John Penn sent the Library Company an air pump in 1738, and this case was built to house it. It is the earliest surviving piece of American architectural furniture in the Palladian style., Ordered by Benjamin Franklin and Hugh Roberts about May 15, 1738 to house the air pump given by John Penn. Delivered in 1739 to the home of William Parsons., Exhibited in: Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
The painting is not signed or dated., The figure in the foreground supposedly is Benjamin Franklin flying a kite during an electrical storm., Exhibited in Haverford College's exhibition, The Pennsylvania Landscape: Colonial to Contemporary (2007).
George W. Norris was a Library Company board member from 1840-1874. He was a Philadelphia surgeon and author and editor of books on historical medicine. He served as president of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, vice-president of the Philadelphia Medical Society, vice-president of the College of Physicians, vice-president of the AMA, and an associate of the Academy of Natural Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.
Copy after bust by Sir Francis Legatt Chantrey, 1781-1841., LCP Minutes vol. 5, Jan. 5, 1832, p. 334: "Gift of bust of Sir Walter Scott from John J. Smith.", Gift of John Jay Smith, 1832.
Possibly the bust given by John J. Smith, Jr. in 1833. See also OBJ 527., LCP Minutes vol. 6, March 7, 1833, p. 42: “A bust of William Penn was presented by John J. Smith, Jr.”
Laid on August 31, 1789., The cornerstone was formerly embedded in the base of the statue of Benjamin Franklin (OBJ 596). At the time the cornerstone was laid, a collection of coins and medals was placed inside (OBJ 054)., Library Company Minutes vol. 3, September 3. 1789, p. 178: "The building Committee reported, That the first stone of the edifice was laid on the thirty =first of August last;- that upon the suggestion of Dr. Benjamin Franklin a large stone was prepared and laid at the south=west cornor (sic) of the building with the following Inscription, composed by the Doctor, except so far as relates to himself, which the committee have taken the liberty of adding to it:-`Be it remembered,/In honor of the Philadelphia Youth,/then chiefly Artificers/ That in MDCCXXXI,/They cheerfully,/At the Instance of Benjamin Franklin,/one of their Number,/Instituted the Philadelphia Library;/which, tho' small at first,/Is become highly valuable and extensively useful,/And which the Walls of this Edifice/Are now destined to contain and preserve;/The first stone of whose Foundation,/was here placed/The thirty-first day of August,/Anno Domini MDCCLXXXIX,/ Benjamin Gibbs, Josiah Hewes, John Kaighn, Mordecai Lewis, Thomas Morris, Thomas Parke, Joseph Paschall, Benjamin Poultney, Richard Wells, Richard Wistar, then being Directors-, Samuel Coats, Treasurer, William Rawle, Secretary, Zachariah Poulson, Junr., Librarian'". Vol. 3, September 3, 1789, p. 179-180 describes the coins and medals placed inside the cornerstone. Vol. 8, May 7, 1880, p. 332: "On motion, the matter of the removal of the cornerstone of the building at 5 & Library Sts was referred to Mr. Biddle as a Committee with power to act".
Colored tiles which were placed around the fireplace in the Librarian’s room. Depicts the Logan coat of arms with the inscription, “Haec Majorum Virtus,” the Penn coat of arms, and the Library Company's coat of arms., Purchased by the Library Company, 1882.
Made of various woods: legs and stretchers are maple; arms are mahogany; arm supports are oak; seat is poplar; bow is white oak; spindles are hickory., Library Company set includes 11 chairs., Purchased by the Library Company from Joseph Henzey, Dec. 1792 for 11 pounds, five shillings., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
In 1980, Charles Santore examined the chair and thought that it was made by a Carpenter Hall Chairmaster in Philadelphia., Gift of Glorvina Fort, Dec. 20, 1876.
Two library tables with pine tops covered with red leather. Baluster turned legs joined by rectangular stretchers, which are molded on top. Ball feet. Drawer in apron has decorative brass pulls and key plate. One table lacks key plate. Original covering was likely green baize., Purchased by the Library Company, ca. 1740.
Secondary woods with walnut top., Inscription on brass plaque reads, "This table formerly used by the Honourable James Logan an part of the furniture of his Library at Stenton was presented to the Loganian Library by his descendant in the fifth generation, Albanus C. Logan, MDCCLXX." Marlbourough style legs were not used until about 1755, which makes the claim of it belonging to James Logan doubtful. It may be one of several walnut tables mentioned in the inventory made at Stenton after William Logan's death in 1772., Gift of Albanus C. Logan II, 1870.
The table has an accordion, wire and wheel system to aid in expanding and contracting it for the use of leaves., Library Company Minutes vol. 9, p. 308, "I give and bequeath to the Library Company of Philadelphia... long carved Quattro Cento nut-wood library table.", Bequest of Anne Hampton Brewster, 1892.
Gift of the Continental Congress, ca. 1800., Exhibited in the Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibition, Women 1500-1900 (1974). Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
This tallow candle lantern formerly hung in the entrance to the Library's 5th St. building. It was preserved and rehung in the Ridgway Branch., Purchased by the Library Company from Poultney & Wilson in 1791.
Sully Register, #1286., Parke was a director of the Library Company from 1778-1835., There is a MS bill in the Daniel Parker Papers at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania from Thomas Sully to the Directors of the Library Company for the portrait and frame (by M. Pike) for $120., Purchased by the Library Company's Board of Directors, 1822., Exhibited at the College of Physicians (1887). Exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (1922).
Poulson was librarian from 1785-1806 and a board member from 1812-1844 at the Library Company., Sully Register, #1356., Commissioned by the Library Company's Board of Directors, 1843., Exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (1922). Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981). Exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, Mr. Sully, Portrait Painter (1983).
Anne Leslie was the sister of Eliza Leslie and Charles Robert Leslie. She was a portrait painter and copyist. Written on the back of the canvas, “Benjamin Franklin a copy by Miss Anne Leslie from the original by the French artist J.S. Duplessis when Franklin was in Paris. The first proprietor of Gruese’s picture of Franklin was Thomas Jefferson, by whose grand-daughter, Mrs. Coolidge, it was presented to the Boston Athenaeum.”, LCP Minutes vol. 7, April 29, 1858, p. 121: “A letter was received from Mrs. Haven stating that she had authority from Major Leslie to say that a portrait in oil of Dr. Franklin copied by Anna Leslie from the original by Greuze in the Boston Athenaeum and deposited by the late Miss Eliza Leslie in this Library was intended by Miss Leslie as a gift to this Institution. The Librarian was directed to return thanks.”, Gift of Eliza Leslie, c. 1858.
Inscription on the front reads, “Benjamin Franklin Printer Philosopher Scientist Statesman Diplomat.” The back reads, “Struck by an Act of Congress of the United States History Literature Science Philosophy To Commemorate Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Birth of Benjamin Franklin MCMVI.” A profile of Franklin’s head appears on the medal with the dates, “1706-1790.”, Gift of the American Philosophical Society.
Framed collection of medals and coins. Inscribed plate on the frame: “These coins and medals were deposited in the Cornerstone of the Old Philadelphia Library on Fifth St., 1789 and were removed on the demolition of the building in 1888.” Within the frame are the following: 1.) British Half Penny 1773 2.) Connecticut Cent 3.) New Jersey Cent 1787 4.) Bronze Medal of Washington N.D. 5.) Franklin Plaque N.D. 6.) Medal Commemorating the Peace of 1783 7.) Nova Constellatio Cent 1785. The first U.S. coin 8.) Massachusetts Cent 1788, LCP Minutes vol. 3. Sept. 3, 1789, p. 179-180, “The following medals were deposited in the Stone-- A Pewter Coin 2 inches diameter, a figure [illegible] with a Helmet – Right hand a Spear – left hand a Knot, or Cord, from where suspends 4 Shields, being the Arms of 4 Crowns vizt. 1st England –On the right 2d three fleur de Lis/France/below on the right 3d a Lion rampant with a Sword in the right Paw, grasping a Bundle of Arrows in the other – Fourth—a Shield with a Lion rampant at two opposite corners of the Shield, the other two are confused. At the bottom is a detached Shield, as if lying on the ground, unconnected with the other four – The Figure appears to be a large head covering the whole Field—Round the inner Edge is Communi consenu-1789 stamped on this side by Rue – On the other side is a handsome Figure in Robes, sprinkled with Fleur de Lis, sitting in an armed Chair, resting on a raised Step, sprinkled also with Fleur de Lis- The left hand painting to a Pillar, with a Cap of Liberty on it – A female Figure in light Robes is hanging up a Shield on the Pillar having 13 Stripes – Round the inner Edge the Motto Libertas American, 1783. 1789 Stamped – A Copper Inch Coin. A Star radiating with thirteen small stars between the points of the Rays – The Motto Nova Constellatio – On the other Side a circular Wreath with the Letters U.S. – The Motto Libertas et Justitia 1785--1789 Stamped. – A Copper large Inch Coin, a Shield with thirteen Stripes – The Motto e pluribus unum – On the reverse a Plough with a Nags head over it –The Motto Nova Caesaria 1787 – 1789 Stamped –, A George the third half penny 1773. Stamped 1789 – Inch Copper Coin—on one side a Spread Eagle with Massachusett on the inner civil Date 1788 – on the reverse an Indian with a Bow in his Right, and an Arrow in his left hand Motto Commonwealth –Stamped 1789 -- Inch Copper Coin – a Casar’s (sic) head on one side with Vermont: Auctoritas on the inner Circle—On the reverse a Figure like Brittannia date 1785. Motto Inde:e4 Liber: Stamped 1789 – 1 3/4 inch a Medal – Roman head of Genl Washington—round the inner Edge G. Washington General of the Continental Army in America – On the Reverse a Trophy – Cannon, mortar, Trumpet & Rays shooting out all round Washin:reunit par un rare assemblage les talens du Guerrier, les Vertus du Sage.”
Frame contains: 1. Page of Rittenhouse Almanac, 1820; 2. Engraving of David Rittenhouse; 3. Newspaper clipping, "Rittenhouse's First Clock"; 4. Receipt signed by David Rittenhouse., Gift of George Maurice Abbot, 1929.
Removed from its frame in 2007., Verse written to German air by Andre at the request of Miss Rebecca Redman in Philadelphia. MS notes on verso: Autograph of Major Andre's German Air - Words compos'd by Major Andre at the request of Miss Becky Redman Jan 2, 1777 afterwards Miss E. Lawrence, and presented by her daughter Miss E. Lawrence to Henry Penington. Autograph of Major Andre written for Miss Rebecca Redman at Philadelphia in the year 1778 and presented by her daughter Miss Eliza Lawrence to her cousin Henry Penington in the year 1841. Return'd to me after the Death of Mr. H. Penington and I now give them to Foxhall A. Parker U.S. Navy Eliza Lawrence, Aug. 22d 1862. Also a newspaper clipping from the North American, Jan. 28, 1842 with printed version of the poem and notes the 3 profiles that accompany it: Andre, Capt. Batwell, and "Sir John Wrotesb who was one of the managers of the celebrated entertainment...[Meschianza]" Also notes that Miss Redman was one of the famous belles of the Meschianza., Gift of Mrs. John Meredith Read, 1900., LCP Annual Report, 1900: "In concluding this brief review of the year’s gifts, it remains to mention that which Philadelphians will probably considered the most valuable: it is the André Collection, belonging to the late Gen. John Meredith Read, at one time Minister of the United States to Athens, presented by his family to the Library Company. It comprises a large mirror which formed part of the decoration of the Wharton House at the time of the Mischianza; profiles cut by Major André for Miss Rebecca Redman, in 1778, of Capt. Lullum Batwell, of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and of himself; a ticket for the Mischianza, May 18th, 1778, with invitation written on the back and signed by Sir Henry Calder; profile of Major Edward Stanley, of the 17th Light Dragoons, afterwards the twelfth Earl of Derby, and the following verses written to a German air by Major André at the request of Miss Redman, January 2d, 1777:, Return enraptur’d Hours, When Delia’s heart was mine; When she, with Wreaths of Flowers, My Temples wou’d entwine. When jealousy nor care Corroded in my breast, But visions, light as air, Presided o’er my rest-- Now nightly round my bed, No airy visions play; No flowrets crown my head, Each vernal holiday-- For far from those sad plains, My lovely Delia flies, And rack’d with jealous pains, Her wretched lover dies.
Black silk with cut paper on top., Removed from its frame in 2007., Note on top recto: Profile taken by Major Andre of the British Army; bottom: Major Stanly of the 17th Light dragoons 1778, cut by Major Andre. MS on verso: return'd to me after the Death of Mr. H. Pennington and I now give it to Foxhall A. Parker, U. S. Navy Eliza Lawrence, Aug. 22, 1862. The profile of Major Stanly of the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons since Earl of Derby. Done by Major Andre while the British Army was in Philadelphia, and presented by him to Miss Rebecca Redman (afterwards Mrs. E. Lawrence)., LCP Annual Report, 1900: "In concluding this brief review of the year’s gifts, it remains to mention that which Philadelphians will probably considered the most valuable: it is the André Collection, belonging to the late Gen. John Meredith Read, at one time Minister of the United States to Athens, presented by his family to the Library Company. It comprises a large mirror (68 x 29 x 2") which formed part of the decoration of the Wharton House at the time of the Mischianza; profiles cut by Major André for Miss Rebecca Redman, in 1778, of Capt. Lullum Batwell, of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and of himself; a ticket for the Mischianza, May 18th, 1778, with invitation written on the back and signed by Sir Henry Calder; profile of Major Edward Stanley, of the 17th Light Dragoons, afterwards the twelfth Earl of Derby, and the following verses written to a German air by Major André at the request of Miss Redman, January 2d, 1777.", Gift of Mrs. John Meredith Read, 1900.
Black silk with cut paper on top., Removed from its frame in 2007., Label on verso: Profiles of Captain Batwell and Major Andre cut by Major Andre for Miss Rebecca Redman Lawrence in the year 1778, and presented by her daughter Miss Eliza Lawrence to her cousin Henry Penington in the year 1841. After the death of Mr. Henry Penington these profiles were returned to me, I now give them to Commander Foxhall A. Parker. Eliza Lawrence, Aug. 22, 1862., Gift of Mrs. John Meredith Read, 1900., LCP Annual Report, 1900: "In concluding this brief review of the year’s gifts, it remains to mention that which Philadelphians will probably considered the most valuable: it is the André Collection, belonging to the late Gen. John Meredith Read, at one time Minister of the United States to Athens, presented by his family to the Library Company. It comprises a large mirror (68 x 29 x 2") which formed part of the decoration of the Wharton House at the time of the Mischianza; profiles cut by Major André for Miss Rebecca Redman, in 1778, of Capt. Lullum Batwell, of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and of himself; a ticket for the Mischianza, May 18th, 1778, with invitation written on the back and signed by Sir Henry Calder; profile of Major Edward Stanley, of the 17th Light Dragoons, afterwards the twelfth Earl of Derby, and the following verses written to a German air by Major André at the request of Miss Redman, January 2d, 1777."
See LCP AR [Annual Report] 1991 p. 26-31., 891 a: Thimble with monogram JES. Bottom decorated with leaves. 891 b. Cameo of George Washington. Italian. 891 c. Back of locket or watch, monogram LSV, 14k gold. 891 d. Small metal plate with monogram C.S.C. 891 e. Token from the South Carolina Society’s Centennial celebration in 1857. Obverse reads: 130 Rich W. Cogdell was admitted a member of the So. Ca. Society, May 2nd 1826. Reverse depicts a hands holding three leaves, reads: Centenl. Celebrn. of So. Ca. Society Mar. 28, 1857. Posteritate. 891 f. Mourning pendant with leather case. Back of pendant reads: John Stevens died June 1, 1772 Aged 52. Mary Stevens died August 1st, 1782, Aged 56. Front has monument with two urns, reads “Rest in Peace” surrounded by trees. Surrounded by a blue border with gold flowers. 891 g. Cameo with neoclassical scene of two men and a women reaching to grab a horse, while a child with a dog sits at the bottom right corner. Italian. 891 h. Button with circular pattern, inscribed W to J. 891 i Clear-cut glass, 3-sided wax seal attached to an ornate (brass?) handle. Depicts: dove with olive branch, man with beard and helmet (Roman?), third side blank. 891 j. Small glass mosaic of beetle. Borders from outside to interior are dark blue, turquoise blue, red. Beetle is composed of gold, red, and green with a white background., Gift of Cordelia Hinkson Brown, Beverly Brown-Ruggia, and family in honor of Phil Lapsansky, 2012., Middle-class African American family active in the Philadelphia African American political, social, educational, and cultural community from the 1850s to the 20th century. The family was involved in several prominent local African American institutions, including the St. Thomas P.E. Church, Church of the Crucifixion, Central Presbyterian Church, the Colored Institute of Youth, and the Citizens Republican Club.
D-horseshoe spectacles with blue-tinted lenses. Marked with "McAllister" and a flower with pivot-style temples. The flower mark was commonly used as a journeymen's mark., Gift of Dr. Vincent J. Marchese, 2013.
“A Present from the International Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1877.” Decorated with blue, yellow, green, and red with flowers and a blue tassel at the bottom. Ribbon mounted on a paper backing which reads: at the top corners, “Highest Premium Awarded” “Centennial Exposition 1876.” “B.B. Tilt & Son. 477 Broom St. N.Y. Works. Phoenix Man’F’G Co. Paterson, N.J.” Decorated with an eagle and inscribed “Trade mark.”, Purchase of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 2013.
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin set into a gold frame with ribbon surmount, the foliate pierced and enameled border set with enameled urns and basket decorated with seed pearls, the reverse glazed to reveal the counter-enamel. The portrait is one of five extant versions and the jeweled setting is most likely contemporary and commissioned so that the image could be worn as a pendant. Weyler painted this portrait as a part of a series of miniatures he called “Panthéon Iconographique,” which included famous men he wanted to preserve for posterity in enamel. Franklin was the most popular of the series’ subjects. The original portrait for which the enamel was based on has not been traced, but it is believed to be a pastel taken from life., See accession file for more information about provenance., Purchase of the Library Company, 2013.
Gift of Jessica Linker, 2017., Obverse: "J. Lackington / [Bust of Lackington, facing front left] / 1794” Reverse: Central figure of a Fame blowing a trumpet surrounded by two-line inscription "Halfpenny of Lackington, Allen & Co." / "Cheapest booksellers in the world." "Edge lettered "Payable at the Temple of the Muses * / * / * " James Lackington opened his first bookstall in London in 1773 and issued his first catalog in 1779. The firm later was known as Lackington, Allan & Co. and occupied a large premises, "The Temple of the Muses," in Finsbury Square, London. According to his published "Confessions" (1804), he made the business wholly over to his cousin, George Lackington, in 1798. Tokens such as these were issued in many places in England between 1787 and 1800 when the government failed to mint enough copper coinage for the conduct of business.
Gift of Jessica Linker, 2017., Obverse: "J. Lackington / [Bust of Lackington, facing front left] / 1794” Reverse: Central figure of a Fame blowing a trumpet surrounded by two-line inscription "Halfpenny of Lackington, Allen & Co." / "Cheapest booksellers in the world." "Edge lettered "Payable at the Temple of the Muses * / * / * " James Lackington opened his first bookstall in London in 1773 and issued his first catalog in 1779. The firm later was known as Lackington, Allan & Co. and occupied a large premises, "The Temple of the Muses," in Finsbury Square, London. According to his published "Confessions" (1804), he made the business wholly over to his cousin, George Lackington, in 1798. Tokens such as these were issued in many places in England between 1787 and 1800 when the government failed to mint enough copper coinage for the conduct of business.
Gift of William H. Helfand, 2017., Round metal container of the patent medicine Jew David’s plaster. Reads on the lid, “Jew Davids, Plaster, E. Taylor, Rochester, N. York.”
Pin for the Poor Richard Club, which was a private club in Philadelphia founded in 1906, whose members were mostly in the advertising industry. Reads on the front, “Poor Richard Club, Philadelphia,” with a left facing profile of Benjamin Franklin. Name in ink filled in on the front “E.H. Peterson.” Marked on the Back “W&H Co.” and “The Whitehead & Hoag Co. Newark, NJ”, Gift of Chris Neopolitan, 2017.
Blue transferware plate titled “Souvenir of Philadelphia.” The center shows City Hall and along the border are illustrated New United States Mint; Library Ridgeway (sic) Branch; River Drive Fairmount Park; Post Office; Girard College; University of Pennsylvania. The back is stamped: R&M Co., The Rowland & Marsellus Co., Staffordshire, England. R&M Co. operated between c. 1893-1938., Gift of George E. Thomas, 2019.
Reads, "Am I Not A Woman & A Sister 1838." The back reads, "United States of America." Picture of a wreath with "Liberty 1838" within it., These tokens were sold at antislavery fairs organized by abolitionist women to raise money for the cause. In this example, to avoid charges of counterfeiting, the N in United States is reversed., Gift of Chris McCauley, 1996., Exhibited in the Heritage Center at the Union League of Philadelphia exhibition, Philadelphia 1861: The Coming Storm (2011).
Reads, "Virtutis Et Audaclae Monum. Et Praemium" and "D. De Fleury Equitt Gallo Primo Super Muros Resp. Americ D.D." Translation: "A memorial and reward for bravery and boldness—The American Republic presented this award to M. de Fleury, a French officer, who as the first scaled the walls." Mars is depicted on the ruin of the fort treading on the British flag with his sword raised. Reverse reads, "Aggeres Paludes Hostes Victi” “STONY PT EXPUGN xv Jul MDCCLXXIX." Translation: "Fortifications, marshes, and the enemy overcome—Stony Point taken by assault, July 15th, 1779." Depicts the fort of Stony Point and the enemy’s vessels on the river below it., On July 26, 1779, Congress decided to reward Lieutenant Colonel Fleury for bravery in the attack of the fort at Stony Point. Benjamin Franklin, in Paris, employed Benjamin Duvivier, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint, to create the medal. This medal is the first ever struck by a Resolution of Congress., Gift of Benjamin Franklin., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Printed in sepia with dark blue border/background. Reads, "Centennial International" at the top and "Exhibition, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, 1776-1876" at the bottom. Depicts scenes of the exhibition buildings with "Memorial Hall, Art Gallery" in the center, "Main Exhibition Building" and "the Machinery Hall" at the top, and "The Agricultural Hall" and "The Horticultural Hall" at the bottom. At the top center there is an eagle with a shield and an "E-Pluribus Unum" banner., Gift of Michael Zinman, 2008. (Part of the Michael Zinman World's Fair Collection.)
On the back of the frame: "Albert Rosenthal, 1903.", Staake was a lawyer who became Judge of the Court of Common Pleas No. 5 for the County of Philadelphia in 1906.
Depicts the “Electricity Building” from the Pan-American Expo that was in Buffalo, NY in 1901. Green and Wicks of Buffalo were the architects of the building. It was used for exhibits in electrical science and manufactures of electrical apparatus. Power from Niagara Falls was harnessed to distribute electricity throughout the Expo., Gift of Michael Zinman, 2008. (Part of the Michael Zinman World’s Fair Collection.)
