Engraved “Christopher Souers” on the 10 5/8 inch diameter chapter ring., An aperture in the dial just below figure XII shows the stages of the moon. Above figure VI is an aperture through which may be seen the date of the month., Bequest of Charles G. Sower, 1904., Exhibited at the Philadelphia Antiques Show, It’s About Time (2000).
Oak case with walnut veneer., Inscribed on face, "Johannes Fromanteel Londini fecit.", Days of the month are shown in the square opening below the hands., Gift of William Hudson, Sept. 5, 1796.
Oak case with walnut veneer., Inscription on face reads, "Will Martin Bristol facet.", This clock was made for William Penn., Gift of Sally Price Warder., Exhibited at the Great Central Fair in Philadelphia, in the "Wm. Penn Parlor" (1864).
Oak with black walnut veneer., This desk was owned by William Penn., John Fanning Watson saw the desk in 1827 when it was owned by Nathaniel Coleman, a silversmith of Burlington, N.J. Watson described the piece as in "in very old & unsightly condition," but it still had its mirrors. The desk no longer has mirrors., Gift of John Jay Smith, 1873., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981). Exhibited at the State Museum in Harrisburg, PA, 1964-1966 and 1993-1994.
Four-sided top capable of being raised or lowered on its helical center pole ; cabriole with acanthus; ball and claw feet., Inscription on metal plaque reads, "This desk once the property of the Honorable John Dickinson Author of the "Farmer's Letters" &c. was presented to the Loganian Library by Albanus C. Logan II." Albanus C. Logan was John Dickinson's great grandson, so it is probable that the desk remained in the family before being given to the Library Company., Gift of Albanus C. Logan II, 1870., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
A funeral hatchment depicts the coat of arms of the deceased person., Used at the funeral of Gov. John Dickinson, Feb. 14, 1808., Letter inserted in the LCP Minutes, vol. 9, p. 117 from Miss Maria Logan to G.M. Abbot discussing the gift of the Hatchment to the Library Company., Gift of the Heirs of John Dickinson, 1887.
Inscription reads, “In Commemoration of the Hundredth Anniversary of American Independence Act of Congress 1874.”, The obverse depicts the "Genius of American Independence" with a sword in her right hand while her left hand is raised to thirteen stars representing the orginal thirteen colonies. On the reverse is the "Genius of Liberty" bestowing laurel wreaths to the “arts” and “sciences.”, Gift of F. Lynwood Garrison, Esq.
Signed on the bottom left corner, “GB Wood, 1880.”, The painting depicts the interior of the Library Company's building on 5th Street. Lloyd P. Smith, the Librarian, is standing behind the charge desk. There is a woman and her dog standing in front of the desk with her back to the viewer. It is possible the woman is supposed to be Anne Hampton Brewster who owned a dog and was a close friend of Lloyd P. Smith., Represented in the painting (behind the Librarian's Desk) are the following objects: Bust of Clytie (OBJ #536), Bust of Apollo (OBJ #538), Painting of Stenton by Lewis (OBJ #142), and Portrait of James Logan by Sully (OBJ#255), Gift of Dr. William Pepper, 1893.
The tablet is from the archives at Lagash, excavated in the 1880s. It is made of unbaked clay and is a sealed envelope surrounding a similar or identical inner tablet dating from about 2044 B.C. It records the loan of 22 ‘gur’ (small boatloads) of barley from the royal granary at Lagash to two unnamed men, who were probably going to use it for spring planting, hunger having exhausted their supply of seed grain., Gift of Miss Mary McClellan, 1929.
Die of a Benjamin Rush commemorative medal. This die is the Reverse side of the medal. (Obverse is OBJ 249.), Inscribed: “Sydenham, Read Think Observe MDCCCVIII.” Sydenham was Rush's country home. Depicts a flowing river. In the background is a setting sun with clouds and mountains; there are large trees in the foreground. In front a block of stone with " Read, Think, Observe" and upon this an open book. Beneath, to the right, M. Furst Fec., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
The Lambdin portrait is a copy of an original painted by David Martin in 1766., Purchased by the Library Company, 1880., LCP Minutes vol. 8, April 1, 1880, p. 311: "A letter was recd from JR Lambdin offering for sale a portrait of Dr. Franklin, which was declined, the price being $200." Vol. 8, November 11, 1880, p. 343: "On motion it was decided to purchase from Mr. J.R. Lambdin a portrait of Dr. Franklin, provided it could be obtained for $150.00." Vol. 8, December 3, 1880, p. 352: "The following orders were drawn upon the Treasurer... No. 527, JR. Lambdin. Portrait of Dr. Franklin 150.00."
Die of a Benjamin Rush commemorative medal. This die is the Obverse of the medal. (Reverse is OBJ 248)., Inscribed: "Benjamin Rush M.D. of Philadelphia.", Bequest of Dr. James Rush.
The painting is signed "S. Jennings Pinxt.1792" on a scroll in the lower right corner. The frame is original, made by the Philadelphia carver and gilder James Reynolds (c. 1736-1794)., LCP Minutes vol. 3, April 1, 1790, p. 195-197: "Extract of a Letter from Samuel Jennings, dated London January 12th, 1790. `My Dear Father. Having lately received Information that an Elegant Building is now erecting for the Philadelphia Library, an Idea immediately struck me, that if it would not be thought presumptuous, I should esteem myself very happy to have the honor of presenting a Painting to the Company that would be applicable to so noble, and useful an Institution, and which if agreeable to the Gentlemen who have the Directions of it, shall use my utmost exertion & abilities to make it acceptable; the great affection I retain for my native Country, will always be an inducement to me to contribute my mite towards the Encouragement of Arts and Sciences, hoping in due time, they will arrive to as great perfection as they are at present, in the place I now reside--- As I do not know who the Gentlemen are that have the direction of the Library, I request you will be so obliging as to communicate to them the Information I have given you, and if they should be pleased to approve of it, as I hope they will, it will be necessary for me to be acquainted with the length, breadth and height of the Room, together with the Situation they would wish to place in it, and if over the Fire-place, the distance from the Mantle-piece to the Ceiling-- You will perhaps think me too particular, but these are things essentially necessary--/As soon as I receive an answer from you with their approbation, which I hope will be by the first Packet from New York, or any other immediate opportunity, I shall put the piece into Execution., In regard to the subject, there are three, which I think would be applicable to the Institution vizt. Cleo - Goddess of History, and Heroic Poetry. Calliope - Goddess of Harmony, Rhetoric, & Heroic Poetry - Minerva- Goddess of Wisdom & all the Arts, The Presidentess of Learning, which seems to comprehend everything that can be desired.The dress of Minerva is grand, and would make a better picture than either of the others. But if my other Subject should be their choice, I shall with plesure, comply with it-' This handsome Compliment from one of our Fellow Citizens now in London, is gratefully received, and Mordecai Lewis, John Kaighn, Doctor Parke, Thomas Morris and Richard Wells, are appointed a Committee to prepare a Letter to go by the next Packet expressive of the high Sense which the Board entertain of the genteel proposal, and that the Committee take the subject of the picture into consideration, and transmit their opinion thereon-.", Vol. 3, May 6, 1790, p. 206-207: "The Committee appointed by the last board reported that they had transmitted a letter to Samuel Jennings in answer to his polite and liberal offer of a painting for this Institution which was read and ordered to be entered on the minutes--- `Phila. April 3, 1790, Esteemed Friend- The Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia having been furnished with an extract of thy letter respecting a Piece of Painting intended for the Library they have instructed us to transmit their grateful acknowledgments for so genteel a notice of their Institution--To recieve such a proof of Attachment from one of their Fellow-Citizens, at so great a distance, must be truly pleasing to every Member of the Company, to whom the Directors will have an opportunity of communicating it, at their annual Election next month-/ The Board have considered the three Subjects submitted to their Choice, and readily agree in giving a preference to that of Minerva; but as a more general latitude has been so politely granted, they take the liberty of suggesting an Idea of Substituting the figure of Liberty/with her Cap and proper Insignia/displaying the arts by some of the most striking Symbols of Painting, Architecture, Mechanics, Astronomy etc, whilst She appears in the attitude of placing on the top of a Pedestal, a pile of books, lettered with, Agriculture, Commerce, Philosophy, & Catalogue of Philadelphia Library., A broken chain under her feet, and in the distant background a Groupe of Negroes sitting on the Earth, or in some attitude expressive of Ease & Joy -/ This is handed merely as a Sketch of what struck the Directors, but they have so much diffidence on Subjects of this nature, that they wish to submit the whole to thy own Judgment-/ We are on behalf of the Directors very respectfully Thy Friends. Signed by Richard Wells, Thomas Morris, Thomas Parke, John Kaighn'., Gift of Samuel Jennings, 1792., Exhibited in: Art Institute of Chicago's exhibition, From Colony to Nation (1949); Corcoran Gallery of Art's exhibition, American Processional (1950); Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibtion, Negro History, 1553-1903 (1969); The National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, The Black Presence in the Era of the American Revolution, 1770-1800 (1973); Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibtion, Women 1500-1900 (1974); Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981); Corcoran Gallery of Art's exhibition, Facing History, The Black Image in American Art, 1710-1940 (1990).
Profile of Franklin holding bifocals in his hand. Back states, “Commemorating the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s Invention of the Bifocal Lens in 1784.”, Gift of Donald Oresman, 2000.
Margaret Burke was the sister of Mathew Carey. Not long after her portrait was taken, she followed her brother to the United States. She married a Baltimore sea captain named James Burke, who presently abandoned her and their children. She moved to Philadelphia and for a while worked as a school mistress and a milliner., Gift of Mrs. H. Lea (Mary) Hudson, 1994.
Merchant's Exchange, designed by William Strickland and constructed 1832-33, was one of the earliest stock exchanges in the United States., Gift of David Doret, 2002.
Merchant's Exchange, designed by William Strickland and constructed 1832-33, was one of the earliest stock exchanges in the United States., Gift of David Doret, 2002.
Merchant's Exchange, designed by William Strickland and constructed 1832-33, was one of the earliest stock exchanges in the United States., Gift of Michael Zinman, 1996.
Reads: “Presented by the American Association of Book Sellers to Hopkins and Seymour for the Second best Specimen of Printing 1804.” Verso reads, “Charles 5th, 3. vol.”, From 1802-1804 the first American book fairs were held semi-annually in New York and Philadelphia to encourage cooperation among publishers. The fairs marked the birth of the American publishing industry. In 1804, the gold medal went to Rober Carr of Philadelphia for a bible. This silver medal was awarded to a new edition of William Robertson's classic History of the Reign of the Emperor Charles V (New York: Hopkins and Seymour, 1804)., Purchase of the Library Company with the help of Joesph Felcone, 1997.
Made to promote the National Export Exposition, which took place in Philadelphia from Sept. 14- Dec. 2, 1899 and attracted over a million visitors., Reads, "National Export Exposition, 1899, Philadelphia." At the bottom, "Made by Sauquoit Silk Mfg. Co.," "Bethlehem, Philadelphia, Scranton," and "J.J. Jordan, designer.", Depicts William Penn, Benjamin Franklin, and William McKinley framing a bird's eye view of the Commerical Museum., Gift of Helen Beitler, 2002.
Four books assembled by Daisy Lowengrund: 1. "Sewing Book" in brown paper with front and back pockets. Pockets contain drawings on trace paper and small sewn blocks, some dated 1902-1905. Book contains embroidered pictures in various colors. 2. Half-bound volume of "Mat Weaving" containing weaved paper designs in various colors. 3-4. Two accordion-folded portfolios of colored paper cut-outs. Exhibited in Library Company of Philadelphia's exhibition, The Living Book: New Perspectives on Form and Function (2017-2018)., Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bendiner, 1998.
Eleven samplers, mounted on board in the form of a book, made by Emily Bell while attending the Bethlehem Female Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The sampler includes examples of buttonhole, hemming, and pin-tuck stitches., Exhibited in: The Library Company's exhibitions, The Hook and the Book: The Emergence of Crochet and Knitting in American Popular Culture, 1840-1876, (2001) and The Home Sewing Machine: America's "Queen of Inventions" (2009).
Three badges for the Bi-Centennial Parade, 1683-1883. 1. Deutsch Amerikanischer Verein (blue and gold). 2. German American Bi-Centennial Executive Committee (red and gold). 3. German American Bi-Centennial Parade (blue and gold)., Gift of Don Yoder and William Woys Weaver, (Roughwood Collection), 2000., Exhibited in Good Bye Bayern- Grüb Gott America at the Center for Bavarian History, Augsburg Museum “Alte Schranne” in Nördlingen (Bavaria) (2004).
D.C. Heath and Company was a publishing house founded in Boston by Daniel Collamore Heath (1843-1908) in 1885. D.C. Heath and Co. ranked among the leading school-book publishing houses in America, with offices at Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, Texas, Atlanta, and London. The Company was later owned by Raytheon and then acquired by Houghton Mifflin in 1995., Inscribed in gold letters: D.C. Heath and Co. New York., Gift of David Doret, 2007.
George Lippard (1822-1854) founded a fraternal organization, the Brotherhood of the Union c. 1847. It was a secret labor and socialist organization that hoped to overthrow the capitalist system in America. Later (c. 1890) the organization was called the Brotherhood of America and turned into a social and mutual aid society. The Brotherhood of America dissolved in 1995., All ten medals read “Truth, Hope, Love” and have a scene depicting men on a ship across the top. Each medal has a different metal ornament hanging from the top piece (see descriptions below). All have a blue ribbon with “Brotherhood of America” in metal at the bottom of the ribbon. The medallion depicts an “H.F.” on an altar with a torch surrounded by stars. “H.F.” stands for “The Hope of the Future.” It can also stand for: Holy Flame, Holy Fruit, Holy Faith, Holy Freedom, Hope Fulfilled, Holy Fraternity, Human Family. See the B.C.G.[79190.O] for more information., 876 a.: Chief Washington: A cross in a circle hangs from the top piece. 876 b: PCW: Liberty Bell hangs from the top piece. 876 c: Watcher of the Night: A sword hangs from the top piece. 876 d: Treasurer: A key hangs from the top piece. 876 e: Jefferson: 2 crisscrossing torches hang from the top piece. 876 f: Watcher of the Day: 2 crisscrossing swords hang from the top piece. 876 g: Honorable Scroll Keeper: A scroll with “H.F.” hangs from the top piece. 876 h: Herald: 2 crisscrossing horns or trumpets hang from the top piece. 876 i: Franklin: 2 crisscrossing fasces hang from the top piece. 876 j: Register: An open book with “H.F.” hangs from the top piece., All medals except 876j are pinned to a Whitehead and Hoag Co. cardboard advertisement., Gift of the Brotherhood of America, 1994.
Tortoiseshell snuffbox with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the lid. Miniature portrait is framed with a simple ovolo moulding of gold. It was commissioned by Franklin as a gift to Georgiana Shipley (1756-1806), the daughter of Jonathan Shipley, bishop of St. Asaph. Georgiana Shipley wrote to Franklin on May 1st requesting a portrait miniature, “Numberless are the prints & medals we have seen of you, but none that I quite approve, should you have a good picture painted at Paris, a miniature copied from it, would make me the happiest of beings, & next to that, a lock of your own dear grey hair would give me the greatest pleasure…” Franklin sent the snuffbox and lock of hair to which Shipley replied on Feb. 3, 1780, “How shall I sufficiently express my raptures on recieving (sic) your dear delightfull & most valuable present. The pleasure I felt was encreased if possible at the sight of the beloved little lock of Hair, I kissed both that & the picture 1000 times: the miniature is admirably painted, the Artist (whose name I wish to learn) appears inferior to none we have in England: as for the resemblance, it is my very own dear Doctor Franklin himself…”, Gift of Stuart Karu, 2009., Exhibited in: University of Pennsylvania's exhibition, The Intellectual World of Benjamin Franklin (1990); Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007); Patriots and Presidents: Philadelphia Portrait Miniatures, 1760-1860 (April 2009).
The seal is a thick disc of brass. The surface is deeply engraved with the Library Company’s emblem, which Franklin designed. Its motto, composed by Franklin, reads “Communiter Bona profundere Dêum est,” which translates as “To pour forth benefits for the common good is divine.” On the reverse of the disc is cast a cylindrical stub, perforated with a hole to permit the metal to be fastened to a handle., Made for the Library Company, ca. 1731-1733., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
A framed cotton Centennial handkerchief or bandanna printed with views of buildings from Philadelphia’s International Exhibition, including the Main Building, the Art Gallery, and the Horticultural Building, portraits of George Washington and Ulysses Grant, and patriotic seals. Printed with black on a white ground with a geometric border. Label of the framer, Ursula Hobson, on the back., Gift of James T. Carson, 2008.
Used in electrical experiments., See Library Company Minutes vol. 1, May 1, 1738-Oct. 11, 1742, p. 74, 76, 83, 86, 94, 125-126, for discussion about the air-pump and glass implements., Exhibited in the University of Pennsylvania Library’s exhibition, Benjamin Franklin Winston Churchill (1951).
The scene of two lovers in a landscape is tinted green; the floral border is tinted maroon., Possibly used as a purely decorative hanging plaque or for the purposes of acting as an example in a bookbinder's shop., Gift of Wendy Woloson, 2005., Inscription on the back, "Design by Gobrecht x Tinted and cast by Clas. Hazeltine."
A scene of two lovers in a landscape with a raised border. Tinted black. Inscription on the back, "H.", Possibly used as a purely decorative hanging plaque or for the purposes of acting as an example in a bookbinder's shop., Gift of Wendy Woloson, 2005.
Label on the back reads: "This supposed portrait of Christopher Sower first was modeled by Rupert Schmid a celebrated German Artist and sculptor from likeness and description of Christopher Sower's descendants, in Nov. 1886. Ch. G. Sower.", Bequest of Charles G. Sower, 1904.
Larger-than-life statue of Franklin originally placed in a niche over the entrance to Library Hall at Fifth Street in 1792., Universal Asylum and Columbian Magazine, April 11, 1792, p. 284: "The statue of Dr. Franklin was last Saturday fixed in its niche over the front door of the new library in fifth-street----Francois Lazzarini is the sculptor, and Carrara the name of the place where it was executed. If the intrinsic merit of this master-piece of art did not speak its value, the name of the artist, where he is known, would evince it. Here perhaps price may give the best idea of its worth. We have heard that it cost above 500 guineas.----The statue of Dr. Franklin is a full length figure, erect, clad with a Roman toga--the position easy and graceful--in the right hand is a scepter reversed, the elbow resting on books placed on a pedestal--the left hand, a little extended, holds a scroll. This elegant piece of sculpture is executed in the finest white marble, and is the donation of William Bingham esq. of this city, to the library-company.", Several newspapers reported the arrival of the statue. See Object file for the list., Gift of William Bingham, 1792., LCP Minutes vol. 3, various entries from Aug. 6, 1789-May 3, 1792. See Object file for transcriptions.
Marker for the staute of Franklin (OBJ 596). Inscription: "This statue of Dr. Benjamin Franklin was presented by William Bingham, Esqr. MDCCXCII.", LCP Minutes vol. 3, April 11, 1792, p. 303: "...The following Inscription was agreed to, and the building Committee appointed to have it engraved on the Stone Tablet on which the Statue is placed:- `This Statue of/ Dr. Benjamin Franklin/ Was presented by/ William Bingham, Esqr./ MDCCXCII.'" Vol. 3, May 3, 1792, p. 306: "Orders were drawn on the Treasurer, as follows:-....In favor of Richard North for cutting and painting the letters under the Statue of Dr. Franklin, two Pounds, six shillings and eight pence.", Purchased by the Library Company, 1792.
This richly decorated frame has carved and gilded moldings with pendants of leaves, blossoms, and fruit. Lettered around the frame in gilt reads, “Mischianza-1778. / This mirror was in the ballroom of the Wharton House, Philadelphia at the above date & on the occasion of above fête./ General Meredith Read’s André relics.” The Meschianza ended with a ball, which took place in an elaborate canvas tent. The interior of the tent was painted and decorated with mirrors (including this one) and chandeliers, many of them borrowed from neighboring mansions., Gift of Mrs. John Meredith Read, 1900., Exhibited in the Philadelphia Museum of Art's exhibition, Art in Revolutionary Philadelphia (2010-2011).
The South East Prospect of the City of Philadelphia is the oldest surviving oil painting that depicts a North American city. A key at the bottom numbers and identifies landmarks. The arms of William Penn and the City of Philadelphia appear in the top corners. In the lower left corner the artist has depicted himself sketching the scene., LCP Minutes vol. 7, February 5, 1857, p. 92-93: "Mr. Hutchinson read the following letter from Hon. George M. Dallas (Minister to Great Britain), dated London, January 12, 1857 and laid on the table the painting therein mentioned. `I will send for the Phila Liby an antique daub painted as is believed here in 1720 purporting to be "The South East prospect of the city of Philadelphia by Peter Cooper, painter." It is on torn canvas some 8 feet long by 1 1/2 wide. One of the members of Parliament in looking over the rubbish of a City curiosity shop picked it up and brought it to me. The principal buildings of the City at that day are pointed out & 24 good old Philadelphia Householders are named in the margin. Although worthless on any score but that connection with Auld Lang Syne it presents at half a glance so strong a contrast to the Consolidated City of 1857 that it has its interest for a corner of the Phila Library'. Whereupon the following Resolution was unanimously adopted:`Resolved that the Directors of the Library Company of Phila having received from the Hon. George M. Dallas a picture of Phila. by Peter Cooper do return him their grateful thanks for his attention and kindness in procuring & transmitting to them a most interesting & valuable Record of the appearance of our City as it was upward of a century & quarter ago, with a reference to the public buildings & private residences of many of our earliest and most remarkable citizens.'", Gift of George Mifflin Dallas, 1857., Exhibited in: Great Central Fair in Philadelphia, in the "Wm. Penn Parlor" (1864); Pennsylvania Museum of Art's exhibition, The Sea (1935); Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibition, Franklin and His Circle (1936); Corcoran Gallery's exhibition, American Processional, 1492-1900, (1950); University of Pennsylvania's exhibition, Benjamin Franklin Winston Churchill (1951); Library Company's exhibition, Quater of a Millennium (1981).
LCP Minutes vol. 1, May 9, 1743, p. 133: "B. Franklin acquainted the Member Met, that he had lately received from London a Glass Concave of 12 Inches Diameter for Magnifying and burning, which he would present to the Library." Vol. 1, June 13, 1743, p. 133: "The Secretary informed that he has on the 21st of Last Month taken to the Library the Concave Mirror given by Mr. Franklin.", Gift of Benjamin Franklin, 1743.
Blue and white transferware, by J. & W. Ridgway, Shelton, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, between 1814 and 1830. Part of J. & W. Ridgway’s “Beauties of America Series.” Depicts the Library Company's 5th St. building surrounded by a border of medallions of roses and leaves., Gift of Donald H. Cresswell, 1997., Exhibited in Haverford College's exhibition, The Pennsylvania Landscape: Colonial to Contemporary (2007).
The Electrical Machine is a static energy generator that works by rubbing the leather pad against the spinning glass globe to produce a static electrical charge in the globe. Franklin owned this apparatus and used it in his experiments and demonstations., LCP Minutes vol. 3, June 12, 1792, p. 312: Benjamin Franklin Bache presented to the Company the Machine, which Doctor Franklin first used to make Experiments in Electricity., Gift of Benjamin Franklin Bache, 1792., Exhibited in: University of Pennsylvania's exhibition, Benjamin Franklin Winston Churchill (1951); Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
