Collection of nearly 3,000 stereographs published and distributed in or of Philadelphia. The photographs mainly portray commercial and residential street scenes, particularly Market and Chestnut streets; religious, public, financial, and industrial buildings and institutions; and historic and prominent landmarks as well as a small selection of non-Philadelphia views.

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Arkansas State Building.
View showing the Arkansas State Building designed by Hermann J. Schwarzmann and Hugo Kafka on the Centennial grounds. The fair celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art., Title on negative., Photographer's imprint printed on mount and on verso. Imprint on verso contains initials "CPC" in decorative border surmounted by date range 1776-1876., White curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
[Armory of First City Troop, 21st and Ludlow streets, Philadelphia]
Exterior views of the first permanent First City Troop armory erected in 1863 at 21st and Ludlow streets below Market Street. Also shows four men, including a policeman, standing near the entranceway of the building. Armory was rebuilt in 1874. The First City Troop, a private military organization and one of the oldest continually mounted U.S. military units, was organized in 1774 to defend against British invasion., Title supplied by cataloguer., Stereograph on yellow mount with square corners., Created postfreeze., Two of the images originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of materials related to the Cooper and Union Shop Volunteer Saloons and Hospitals., Stereograph inscribed with misidentification: Cooper Shop?, One of the images [5778.F.27f] reproduced in The Print and Photograph Department of the Library Company of Philadelphia's Center City Philadelphia in the 19th century (Portsmouth, N.H.: Arcadia Publishing, 2006), p. 88., Arcadia caption text: Founded in 1774 to defend the American colonies and still in existence today as the oldest mounted military unit in continuous service in the United States Armed Forces, the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry has participated both in combat and at ceremonial occasions. In 1863 the First City Troop erected its first permanent armory, shown here on Twenty-First and Ludlow streets, for $19,000. The Troop quickly outgrew this modest two-story brick structure with its riding hall in the rear, and enlarged and altered the building as part of its centennial celebration in 1874. In 1901 the Troop moved to its present armory on South Twenty-Third Street., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Arms & relics dept.
Unmounted stereograph looking north toward the Art Gallery corridor (includes partial view of entrance and admissions sign) showing items mounted on the walls in the Relics and Curiosities Department. Depicts relics of George Washington, including a framed bust portrait of him; clocks and stuffed birds on the walls; and other unidentified relics associated with historical figures. The Great Central or Sanitary Fair held June 7-28, 1864 on Logan Circle was one of several national fairs that displayed art, craft, and historical exhibits to benefit the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a soldier relief organization., Title from manuscript note on paper label below image., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Arms & Trophies, Grand Central Fair.
Unmounted stereograph shows a man standing next to large cannon in the Arms and Trophies Department. Patriotic bunting hangs from the ceiling and on the walls. The Great Central or Sanitary Fair held June 7-28, 1864 on Logan Circle was one of several national fairs that displayed art, craft, and historical exhibits to benefit the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a soldier relief organization., Title from manuscript note on mount., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Arms and Trophies.
Unmounted stereograph shows cannons on display in the Arms and Trophies Department, which is covered in patriotic bunting. The Great Central or Sanitary Fair held June 7-28, 1864 on Logan Circle was one of several national fairs that displayed art, craft, and historical exhibits to benefit the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a soldier relief organization., Title on printed paper label below image., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
The army of Sir Knight Templars, Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A.
View showing the Knights Templar of Pennsylvania marching in uniform in front of a large crowd of spectators standing on the sidewalk and sitting in elevated viewing stands on North Broad Street on May 23, 1892 in connection with the fraternal organization's thirty-ninth annual conclave. Includes partial views of the Masonic Temple (built 1868-1873, James H. Windrim, architect) and Arch Street Methodist Episcopal Church (built 1869, Addison Hutton, architect). The procession began near Thompson Street, moved south on Broad Street, and disbanded at the Academy of Music., Title printed on mount., Photographer's imprint printed on verso., Buff curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Robert M. Vogel.
Art Gallery.
Unmounted stereographs show the walls of the Fine Art Gallery corridor covered in framed artwork. Benches line the corridor. The Great Central or Sanitary Fair held June 7-28, 1864 on Logan Circle was one of several national fairs that displayed art, craft, and historical exhibits to benefit the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a soldier relief organization., Title from manuscript note on mount of one item [5781.F.166b]., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Art Gallery.
Construction view looking northeast showing the front and west flank of the exhibition hall, also known as the Art Gallery, built 1874-1876 after designs by Hermann J. Schwarzmann. In the foreground, railroad tracks extend toward the building and a construction site with piles of lumber and frame structures is set up. Exhibition hall built for the International Exhibition, which celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art., Title on negative., Orange mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Robert M. Vogel.
Art Gallery and Memorial Hall - March 7.
Oblique view looking northeast showing the front and west flank of the exhibition hall, also known as the Art Gallery, built 1874-1876 after designs by Hermann J. Schwarzmann. In the foreground, a construction site with piles of lumber and frame structures is set up. This photograph was taken about two months before the official opening of the International Exhibition, which celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art., Title on negative., Photographer's imprint printed on mount and on verso. Imprint on verso contains initials "CPC" in decorative border surmounted by date range 1776-1876., White curved mount with rounded corners., Gift of Robert M. Vogel., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Asylum for the Blind, Philadelphia.
Exterior view of the school located at the northwest corner Twentieth and Race streets. Founded in 1833, the school first occupied this building in October 1836. View includes pedestrians standing on the sidewalk and a watchman's guardhouse., Title from manuscript note on verso., Yellow mount with square corners., Reproduced in The Print and Photograph Department of the Library Company of Philadelphia's Center City Philadelphia in the 19th century (Portsmouth, N.H.: Arcadia Publishing, 2006), p. 107., Arcadia caption text: Founded in 1833, the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind attempted to teach its pupils self-sufficiency through learning skilled trades. The school’s buildings at the northwest corner of Twentieth and Race streets provided classrooms, workshops, and living space for its blind and visually impaired students, The curriculum included elementary through high school courses of study, practical handiwork, and music. In 1869, around the time of this photograph, the school erected a store to sell the students’ wares, such as brushes, brooms, chairs, and needlework., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
At dinner, Girard College, Philadelphia.
Interior view of the dining hall, showing boys seated at rows of long rectangular tables ready to eat their dinner on the tables in front of them., Title on negative., Additional places of publication printed on mount, including St. Louis and Liverpool, Eng., Distributor's imprint on mount., Yellow curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Robert M. Vogel.
At Tamaqua, Pa.
View of a locomotive and passenger car at rest in the coal mining town. The town, laid out in 1829 by the Little Schuylkill, Navigation, and Railroad Company, served as the transition point between the Little Schuylkill and Catawissa railroads. The Catawissa Railroad, incorporated in 1831 and opened in 1854, traveled through the mountains near Blue Ridge connecting Port Clinton and Williamsport, Pennsylvania., Photographer's label pasted on verso., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
The aviary.
Exterior view of the bird house at the Philadelphia zoo., Title from printed label on verso., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Publisher's and photographer's imprints, series title and copyright statement printed in red on mount., A brief advertisement for the zoo printed on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
The babbling brook.
View showing two girls sitting on the trunk of a fallen tree in a small stream. One girl pokes at the pebbles on the edge of the stream with a stick. Both girls hold their hats in their hands., Title printed on mount., Distributor's printed label pasted on verso on top of photographer's imprint: J. Cremer, publisher of stereoscopic, 18 South Eighth St., Philadelphia. Stereoscopes and views, wholesale and retail., Manuscript note on verso: Muschamp 10, Yellow mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Bailey & Co.'s jewelry store, 918 [sic] Chestnut St., Philad'a. [graphic] / Langenheim.
Interior view of the silverware and jewelry manufacturer established in 1832 as Bailey, Kitchen & Co. Shows displays cases and stands adorned with silver and glass wares including tea and coffee sets, pitchers, vases, urns, and candelabras. Also includes empty display cases in the foreground, skylights, and ornate architectural elements of columns, crown molding, and frescoed ceilings. Firm operated from 819 Chestnut circa 1858 to circa 1869., Photographer's imprint blindstamped on mount., White paper mount with square corners., Accompanied by advertising label: Bailey & Co. (Late Bailey & Kitchen.) 819 Chestnut Street, nearly opposite Continental Hotel, Philadelphia, Manufacturers of British Sterling Silverware. Watches: Constantly on hand a splendid stock of Superior Watches, of all the celebrated makers. Diamonds, Necklaces, Bracelets, Brooches, Ear Rings, Finger Rings, etc., etc. Rich Gold Jewelry. Also contains a one-line promotion for the photographic firm Langenheim, Philadelphia., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Published in Kenneth Finkel’s Nineteenth century photography in Philadelphia (New York: Dover Publications, Inc. in cooperation with the Library Company of Philadelphia, 1980), entry #111., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Baird's monumental works - Spring Garden Hall in distance.
Exterior view of John Baird's marble yard and mable works on Spring Garden Street above Ridge Road [i.e. Avenue]. Yard contains a variety of ornate gravestones and monuments. The marble works, founded by John Baird in 1841 specialized in monumental art, principally of Italian marble. The firm was the first marble works of the city to use a steam powered mill., Title stamped on mount., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Originally part of a scrapbook of engravings relating to Philadelphia., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Ball from the sides of the ironclad Galena.
View of a damaged cannon ball pulled from the USS Galena, the ironclad steamer built 1862 by the Union Navy during the Civil War., Attributed to John Moran., Title from manuscript note on verso., Creme mount with square corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
[Balustrade, Fairmount Waterworks,] Fairmount Park, Philada.
View showing a decorative balustrade lining a stairway leading from Reservoir Hill down to the Fairmount Waterworks complex. Includes a small waterfall from the rocky hil adjacent to the stairs., Title printed on mount., Orange mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Baptist Church, 18th & Spring Garden, Phila.
View looking north at the ivy-covered church built circa 1861-1863 after designs by Alfred Biles at the northeast corner of Eighteenth and Spring Garden Streets. Also shows the front facade of the adjacent residence (1803 Spring Garden Street). Congregation organized as the Sansom Street Baptist Church by Rev. William Staughton in 1811., Title from manuscript note on photographer's label pasted on verso., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Robert M. Vogel.
The barn, at Mt. Vernon [graphic].
Shows the side of the barn on the estate of George Washington in Mount Vernon, Virginia., Attributed to William and Frederick Langenheim., Title printed on mount., Yellow mount with square corners., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of views of Virginia., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., The Langenheim brothers, William and Frederick, were pioneer photographers and stereograph publishers, who operated a photographic studio in Philadelphia from the 1840s to 1874 and the death of William.
Bathing houses - Atlantic City.
Shows bathhouses operated by Leedom & Finney National Bath House lining the beach. Also shows patrons at a nearby oyster stand and clothes hanging on lines beside the bathhouses., Title printed on mount., White mount with square corners., Distributor's stamp pasted on verso: McAllister & Brother, 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of views of New Jersey., McAllister & Brother, opticians, a partnership between brothers William Y., John A., and Thomas H. McAllister, was active 1853-1865., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
"Be patient, dear; don't swear."
Comic genre photograph set in a kitchen, showing a man who has just fallen off of the stool he was standing on as he tried to fix the stove. His wife and daughter reach to help him up., Additional places of publication printed on mount, including Chicago; London; Hamberg, Ger.; and Milan, Italy., Title printed on mount., Publisher's imprint printed on mount., Distributor's imprint printed on mount., Gray curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Col. Gatter.
Bear pits.
View showing the bear pits constructed in 1874 after designs by Theophilus Parsons Chandler, Jr., Title from manuscript note on verso., Photographer's imprint in red text on mount., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
The bear pits, looking south.
View showing the grounds of the Philadelphia zoo including the bear pits., Title from printed label on verso., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Publisher's and photographer's imprints, series title and copyright statement printed in red on mount., A brief advertisement for the zoo printed on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Beauties of the Wissahickon.
Landscape view of a small dam or waterfall on the tree-lined, shallow Wissahickon Creek. Includes large rocks in the foreground., Title printed on mount., Photographer's imprint printed on mount., Manuscript note on verso: Falls., Mint green mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Beautiful basin and gardens before Horticultural Hall, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pa.
View showing a marble fountain in front of a long lily pond or reflecting pool flanked by shrubs and trees extending in a line toward Horticultural Hall, the exhibition hall built in 1875 after designs by Hermann J. Schwarzmann in West Fairmount Park. Building demolished in 1955 even though the 383' long, 193' wide building was supposed to remain a permanent botanical conservatory, showcasing exotic plant species and Victorian gardens., Title printed on mount., Additional places of publication printed on mount, including New York, N,Y.; Chicago, Ill.; and London, Eng., Publisher's imprint printed on mount., Printed above image on mount: 9., Explicative paragraph of text providing brief history of the basin and gardens in Fairmount Park printed on verso., Gray curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Robert M. Vogel.
A beautiful garden avenue in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pa.
View showing a long flower bed flanked by trees, also known as the "Sunken Gardens," extending in a line to Horticultural Hall, the exhibition hall built in 1875 after designs by Hermann J. Schwarzmann in West Fairmount Park. Building demolished in 1955 even though the 383' long, 193' wide building was supposed to remain a permanent botanical conservatory, showcasing exotic plant species and Victorian gardens., Additional places of publication printed on mount include: London; Toronto-Canada; Ottawa-Kansas., Printed on mount: Works and studios. Arlington, N.J.; Littleton, N.H.; and Washington, D.C., Sun sculpture trademark printed on mount., Title printed on mount., Publisher's imprint printed on mount., Copyrighted 1902 by Underwood & Underwood on recto under title and copyrighted 1904 by Underwood & Underwood on verso., Explicative paragraph of text describing the Sunken Gardens printed on verso. Title printed in five languages below paragraph., Gray curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Robert M. Vogel.
Beautiful sunken gardens. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
View of formal garden leading to Horticultural Hall in the background. People stroll on pathways in garden., View is numbered "76" in a series., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Beaver Hollow.
Bird's eye view of the tree-lined creek near Beaver Hollow. Includes farmland and buildings in the background., Publisher's name supplied by cataloger., Publisher's address and series title printed in red on mount., Title from photographer's printed label pasted on verso., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Bartlett & French was a partnership between Philadelphia photographers George O. Bartlett and William French circa 1867-1869.
[Bells Mill Road Bridge spanning the Wissahickon Creek, Philadelphia]
View of the stone arch Bells Mill Road Bridge spanning the Wissahickon Creek with adjacent mill building in the right foreground, part of Bishop's Mills at time of photograph. Named after former mill owners James and John Bell, the bridge was constructed in 1820., Title providing incorrect location printed in gold on mount: View on the Wissahickon at Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, Penn., Publisher's imprint printed in gold on mount., Orange mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Belmont dining room.
Shows the dining room of the hotel built for the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 in West Philadelphia at Forty-first and Oregon streets. The hotel, advertised as within the shade of "Silver Maple Grove," accommodated 1000 guests. The tables are covered with lace tablecloths and a large ornate chandelier hangs from the ceiling., Orange mount with rounded corners., Negative annotated with title., Gift of Robert M. Vogel., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Belmont engine house
Copy stereograph showing the engine house at the Belmont Water Works at West River and Montgomery drives. The pumping station, designed by Frederick Graff in the late 1860s, supplied water to the 24th Ward Reservoir at George's Hill in Fairmount Park. The station was abandoned in 1895., Orange mount with rounded corners., Title from label on negative., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Gift of Jane Carson James., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Belmont - Fairmount Park.
View showing the exterior of the house built for William Peters from a rustic foot bridge. Also shows benches surrounding the property. Construction of the main block of the house began in 1743 but was not completed until circa 1751. The property became part of Fairmount Park in 1869., Title from manuscript note on verso., Photographer's imprint on mount., Green mount with rounded corners., William Peters was a landowner and attorney from Liverpool, England. He held several offices in Philadelphia including Clerk of the Admiralty Court, Notary Public, and Prothonotary of the Superior Court. Belmont Mansion was one of several properties owned by Peters in Philadelphia. He gave the property to his son, Judge Richard Peters, when he returned to England in 1768., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Belmont Mansion.
View showing the exterior of the house built for William Peters, including men sitting and standing on the lawn in the foreground. Construction of the main block of the house began in 1743 but was not completed until circa 1751. The property became part of Fairmount Park in 1869., Title from manuscript note on verso., Photographer's imprint in red text on mount., Yellow mount with rounded corners., William Peters was a landowner and attorney from Liverpool, England. He held several offices in Philadelphia including Clerk of the Admiralty Court, Notary Public, and Prothonotary of the Superior Court. Belmont Mansion was one of several properties owned by Peters in Philadelphia. He gave the property to his son, Judge Richard Peters, when he returned to England in 1768., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Belmont Road.
View looking downhill at a peddler and his customer on a dirt road. A stone wall and trees flank the road. The peddler holds a basket of goods and the customer his wallet., Title from photographer's label on verso. Also lists thirty-four other views in the series (No. 181-294)., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Benjamin Franklin's grave, 5th and Arch St.
View showing the flat headstone over the grave of Benjamin Franklin in Christ Church cemetery at 420-424 Arch Street. Includes adjacent headstones, a large crowd of spectators looking at the grave from behind an iron fence, and the front facades of buildings on Arch Street behind the cemetery., Copyrighted by Kiralfy Bros., Philadelphia., Title from manuscript note on mount., Photographer's imprint printed on mount., Pink mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Ms. Jane Carson James.
Beth Eden Baptist Church, Broad & Spruce streets, Philadelphia.
Exterior view of the Baptist church organized by dissident members from the Spruce Street Baptist Church in 1870 at 258-260 South Broad Street. Building razed by fire 1881., Title and photographer's imprint from accompanying label., Green paper mount with rounded corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of views of Philadelphia., Duplicate of P.9047.12., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Beth-Eden Church, Broad and Spruce, Philad'a.
View looking southwest from Lardner Street (i.e., Manning Street) at the east front and north flank of the Baptist church built circa 1869 after designs by Edward Tuckerman Potter at the northwest corner of Broad and Spruce Streets. Church organized by dissident members from the Spruce Street Baptist Church. Building razed by fire 1881., Title on mount., Photographer's imprint on mount., Faint manuscipt note in pencil on verso: Maggie from Harry 8/17/75., Yellow mount with square corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Robert M. Vogel.
Beth Eden Church, Philadelphia.
Exterior view of the Baptist church organized by dissident members from the Spruce Street Baptist Church in 1870 at 258-260 South Broad Street. Building razed by fire 1881., Title from photographer's label pasted on verso., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Gift of Robert M. Vogel., Duplicate of 1322.F.4c., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Bethlehem, Pa.
View of cityscape of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from a hill., Title printed on mount., Photographer's blind stamp on mount., Publisher's label pasted on verso., Stamped on verso: G. Pfund, 4731 N. Front St., Phila., Pa., White mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., The Langenheim Brothers copyrighted a series of stereographs with labels inscribed: "American Stereoscopic Co., Langenheim, Loyd & Co., Philadelphia" in 1858. They continued to produce stereographs until 1865, when they withdrew from the American Stereoscopic Co.

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