchant who immigrated from Amsterdam in 1688. Demolished in 1950 for a supermarket., Inscribed in negative: 2215., Title from negative sleeve., Incorrectly identified as 6303 Germantown Avenue.
6306 Germantown Ave. [graphic].
Oblique view of south flank and east front of house of the former residence of John Johnson built 1765-1768 by master builder Jacob Knor at 6306 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Shows the front door to the three-story stone house. The first story contains windows with shutters and a shingled awning. Dwelling also includes dormer windows and chimneys on the roof. In the left, a picket fence and a portico over the side entrance is visible. Trees and an utility pole are in front of the property. John Johnson resided in the house during the Battle of Germantown. The dwelling sustained damage including a hole in the parlor door caused by a cannon ball and a chipped corner. It served as a station on the Underground Railroad. The Johnson family owned the house until 1908. The Woman's Club of Germantown purchased the house in 1917, and in 1980, gifted the house and its contents to the Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust to operate as a house museum. In 2002, the deed of ownership was transferred to the Johnson House Historic Site, Inc., Inscribed in negative: 2226., Title from negative sleeve., Date inferred from photographic medium and content., Purchase 1988., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
922 Clinton St., Phila. [graphic].
Depicts the front of the Bailey Residence, showing the portico that decorates the front doorway and the keystone lintels over the windows. Renovated by Baily & Truscott for Charles Winter Baily in 1901. Includes a partial view of 920 Clinton Street., Inscribed in negative: 3173., Title from negative sleeve.
Andalusia. [graphic].
Exterior view of rear hexastyle doric portico of mansion facing a broad lawn. The Bucks County estate on the Delaware River was originally purchased in 1795 by Philadelphia merchant John Craig, procured around 1814 by his son-in-law Nicholas Biddle. Originally named Craig's Hall, the federal-style mansion was renovated and altered from 1797-1798; 1806-1808 (by Benjamin Henry Latrobe); and 1836-1838 (by Thomas U. Walter). Walter added the portico and other prominent Greek Revival elements to the house., Title from transparency sleeve.
Andalusia, back door [sic]. [graphic].
Exterior view of entrance portico on the north front of mansion. The Bucks County estate on the Delaware River was originally purchased in 1795 by Philadelphia merchant John Craig, procured around 1814 by his son-in-law Nicholas Biddle. Originally named Craig's Hall, the federal-style mansion was renovated and altered from 1797-1798; 1806-1808 (by Benjamin Henry Latrobe); and 1836-1838 (by Thomas U. Walter). Walter added the portico and other prominent Greek Revival elements to the house., Inscribed in negative: 3380, Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Andalusia, Bensalem Township, Bucks Co., Pa. John Craig, a merchant, bought the tract of land in 1794 & his wife designed the house. Nicholas Biddle married their daughter & Andalusia became his residence. Charles Biddle now occupies it. [graphic].
Exterior view of rear hexastyle doric portico of mansion facing a broad lawn. The Bucks County estate on the Delaware River was originally purchased in 1795 by Philadelphia merchant John Craig, procured around 1814 by his son-in-law Nicholas Biddle. Originally named Craig's Hall, the federal-style mansion was renovated and altered from 1797-1798; 1806-1808 (by Benjamin Henry Latrobe); and 1836-1838 (by Thomas U. Walter). Walter added the portico and other prominent Greek Revival elements to the house., Inscribed in negative: 3377, Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Barn house, Walnut Lane, Germantown. [graphic].
Exterior view of west and north facades of dwelling, once the Wyck barn, built in 1796 by J. Frederick Thomas. Architect Mantle Fielding converted the old barn into a residence circa 1891. Recessed porches with wooden banisters are visible on both levels of the west elevation., Inscribed in negative: 2752., Title from negative sleeve., Later known as the Franklin Courtney Residence., Modern reference print available.
Bartram's back door. [graphic].
Depicts the vine-covered pillars supporting the porch roof that shelters the back door. Dwelling built 1730-1731 and altered in 1770 by botanist John Bartram. Three girls stand in the drive next to the house., Inscribed in negative: 2217., Title from negative sleeve.
Betsy Ross House before restoration. [graphic].
Exterior view of the Betsy Ross House, built ca. 1740 and renovated by Richardson Brognard Okie in 1936. A banner spelling out "Birthplace of Old Glory" hangs below a picture of George Washington and a replica of the first American flag designed by Betsy Ross in 1776. Also depicts adjacent businesses in much taller commercial buildings, including the United States Thread Company and Berger Bros. Co., tinplate and metals., Inscribed in negative: 2186., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the American Flag House.
Blue Bell Tavern, Woodland Ave. & Island Road (about 74th St.) built 1766. Patronized by Washington. [graphic].
View of three-and-a-half story stone tavern built in 1766. Served as the southern gateway to Philadelphia., Inscribed in negative: 3860., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
[Byberry Friends' Meeting House.] [graphic].
View of meeting house built in 1808. The original log meeting house was constructed circa 1684 on land donated by Henry English and later replaced by a stone building in 1714. The meeting house was rebuilt again in 1753, before the construction of the present building in the image., Inscribed in negative: 3554., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Carlton House, Germantown. [graphic].
Exterior view of the north front of the Carlton Mansion, taken from the east. Purportedly named after an English castle inhabited by Queen Elizabeth I. The original house was destroyed by the British in 1777 but rebuilt in 1780 by Isaac Tustin. Served as Washington's Headquarters for a few weeks before and after the Battle of Brandywine. Purchased by Cornelius S. Smith in May of 1840 and later bequeathed to his children., Inscribed in transparency: 4247., Title from transparency sleeve., Also known as the Carlton-Smith Mansion.
Carlton House, in lower part of Germantown, cor. Stokley & Midvale Ave. Built by Henry Hill at unknown date before Revolution. Rebuilt 1780. Now occupied by Mrs. Newhall. [graphic].
View of the rear porch and garden of the Carlton Mansion. Purportedly named after an English castle inhabited by Queen Elizabeth I. The original house was destroyed by the British in 1777 but rebuilt in 1780 by Isaac Tustin. Served as Washington's Headquarters for a few weeks before and after the Battle of Brandywine. Purchased by Cornelius S. Smith in May of 1840 and later bequeathed to his children., Inscribed in transparency: 4257., Title from transparency sleeve., Also known as the Carlton-Smith Mansion.
Carlton, in lower part of Germantown. Built by Henry Hill. Year not known. Burned in the Revolutionary War in 1777. Rebuilt by Hill, it is said, in 1780. Now occupied by Mrs. Newhall, cor. Stokley St. & Midvale Ave. [graphic].
View of the center portion of the north front of the Carlton Mansion. Purportedly named after an English castle inhabited by Queen Elizabeth I. The original house was destroyed by the British in 1777 but rebuilt in 1780 by Isaac Tustin. Served as Washington's Headquarters for a few weeks before and after the Battle of Brandywine. Purchased by Cornelius S. Smith in May of 1840 and later bequeathed to his children., Inscribed in negative: 3322., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the Carlton-Smith Mansion., Original negative housed in freezer.
Carpenters' Hall. [graphic].
Exterior view of Carpenters' Hall built between 1770 and 1774 by the Carpenter's Company of the City and County of Philadelphia after designs by member Robert Smith. Also served as the meeting place for the First Continental Congress in 1774., Inscribed in negative: 2187., Title from negative sleeve.
Castle of the State in Schuylkill. Built 1732. Present Governor Hon. Willis Martin. Famous for historical Fish House Punch. [graphic].
Exterior view of the clubhouse known as The Castle of the Fishing Company of the State in Schuylkill. Association formed in 1732 for hunting and fishing, originally on "Eaglesfield" the old estate of William Warner on the western bank of the Schuylkill River. Construction of the Fairmount Dam circa 1822 forced the clubhouse to rebuild their home near Gray's Ferry, across the river from Bartram's Garden on Rambo's Rock., Inscribed in negative: 3385., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Cedar Grove, Harrowgate Road, Kensington. Elizabeth Coates Paschall built the original portion in 1748. Newer part built in 1799. Its last occupant & owner was John T. Morris, who died about 1916. [graphic].
View of house built circa 1748 and moved to Fairmount Park in 1926-7. Country seat of the Paschall-Morris family for five generations., Inscribed in negative: 3361., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the Joseph Paschall House., Original negative housed in freezer.
[Christ Church.] [graphic].
Oblique view of Christ Church looking northwest. Steeple not included in the image. The signboard and storefront of Mahood & Co. (16 North 2nd Street), is visible in the foreground. Church built 1727-1744 after designs by John Kearsley. Steeple built 1751-1754 after designs by John Harrison II and Robert Smith., Inscribed in negative: 2502., Title from negative sleeve.
Christ Church, interior. [graphic].
Interior view from the aisle looking toward the stained glass windows over the simple altar. The individual pews flanking the main aisle have gates. Above the stained glass windows and the altar is a large organ. Four flags hang from the second floor balcony, in front of the organ. Church built 1727-1744 after designs by John Kearsley. Steeple built 1751-1754 after designs by John Harrison II and Robert Smith., Inscribed in transparency: 4373., Title from transparency sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Christ Church, window. [graphic].
View of stained glass window honoring George Elkins (1786-1839) in Christ Church. Depicts the Ecumenical Council of Nice called by Constantine in 325 A.D, which resulted in the Nicene Creed. A plaque honoring vestryman Edward Coles is visible next to the window., Inscribed in transparency: 4418., Title from transparency sleeve., Church built 1727-1744 after designs by John Kearsley. Steeple built 1751-1754 after designs by John Harrison II and Robert Smith.
Christ Church, window. [graphic].
View of stained glass window honoring George Elkins (1786-1839) in Christ Church. Depicts the Ecumenical Council of Nice called by Constantine in 325 A.D, which resulted in the Nicene Creed. A plaque honoring vestryman Edward Coles is visible next to the window., Inscribed in negative: 4423., Title from negative sleeve., Church built 1727-1744 after designs by John Kearsley. Steeple built 1751-1754 after designs by John Harrison II and Robert Smith.
Christ Church window. [graphic].
View of stained glass window in Christ Church depicting The Trial of Saint Agnes., Inscribed in negative: 4426., Title from negative sleeve., Church built 1727-1744 after designs by John Kearsley. Steeple built 1751-1754 after designs by John Harrison II and Robert Smith.
Christ Church window [graphic].
View of stained glass window in Christ Church depicting The Ordination of the Apostles, created in honor of Francis King (d. 1870), Hetty T. King (d. 1876) and Mary B. K. Wainwright (d. 1896)., Inscribed in transparency: 4437., Title from transparency sleeve., Church built 1727-1744 after designs by John Kearsley. Steeple built 1751-1754 after designs by John Harrison II and Robert Smith.
Church of the Advocate. Interior, N. transept, Phila. [graphic].
Interior view of the north transept, showing rows of empty chairs facing the stained glass windows that line the north wall of the transept. The Protestant Episcopal church was built in 1890 after designs by Charles Marquedent Burns., Inscribed in negative: 3341., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the George W. South Memorial Protestant Episcopal Church of the Advocate., Original negative housed in freezer.
Church of the Advocate. Interior, showing pulpit. [graphic].
Interior view of the pulpit and chairs of the Protestant Episcopal church built in 1890 after designs by Charles Marquedent Burns., Inscribed in negative: 3340., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the George W. South Memorial Protestant Episcopal Church of the Advocate., Original negative housed in freezer.
Church of the Advocate, (South Memorial), 18th & Diamond Sts. [graphic].
Interior view of the nave, chancel, sanctuary and altar of the Protestant Episcopal church built in 1890 after designs by Charles Marquedent Burns., Inscribed in negative: 3339., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the George W. South Memorial Protestant Episcopal Church of the Advocate., Original negative housed in freezer.
Cigar Indian at McKernan's Store. S. W. cor. 16th & Ritner Sts. [graphic].
Side view of a life-size carving of an Indian wearing a headdress and standing on a box advertising "Coca Cola in bottles". This, in turn, has a base under it advertising Lipschutz's 44 cigars. The figure stands in front of the door of the corner store which also advertises school supplies and Supplee Ice Cream. Thos. A. McKernan is the proprietor. At curbside is parked a massive truck delivering Supplee Ice Cream. Small row homes are visible across the street., Inscribed in negative: 3845., Title from negative sleeve.

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