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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Mt. Pleasant, river front. [graphic].
View of front facade of the mansion built 1761-1765 for Captain John Macpherson after the designs of Thomas Nevil in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pa. A person, attired in a hat, a long coat, and shoes, sits on a wooden chair at the top of the steps on the right side of the house. Macpherson, a privateer during the Seven Years’ War, purchased the estate with profits from these operations. Free white and Black laborers, indentured servants, and at least four enslaved people of African descent, whose names are unknown, worked on the plantation. In 1779, General Benedict Arnold purchased Mount Pleasant for his wife Peggy Shippen, but they never occupied the house. In 1792, General Jonathan Williams purchased the mansion. The City of Philadelphia purchased the property from the Williams family in 1869. On behalf of the city, the Philadelphia Museum of Art restored the house in 1926., Inscribed in negative: 2494., Title from negative sleeve., Also identified as the Arnold Mansion., Purchase 1988., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
N. W. cor. Germantown Ave. & Logan St. Probably the Wachsmuth-Henry House, built 1760. [graphic].
Exterior view of front facade, south side and rear ell of house set behind a short stone wall. Built in 1760., Inscribed in negative: 3337., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer., Also known as the Wachsmuth-Henry House.
Newtown Meeting, Newtown, Pennsylvania, built 1711. [graphic].
View of southeast elevation of Newtown Square Meeting House, established in 1696. Meeting house built in 1711., Inscribed in negative: 3620., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Old Blue Anchor Tavern, Front & Dock Sts. [graphic].
Depicts the Garman House at the northwest corner of Front and Dock Streets, originally the Blue Anchor Tavern. A large anchor projects from the building, near a painted anchor surrounded by the date 1682 on the brick building. Adjacent to a row of houses called Budd's Long Row, built after the tavern opened. A saloon occupies the lot north of the Garman House. Bushel baskets and barrels are piled outside of William Andrews fruit and produce business, located in the Garman House at the time of this photograph., Inscribed in negative: 2194., Title from negative sleeve., Modern reference print available.
Old farm building on the Pastorius Estate, back of the n.e. cor. of the Methodist Church at corner of Germantown Ave. & High Street. [graphic].
Depicts the porticoed entrance to a building on the Pastorius estate behind the Pastorius - Dunton House built by Daniel Francis Pastorius in 1796. The house was moved from its original location in 1851 to make way for the construction of High Street. Dr. William R. Dunton later occupied the house in the 1860s and the property was moved again, this time to 25 High Street for the construction of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Germantown. A stone corner of the church is visible in the image, showing the close proximity of the building to the Methodist church., Inscribed in negative: 3371., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Old Franklin Institute, S. 7th St., Phila. [graphic].
Exterior view of the Franklin Institute's first building constructed 1825-26 after designs by John Haviland. The signs of the Buffalo Wire Works Co. affixed to the building north of the museum are visible., Inscribed in negative: 2198., Title from negative sleeve., The Franklin Institute occupied the 7th Street building until 1933, when it relocated to the new building at 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The 7th Street building became home to the Atwater Kent Museum in 1941.
Old houses on Camac St., Phila. [graphic].
View of old dwellings, some occupied by the Poor Richard Club (239-241 South Camac Street) and William H. Rau's Studio, on Camac Street near Latimer. Depicts the narrow street lined with two story brick row houses looking north. Named after wealthy Irish landowner Turner Camac, who inherited properties on the street in 1804. Around 1880, the respectability of Camac Street declined when brothels and taverns moved in, bringing with them crime and debauchery. In the early 20th century, the Poor Richard Club moved to Camac Street, in an effort to revitalize the area. The old dwellings were transformed into clubhouses, studios and galleries., Inscribed in negative: 2490., Title from negative sleeve., The Poor Richard Club began in 1907 as an advertising and publishing club in honor of Benjamin Franklin., Modern reference prints available.
Old market. [graphic].
View looking southwest at the north front and east flank of the fire-engine house (i.e., headhouse) at Second and Pine Streets, designed in 1745, with a cupola and alarm bell added in 1819. Two blocks of market sheds extend along Second Street from the rear of the headhouse to South Street., Inscribed in negative: 3296., Title from negative sleeve.
Old Market, Second & Pine Sts. [graphic].
Distant view of the north front of the fire-engine house (i.e., headhouse) at 2nd and Pine Streets, designed in 1745, with a cupola and alarm bell added in 1819. Two blocks of market sheds extend along 2nd Street from the rear of the headhouse to South Street. Storefronts along South Second Street are visible in the foreground, including a business operated by B & M Cohen at number 342. Includes pedestrians walking along the sidewalks in the front of the shops., Title from negative sleeve.
Old water mill, near the Wissahickon. Taken Oct. 14, 1906. A day of happy memories. [graphic].
Depicts a large water wheel in front of crumbling stone walls. A woman in a long dress stands to the right., Inscribed in negative: 2523., Title from negative sleeve., Modern reference print available.
Parlor of Grumblethorp, showing chair given to Wister family by Count Zinzendorf, founder of Moravian church in Penna. [graphic].
View of parlor, looking toward a corner mantel, in front of which sits an ornately carved round table, a heavily carved side chair and a slatted arm chair with a beat-up fabric seat. Includes three large wooden chairs, showing the chair given to Wister family by Count Zinzendorf, the founder of the Moravian church in Pennsylvania. A large lamp, a wooden cannister and many books sit on the table. In the background is a large, five shelf curio stand full of items. The mantel supports urns, a figurine and a pair of crystal pieces. Paintings, a portrait and a photograph are visible on the walls. Charles Jones Wister performed various alterations to the interior of the house in 1806., Inscribed in negative: 3850 & 3851., Title from negative sleeve., Grumblethorpe built in 1744 by Philadelphia wine merchant John Wister. His house was the first in Germantown built solely for summer residency and greatly exceeded the dimensions of the homes around it, giving it the nickname "Wister's Big House."
View of parlor, looking toward a corner mantel, in front of which sits an ornately carved round table, a heavily carved side chair and a slatted arm chair with a beat-up fabric seat. Includes three large wooden chairs, showing the chair given to Wister family by Count Zinzendorf, the founder of the Moravian church in Pennsylvania. A large lamp, a wooden cannister and many books sit on the table. In the background is a large, five shelf curio stand full of items. The mantel supports urns, a figurine and a pair of crystal pieces. Paintings, a portrait and a photograph are visible on the walls. Charles Jones Wister performed various alterations to the interior of the house in 1806., Inscribed in negative: 3850 & 3851., Title from negative sleeve., Grumblethorpe built in 1744 by Philadelphia wine merchant John Wister. His house was the first in Germantown built solely for summer residency and greatly exceeded the dimensions of the homes around it, giving it the nickname "Wister's Big House."
Parlor of Grumblethorp, showing chair given to Wister family by Count Zinzendorf, founder of Moravian church in Penna. [graphic].
View of parlor, looking toward a corner mantel, in front of which sits an ornately carved round table, a heavily carved side chair and a slatted arm chair with a beat-up fabric seat. Includes three large wooden chairs, showing the chair given to Wister family by Count Zinzendorf, the founder of the Moravian church in Pennsylvania. A large lamp, a wooden cannister and many books sit on the table. In the background is a large, five shelf curio stand full of items. The mantel supports urns, a figurine and a pair of crystal pieces. Paintings, a portrait and a photograph are visible on the walls. Charles Jones Wister performed various alterations to the interior of the house in 1806., Inscribed in negative: 3850 & 3851., Title from negative sleeve., Grumblethorpe built in 1744 by Philadelphia wine merchant John Wister. His house was the first in Germantown built solely for summer residency and greatly exceeded the dimensions of the homes around it, giving it the nickname "Wister's Big House."
Pastorius Estate. Building on the estate. [graphic].
Depicts the porticoed entrance to a building on the Pastorius estate behind the Pastorius - Dunton House built by Daniel Francis Pastorius in 1796. The house was moved from its original location in 1851 to make way for the construction of High Street. Dr. William R. Dunton later occupied the house in the 1860s and the property was moved again, this time to 25 High Street for the construction of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Germantown. A gothic window near the stone corner of the church is visible in the image, along with the west wall of the Pastorius - Dunton House, showing the close proximity of these buildings to each other., Inscribed in negative: 3372., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Pastorius House, Germantown. [graphic].
Exterior view of west front of tavern looking south toward the First Methodist Episcopal Church. 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. Building moved north in 1930 for the expansion of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Germantown and used as church offices., Inscribed in negative: 2754., Title from negative sleeve.
Penn Rhyn. Built by Abraham Bickley in 1744 & enlarged in 1782. In the stable is still preserved the coach he imported from England. The house is now occupied by Thomas Mitten. It is now owned by Mrs. (Joseph R.?) Drexel, to whom it descended by the Bickl
Depicts a three-story mansion flanked by one-story wings. Built in 1744 by shipping merchant Abraham Bickley on land originally known as Belle Voir, but later changed to Penn Rhyn. He remodeled the house in 1793. Lucy Wharton Drexel purchased and expanded the property in 1893, adding an art gallery, library, servant quarters, and a carriage house., Inscribed in negative: 3381., Title from negative sleeve., Also identified as the Penn Ryn Mansion and the Old Bickley Place., Original negative housed in freezer.
Pennsylvania Hospital, E. wing built 1755. [graphic].
View looking north of the center section of Pennsylvania Hospital on Pine Street between 8th and 9th Streets. The statue of William Penn, sculpted in 1774 by John Bacon, is also visible through the iron fence. East wing was built from 1755-1757 by Samuel Rhoads, west wing built 1794-1796 by David Evans, Jr., and the center section also constructed by Evans in 1794-1805. All of these sections were altered in the mid 18th century by John McArthur and John McArthur. Jr. Dr. Thomas Bond founded Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751 with the help of Benjamin Franklin, making it the oldest hospital in the United States. The "Pine Building" as it was called, housed the country's first surgical amphitheatre., Inscribed in negative: 3176., Title from negative sleeve.
Pennypacker Mansion, on Perkioman Creek, near Schwenksville, Montg. Co., Pa. Built about 1747 (not later) by Hans Joest Heijt. Washington made his headquarters in the mansion after the Battle of the Brandywine. [graphic].
View of mansion with a wrap-around porch, situated on a hill. Built circa 1725 by Hans J. Heijt. Occupied by George Washington from September 27-9, 1777, about two weeks after the Battle of Brandywine., Inscribed in negative: 3386., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Pennypacker place, near Schwenksville. [graphic].
Distant view of mansion with a wrap-around porch. A willow tree is visible in the foreground. Built circa 1725 by Hans J. Heijt. Occupied by George Washington from September 27-9, 1777, about two weeks after the Battle of Brandywine., Inscribed in negative: 3387., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
[Radnor Meeting House.] [graphic].
Oblique view of the west and south elevations of the Radnor Friends' Meeting House, constructed in 1718. An eastern addition was later constructed and used as a school house., Inscribed in negative: 3169., Title from negative sleeve.
Radnor Meeting House. [graphic].
Oblique view of the east and north elevations of the Radnor Friends' Meeting House, constructed in 1718. Part of the eastern end of the building was later constructed and used as a school house., Inscribed in negative: 3171., Title from negative sleeve.
Rose Tree Inn, Media, built 1837. [graphic].
Exterior view of front facade and flank of the old Rose Tree Inn. The original log structure on this site was constructed in 1739, and later replaced in 1809 and 1836 by a stone building. The old tavern building was relocated 200 feet east of the original site in 2004., Inscribed in negative: 3824., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Rose Tree Inn, near Media, Pa. [graphic].
Exterior view of front facade and flank of the old Rose Tree Inn. The original log structure on this site was constructed in 1739, and later replaced in 1809 and 1836 by a stone building. The old tavern building was relocated 200 feet east of the original site in 2004., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Shoemaker or Rock Hill, 347 E. Penn St., possibly the oldest house in Germantown. [graphic].
Shows the first farm of Isaac Shoemaker, known as the Rock House, built in the late 17th century on East Penn Street, east of the Reading Railroad Bridge. Farm also served as a location from which William Penn preached and as a station on the underground railroad., Inscribed in negative: 3316., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
[St. David's Church & cemetery, Wayne, Delaware County, Pennsylvania.] [graphic].
View of the cemetery of St. David's Church in Radnor and border of Wayne, Pa., showing the side of the stone church. An episcopal Welsh speaking congregation built the church from 1715 to 1717., Inscribed in negative: 2462., Title from negative sleeve.
[St. David's Church, interior view of altar, Wayne, Delaware County, Pa.] [graphic].
Interior view of chancel, altar and pulpit of St. David's Church, taken from the center aisle. An episcopal Welsh speaking congregation built the church from 1715 to 1717., Inscribed in negative: 3703., Title from negative sleeve.
[St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, S.W. corner of 3rd & Pine Streets, Philadelphia.] [graphic].
View looking northwest at the large Palladian window on the east elevation of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church. Built 1758-1761 after the designs of Robert Smith at 300-340 Pine Street., Inscribed in negative: 3310., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
[Stamper - Bingham - Blackwell House, 224 Pine Street.] [graphic].
View of the Stamper - Bingham - Blackwell House, once the home of Reverend Dr. Robert Blackwell, minister of St. Peter's Church and Christ Church. Built in 1773 at 224 Pine Street. A signboard spelling "Reply Cigar Factory" is mounted on the front facade between the first and second floors. The former residence of Governor John Penn is visible next door (222 Pine Street), along with a sign projecting over the front doorway for the Carriage House on the property. Two women sit on the front steps of 226 Pine Street., Inscribed in negative: 3305., Title from negative sleeve., Incorrectly identified as the Revered Robert Blackwell House at 313 Pine Street., Original negative housed in freezer.
Star Gazer's Stone. [graphic].
Depicts the stone wall that encloses the Star Gazer's Stone in the middle of an open field. It was planted as a marker in 1764 by Mason and Dixon to determine the boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. The stone was placed on the property of George Harlan., Inscribed in negative: 3670., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Star Gazers' Stone about 9 miles west of West Chester, Pa. West of Country Home. [graphic].
Depicts the Star Gazer's Stone enclosed by a stone wall. The quartzose stone was planted as a marker in 1764 by Mason and Dixon to determine the boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. The stone was placed on the property of George Harlan., Inscribed in negative: 3667., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Stenton, house of James Logan. [graphic].
Exterior view of front facade of Stenton. Built 1728-1734 by James Logan. The house remained in the Logan family until the early 20th century when the city acquired the property in 1910., Inscribed in negative: 2227., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as the Logan House.
Stenton, side view and part of garden. [graphic].
Depicts an old gnarled tree in the garden of Stenton, including a partial view of the house and the adjacent property in the background., Inscribed in negative: 2263., Title from negative sleeve., Dwelling built 1728-1734 by James Logan. The house remained in the Logan family until the early 20th century when the city acquired the property in 1910.
Stone residence. [graphic].
Depicts the front elevation of an unidentified stone residence surrounded by a field. A woman is doing laundry in a tub on the porch and a little girl stands nearby, looking toward the camera., Inscribed in negative: 3140., Title from negative sleeve.
Stone residence. [graphic].
Depicts the front facade of an unidentified stone residence, showing a two story wing attached to the main portion of the house., Inscribed in negative: 2949., Title from negative sleeve.
Tablet concerning Star Gazer's Stone. [graphic].
Depicts the plaque attached to the stone wall enclosing the Star Gazer's Stone, describing the history of the quartzose stone. It was planted as a marker in 1764 by Mason and Dixon to determine the boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. The stone was placed on the property of George Harlan., Inscribed in negative: 3668., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Toland House, 4810 Germantown Ave., built in 1734. At time of Battle of Germantown was home of Geo. Miller, an officer in the American Army, whose wife was forced to bake bread for British. Hotchkin says interior very interesting. Open stairway. Franklin
View of front facade of home built circa 1740 and owned by officer George Miller during the Battle of Germantown. Named for resident George W. Toland, a member of Congress from 1837 to 1843. A sign for Jost Brothers Engineers is posted underneath two of the first floor windows., Inscribed in negative: 3336., Title from negative sleeve., Original negative housed in freezer.
Tom Moore's Cottage. [graphic].
View of dwelling at the top of a hill in Fairmount Park, Located on the west side of the Schuylkill River above the Reading Railway Bridge. A steep set of stairs extends from the entrance of the stone farm house to the bottom of the hill in the foreground. The farm house was on the estate of Jacob S. Waln when the Irish poet Tom Moore puportedly stayed here during his visit to Philadelphia in 1804., Inscribed in transparency: 4021., Title from transparency sleeve., Also known as Boelson Cottage, Belmont Cottage and Pig's Eye Cottage.
Tom Moore's Cottage, Fairmount Park, Phila. [graphic].
View of dwelling at the top of a hill in Fairmount Park, Located on the west side of the Schuylkill River above the Reading Railway Bridge. A steep set of stairs extends from the entrance of the stone farm house to the bottom of the hill in the foreground. The farm house was on the estate of Jacob S. Waln when the Irish poet Tom Moore puportedly stayed here during his visit to Philadelphia in 1804., Inscribed in negative: 4025., Title from negative sleeve., Also known as Boelson Cottage, Belmont Cottage and Pig's Eye Cottage., Duplicate of Hand P.9259.166.
[Unidentified buildings, Philadelphia.] [graphic].
View of several unoccupied warehouse buildings and an empty lot where a building once stood., Inscribed in negative: 3817., Title from negative sleeve.
Unidentified residence. [graphic].
Depicts a narrow three story house near a wooded area. A rail fence runs around the property and is replaced by a stone gate near the entrance drive., Inscribed in negative: 3146., Title from negative sleeve.

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