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- Title
- The Mechanics Insurance Company's Building, Philadelphia
- Description
- Exterior view of front and east facades looking south. Fire insurance company incorporated in 1854., Undivided back. Post marked 1907. Text on verso., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- ca. 1907
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department LCP postcards - Business - [P.9048.317]
- Title
- First Church of Christ "Scientist," Philadelphia, Pa
- Description
- Exterior view., Sheet number: 50B03., Undivided back. Post marked 1906., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- ca. 1906
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Churches - Miscellaneous - 50]
- Title
- Seamen's Church Institute, Philadelphia, Pa
- Description
- Exterior view of Seamen's Church Institute building, constructed in 1925. Under the auspices of the Episcopal Church and the outcome of the Churchmen's Missionary Association. Provided residence and entertainment for seamen passing through Philadelphia., Numbered 105111 on recto., Sheet number: 138A07., Divided back. Text on verso., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- ca. 1925
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Organizations (By Name) - 138]
- Title
- Holy Trinity Church postcards
- Description
- Exterior views of front facade of church built 1856-1859 by John Notman. George Hewitt Wattson added the tower in 1868. Includes a 1929 New Year's greeting from the church depicting an interior sketch of the nave and altar on recto and a poem by Gerald Massey on verso., Contains 5 postcards printed in color and 1 in black and white., Sheet numbers: 50A03, 50A04 and 50B05., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- 1900-1930
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Churches - Miscellaneous - 50]
- Title
- The Dundas-Lippincott Mansion Commonly known as the "Yellow Mansion." Erected in 1837 on the site of Vauxhill Gardens. The famous elm shown on the right of the picture was a full-grown tree in 1818
- Description
- Exterior view of the mansion designed by Thomas Ustick Walter. House was commissioned by James Dundas, bequeathed in 1865 to Mrs. Joshua Lippincott and to her son James Dundas Lippincott in 1902., Sheet number: 27A11, Message on verso., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- ca. 1908
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Buildings - Miscellaneous - 27]
- Title
- Curtis Publishing postcards
- Description
- Contains views of the Curtis Publishing Company built 1910-1921 after designs by Edgar Viguers Seeler. Includes several exterior views from Sixth Street, Walnut Street, Independence Park and Washington Square. Also includes interior views of the first floor lobby; the director's room; offices and press rooms for Ladies Home Journal and the Saturday Evening Post; the circulation department and circulation manager's office; the women's recreation, lunch and rest rooms; the paper stock room; a section of the engraving department; the composition division; the boiler room; and the power division., Contains 37 postcards printed in color., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- 1910-1940
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Business and Industry - Curtis Publishing - 37]
- Title
- The Free Library of Philadelphia, West Philadelphia Branch, Fortieth and Walnut Streets
- Description
- Exterior view of front facade of library built 1904-1905 after designs by Zantzinger & Borie., Postcard issued by William H. Rau, Philadelphia, and the Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N.Y., Sheet number: 132B08., Divided back., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- ca. 1910
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Libraries - 132]
- Title
- The St. James, Philadelphia, Pa
- Description
- Exterior view of The St. James Hotel built circa 1904 after designs by Horace Trumbauer., Numbered M18098 on verso., Divided back., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- ca. 1910
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department LCP postcards - Hotels - [P.9490.13]
- Title
- The St. James, Philadelphia, Pa
- Description
- Exterior view of The St. James Hotel built circa 1904 after designs by Horace Trumbauer., Numbered 14948 on recto., Sheet number: 117A07., Divided back., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- ca. 1910
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Lauber's through Stenton - 117]
- Title
- Walnut Street Theatre postcards
- Description
- Exterior views of the Walnut Street Theatre built originally as a circus in 1809, enlarged in 1811 and converted to a theatre in 1816. Remodeled in 1827-1828 after designs by John Haviland, in 1852 by Hoxie & Button, in 1903 by Willis Gaylord Hale and in 1904 by Rush Anderson Plowman. Includes an advertisement for "The Girl Rangers" at the Walnut Street Theatre in 1907., Contains 1 postcard printed in color and 2 printed in black and white., Also identified as The Circus (1809-1811), Olympic Theatre (1811-1820) and Walnut Theatre., Sheet numbers: 157A07 and 157B03., Divided backs., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- ca. 1910
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Theaters - 157]
- Title
- Philadelphia Stock Exchange postcards
- Description
- Depicts the Philadelphia Stock Exchange building constructed in 1912 after designs by Horace Trumbauer., Also known as the Philadelphia Exchange and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- ca. 1915
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Buildings - Stock Exchange - 30]
- Title
- Witherspoon Building
- Description
- Depicts the Witherspoon Building constructed 1895-1897 after designs by Joseph M. Huston., Postcard issued by Crumbie Brothers, Philadelphia., Also known as the Presbyterian Board of Publication., Sheet number: 27A11, Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- 1900-1910
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Buildings - Miscellaneous - 27]
- Title
- Scrapbook
- Description
- Scrapbook compiled by Philadelphia socialite Minnie Campbell Wilson (neé Harris) containing primarily place, greeting, holiday and calling cards predominantly issued in the United Kingdom and the Northeast United States. Majority of the cards are printed and or chromolithographs, with a small number illustrated with drawings by hand. Many cards also contain ornate border details, embossing, and adornments, including ribbons, fringe, lace, a wishbone, and overlays. Contents also include die-cuts of fans, horse shoes, a spoon, a flamingo, one-quarter moon, a woman’s leg, and a bird as a cover for a H. O. Neill & Co. illustrated hat catalog. Cards often depict sentimental and genre imagery including cupids, butterflies, flowers, vases and baskets; religious, historical and Asian-themed scenes, figures and/or decor; seasonal landscape views; women, children, and costumed figures; animals, including birds, chicks, dogs, and cats; and fruit. Other imagery includes two witches flying on brooms holding a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" banner; London printer William Dickes series of women in native costume from Switzerland, Russia, and Norway; a holiday card that opens to a sledding scene of children holding letters spelling "Merry Christmas"; and a Valentine Day card showing a letter slot filled with valentines. Scrapbook also contains watercolors and drawings, trade cards, programs, menus, invitations, ribbons, photographs, etchings, newspaper clippings, including an announcement of the wedding of Adelaide Watson, and a post card from "cousin Will." Trade cards advertise businesses, including J. E. Caldwell & Co., Stephen F. Whitman & Son, P. Fleischner & Co., Sharpless & Sons, F. T. Howell & Co., A. Ripka & Bro., J. H. Way & Bro., and Automatic Signal Telegraph Co. containing four scenes showing a robbery and fire and police and fire department., Scrapbook contains a number of items depicting Asian people or decorative themes, including a greeting card that reads, "A Happy New Year to You," and showing a Japanese woman, attired in a kimono, sitting and watering a potted plant [p. 9]; a card that reads, "Miss Harris," and depicting a Japanese woman, attired in a kimono made of fabric, standing and facing left [p. 18]; a card titled, "Bric a brac," and showing a blue and white porcelain bowl, vase, and pitcher bordered by hand fans and three flying cranes [p. 29]; and Asian men attired in kimonos having their noses pulled or pulling noses [p. 47]., Watercolors and drawings depict a woman attired in early 19th-century garb in a pumpkin patch, marinescapes, and an anthropomorphic frog. Photographs include a half stereograph showing a croquet match in front of a resort hotel and a photograph of Fifth and Walnut streets (Philadelphia) “taken by Chris in "88." Etchings include a portrait of an elderly man and one signed F. A. Stokes showing a man at a table. Other ephemera includes a hand-made tablet with a cover containing a watercolor depicting birds; a cloth padded bird figurine; a metamorphic playbill for the play "French Flats" at Union Square Theatre; a typewritten engagement announcement composed as a poem; a Christmas Hymnal booklet; handwritten word games, including 'Progressive Conversation"; a Pennsylvania Railroad "Old Point Comfort" tour schedule; and a train schedule scrap annotated with a doodle and inscribed text., Black binding, stamped on cover: Scrapbook., Label pasted on verso of cover: Patent Back Scrap Book. Pat. March 28, 1876., Inscribed on front free end paper: Minnie Campbell Harris Philadelphia. January 12, 1887., Provenance and date of majority of contents identified by brief inscriptions. Provenances include Nannie (i.e., Mary Jaudon) Harris, Lucy and Susan Jaudon, Mai Philler, Carrie (i.e., Caroline) Biddle, and Helen Morton., Printers include Philadelphia firms Craig, Finley & Co., Dreka, Rowley & Chew, and Sunshine Pub. Co.; Boston firm L. Prang & Co.; and British and Irish firms William Dickes, Marcus Ward & Co., and Eyre & Spottiswoode., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Housed in phase box., Gift of Elizabeth McLean., Inventory available at repository., Mary Campbell Harris (known as Minnie), daughter of U.S. Naval Commander Thomas Cadwalder Harris (1826-1875) and Mary Louisa Bainbridge Jaudon (1835-1914), was born in New York on December 27, 1862. Descended from Commodore William Bainbridge and Thomas Harris, the first surgeon-general of the United States Navy, Harris and her family resided in Philadelphia by 1866. In 1893, she married John L. Wilson (b. 1850), later treasurer of Coal Land Corporation and the couple resided in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Harris was active in the Sedgely Club and often attended and held card parties, teas, and luncheons noted in the local press. Harris spent her later years residing in Bryn Mawr where she died circa 1948.
- Creator
- Wilson, Mary Campbell Harris, 1862-approximately 1948
- Date
- [ca. 1877-ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department albums - Harris [P.9682.1]
- Title
- Walnut Street Theatre, Philada
- Description
- View showing the Walnut Street Theatre at 827-833 Walnut Street (corner of Ninth and Chestnut streets). The theater, originally built as a circus in 1809, was altered to a theater in 1816, and remodeled from 1827-1828 after the designs of Philadelphia architect John Haviland. Also shows men sitting and standing near the corner of the building, along with adjacent row homes on the north side of the block looking east., Title from inscription on mount., Inscribed on mount: No. 1486., 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. 17., Arcadia caption text: The rowhouses on the north side of the 800 block of Walnut Street shown here c. 1865 no longer exist, but the Walnut Street Theatre still stands, holding the title of America’s oldest theater. Built by Victor Pepin and Jean Breschard, circus promoters who brought their equestrian and human acts to the United States from Europe, the theater has operated continuously since opening in 1809 as the New Circus. Architect John Haviland made extensive alterations in 1828, when it permanently changed its name to the Walnut Street Theatre., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Cremer, James, 1821-1893, photographer
- Date
- ca. 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Cremer [P.9107.1]
- Title
- Walnut St. Theatre
- Description
- View showing the Walnut Street Theatre at 827-833 Walnut Street (corner of Ninth and Chestnut streets). The theater, originally built as a circus in 1809, was altered to a theater in 1816, and remodeled from 1827-1828 after the designs of Philadelphia architect John Haviland. Also shows adjacent buildings, including a lager beer saloon. Street traffic includes a horse-drawn omnibus and several carriages., Yellow mount with square corners., Title from manuscript note on mount., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- ca. 1863
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - unidentified - theaters [(8)1322.F.5c-2]
- Title
- Drinking fountain, Washington Square
- Description
- View of the first public drinking fountain erected by the Philadelphia Fountain Society in the spring of 1869 on the sidewalk at 7th and Walnut Streets near Philadelphia's Washington Square. An eagle with outstretched wings perches on a tablet at the top of the fountain inscribed: Philadelphia Fountain Society, Instituted A.D. 1869. Below the tablet are an upper and lower water troughs for the use of horses and dogs. A high wrought iron fence separates the trees and benches of the park from the sidewalk. The Society paid William H. Radford $70.00 for his work on the fountain's plumbing; $100 to Robert Wood & Co. iron workers for making the eagle; and $242.75 to Broders Walsh & Co. for their stonework., Philadelphia Fountain Society records at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Manuscript collection #2045 Fairmount Park Art Association, boxes 49-50.), 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. 119., Arcadia caption text: This c. 1870 view subtly captures a defining element of Washington Square. The square, bounded by Sixth, Eighth, Walnut, and Spruce streets, was known for its superior variety of trees. The grounds, once a potter’s field, had been transformed by the mid-19th century into a city arboretum of over 60 species. The square also held the distinction of being the site of the first public drinking fountain. Erected by the Philadelphia Fountain Society in the spring of 1869 at Seventh and Walnut streets, the fountain contained an eagle by the prominent Philadelphia ironwork firm, Robert Wood & Co., as well as provided water troughs for horses and dogs., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- ca. 1870
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - unidentified - Parks & squares [P.9644.29]
- Title
- Hotel Aubry [sic], West Philadelphia, Pa
- Description
- View showing the "dwelling house" hotel built on Walnut Street between 33rd and 34th streets for the Centennial Exhibition in 1876. The hotel, built on inexpensive land considered undesirable for a permanent hotel, was composed of rows of several houses that were to be later sold or leased as individual dwellings. Guests stand on the porch of the twenty-six house hotel. Horse-drawn carriages travel in the street., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Title from manuscript note on mount., Gift of Robert M. Vogel., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- ca. 1876
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - unidentified - Hotels [P.9047.51]
- Title
- American Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia. S.E. corner Fourth and Walnut Street
- Description
- Exterior view showing the company's central office building, known as the American Building. A large clock hangs from the corner of the building. Incorporated in 1850, the company was formed in part to further the cause of temperance by offering considerable discounts on life insurance products to signers of the total abstinence pledge. Company occupied this building from 1854 to 1888., Pale green mount with square corners., Title from advertising text printed on verso., Text on verso lists Alexander Whillden as president and John S. Wilson as secretary of the company. These men served together from 1862 to 1872., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- [ca. 1868]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - unidentified - business - American [P.9058.165]
- Title
- American Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia. S.E. corner Fourth and Walnut Street
- Description
- View from the northwest showing the south side of the 300 block of Walnut Street including the company's central office building, known as the American Building. A large clock hangs from the corner of the building. Incorporated in 1850, the company was formed in part to further the cause of temperance by offering considerable discounts on life insurance products to signers of the total abstinence pledge. Company occupied this building from 1854 to 1888., Pale green mount with square corners., Title from advertising text printed on verso., Text on verso lists Alexander Whillden as president and John S. Wilson as secretary of the company. These men served together from 1862 to 1872., Gift of Robert M. Vogel., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- [ca. 1868]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - unidentified - business - American [P.9047.55]
- Title
- Residence of George Edwards, s.e. corner of 18th and Walnut streets, Philadelphia
- Description
- Shows the mansion of the Philadelphia hotel entrepreneur built 1849 after the designs of Napoleon Le Brun at 1724 Walnut Street near Rittenhouse Square. Residence later known as Weightman Mansion after owner, prominent Philadelphia businessman, William Weightman., Title, photographer, and date from manuscript note on verso., Buff paper mount with square corners., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of views of Philadelphia., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Coates, Andrew, photographer
- Date
- ca. 1859
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Coates - Residences [(8)1322.F.19i]
- Title
- Philadelphia Saving Fund Society
- Description
- Exterior view from the southeast of the building at 700-710 Walnut Street, built 1868-69, designed by Sloan & Hewitt. Includes partial view of rear addition built 1885-6, designed by Addison Hutton., Title printed on mount., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Gift of Robert M. Vogel., 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. 93., Arcadia caption text: Founded in 1816 as the first savings bank in the United States, the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) commissioned several architecturally significant buildings in the city, the most famous of which is the Art Deco skyscraper at Twelfth and Market streets. This photograph shows the granite-faced Italianate structure designed for the bank by Addison Hutton in 1868, which still graces the northwest corner of Washington Square. Savings banks served the needs of “tradesmen, mechanics, laborers, and domestics” rather than wealthy businessmen and investors. In order to serve of a diverse working-class population, PSFS was open for business in the evening and hired multi-lingual tellers., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- [ca. 1886]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - unidentified - banks [P.9058.171]
- Title
- Panorama of Philadelphia S.E. from State House
- Description
- Panoramic view showing several city blocks southeast from the State House at 520 Chestnut Street. Includes the 500 block of Walnut Street; Independence Square; the steeple of St. Peter's Church (300-340 Pine), and a distant view of Spark's shot tower near the Delaware River., Title from accompanying publisher's label., Yellow paper mount with square corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of views of Philadelphia., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897
- Date
- [ca. 1868]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Views [(3)1322.F.4h]
- Title
- State House, Philadelphia, from Walnut Street
- Description
- Shows four men and a boy standing at the rear gate of the State House on Walnut Street. Also shows a man seated on the gate steps. State House (520 Chestnut) built 1732-1748 after the designs of Andrew Hamilton and Edmund Woolley., Attributed to William and Frederick Langenheim., Title printed on mount., Buff paper mount with square corners., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of views of Philadelphia., 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.
- Creator
- W. & F. Langenheim (Firm), photographer
- Date
- ca. 1856
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - unidentified - Government Buildings [(3)1322.F.9f]
- Title
- Memories of the home of Grandma Lewis
- Description
- Memory album compiled by Lewis containing written narratives, photographs, watercolors, textiles, drawings, prints and ephemera documenting her marriage, early married life, households and residences, and family events and excursions between 1851 and the 1890s. Specific narrative topics include the Lewis's honeymoon to Niagara; the death of their parents the Larcombes and John F. and Eliza Lewis; the birth of grandchildren; the method and style of interior decoration of their residences at Sixteenth and Walnut streets (1851-1855), 325 South Eighteenth Street (1855-1874), and 1834 DeLancey Place (1874-1915); the Civil War, Sanitary Fair, and Centennial Exhibition (1876); their religious life in the First Baptist Church; club meetings of the Lewis children when older and parlor "teas"; recreational activities, including sailing and skating on the Schuylkill River, carriage and horse back rides, excursions to Broad Top Mountain House (Pa.), and visits to their summer residences in Wallingford and the Bryn Mawr Hotel; boarding near Bryn Mawr ("Eachus Place") and the Delaware Water Gap ("Mr. Croasdale"); Anne and G. Albert's European trip (1891); and family pets., Album also contains several captioned and dated graphic and ephemeral materials, including family portraiture, views of residences and summer lodgings, clothing and upholstery scraps, tickets, invitations, calling cards, and watercolors and drawings by G. Albert Lewis. Lewis's works depict sailing trips; interiors and exteriors of their residences, including during the Civil War; home furnishings, including a pier table (Eliza Lewis's); lodgings, sites, and flora from family excursions; family souvenirs, memorabilia, and crests, including a Chinese pipe, John F. Lewis's "Little Chair" as a child, Anne's life membership badge in the Philadelphia Skating club, a family clock (Mrs. John F. Lewis estate), and "Indoor amusements of G.A.L." Other imagery includes photographs of Broad Top Mountain House, Bryn Mawr Hotel, Devon Inn, Eastwick Park, St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church, views of European churches, including St. Michael Church of Schwabisch., and the interior (parlor, dining room, library, front rooms) and exterior of the Delancey Street residence. Portraits, predominantly photographs and photographic reproductions, depict G. Albert and Anne C. Lewis (including in the second story front room on Delancey); Alberta and Hermann Lewis and their spouses Frederick B. Allen and Sally Draper Lewis; grandchildren Hidegard, Frederick ("Fritz"), Barbara, George, and Margaret; John F. and Eliza Lewis; Thomas and Anna Larcombe; and family pets. Also contains pictorial details by Lewis incorporated at the end of narratives and as frames around portraits, as well as a memento "To our dear Papa, July 3, 1863" adorned with two, small circular works of handcrafted art, possibly with flower petals (p.80a)., Ephemera includes mementoes from trips, including pressed flowers; tickets to the Sanitary Fair (1864) and Eastwick Park; scraps of ribbons, collars, and clothing worn by Anne as a child, at her wedding, and during her honeymoon; upholstery and fabrics from the China trade and home furnishings; newspaper clippings of marriage announcements, obituaries, and poetry; wedding invitations and after cards; and a University of Pennsylvania graduation program for Hermann Lewis. Manuscript material contained in the scrapbook includes a letter by Anne to her mother during her honeymoon captioned "First 'Lewis' signature of A.C.L" and a letter of introduction from the Department of State for the Lewises., Vignette photograph after a daguerreotype portrait of Anne Lewis as a young woman pasted and set within a watercolor frame on title page, Wm. F. Murphy's Sons, Co. Makers stamped on spine., Red leather binding with gold lettering., Inscribed on front free end paper: Tender regards, old memories, blossom in pages such as these, Voices that speak from heart to heart, When hands and lives lie far apart. The thought of our past years, in me, Doth breed perpetual benediction., Dedication: "These memories I dedicate to my dear husband G. Albert Lewis whose thought inspired the writing of this simple story. Indeed, it would be of little interest without his numerous and varied illustrations, many of which are his own design and handiwork. A number of the photographs are copied of absolutely correct watercolor sketches, made by him; the whole being a mutual work of love, for our dear grand-children.", Photographers include the Langenheims and William H. Rau., Gift of Oliver Allen., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Transcription and inventory available at repository., One of six Lewis Family albums held in the Print Department., See Sarah Weatherwax, "The Lewis Albums," The Magazine Antiques (August 2006), 116-121., See Oliver H. Allen, "The Lewis Albums," American Heritage 14 (December 1962), 65-80., Housed in clamshell box., Anne Cornelia Larcombe Lewis, born in Connecticut, was daughter of Rev. Thomas Larcombe (1791-1861) and Anna S. Larcombe (1794-1872), president of the board of the Baptist Home. She relocated with her family to Philadelphia in 1835 and married George Albert Lewis, a Philadelphia banker, artist, and genealogist descended from a family involved with the China trade on July 1, 1851. During her married life, Lewis resided in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, was active in genealogy, and a member of the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society. She and Lewis had two children Alberta (1854-1934) and Hermann (b. 1863) and grandchildren Hildegarde Allen (b. 1885), editor and publisher Frederick Lewis Allen (1890-1954), Barbara Lewis [Shepperd] (b. 1885), Margaret Lewis [Browne] (b. 1886), and George Draper Lewis (b. 1888).
- Creator
- Lewis, Anne C., 1831-1898
- Date
- 1896
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department albums [P.9829.1]
- Title
- The old houses and stores with memorabilia relating to them and my father and grandfather
- Description
- Memory album compiled by Lewis containing written narratives, photographs, watercolors, textiles, drawings, prints and ephemera documenting his childhood and his lineage and family businesses and residences from the late 18th century to mid 19th century. Specific narrative topics include the provenance of the "Pictures" included in the album; "Memorabilia"; the "Marriage of our Ancestor, 1786. Johann Andreas Philipp Ludwig (i.e., J. A. P. Lewis) and Anna Maria Klingemann"; 'In Memoriam: Johann Andreas Philipp Ludwig' "; the "Memorials of the old Houses, Stores &c.," including deed, plot, architectural, and decor information pertaining to Lewis family residences at 121, i.e., 311 North Fifth Street (1791-1797), 60, i.e., 128 North Fourth Street (1797-1805), 82, i.e., 132 North Second Street (1814-1818), 124, i.e., 264 South Third Street (1818-1824), 148, i.e., 264 South Second Street (1824-1840) and rear storehouse on Laurel Street, and Sixteenth and Walnut streets (1840-1858), and the stores at Walnut and Front streets (1829-1856)., Other narratives describe the yellow fever epidemic of 1793; J. A. P. Lewis's service in the volunteer militia; G. Albert's siblings S. Weir, John A., and Theodore C.; John F. Lewis's successful management of the financial panic of 1828 and his entertaining, including fireworks and "ample supplies of groceries, provisions, wine and liquors" on store; the business practices of the import trade; the conversion of Second Street residences into storefronts; the regrettable disposal of family possessions from the China trade, including card receivers, satins, pearl and ivory seals, artificial flowers, tortoiseshell combs, and silk covered boxes; the childhood of Eliza Mower along the Schuylkill River, her clandestine marriage to Lewis, and her death; John F. Lewis's lucky Mexican dollar; and the childhood and young adult years of G. Albert Lewis, including his "spying" at family parties, Christmas memories, sailing excurisons on the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, and work for the Lewis firm., Album also contains numerous captioned and dated graphic and ephemeral materials, including watercolors and drawings by G. Albert Lewis, photographic views of family churches, family portraiture, newspaper clippings, certificates, bills of lading, and business and calling cards. Lewis's works depict family crests and coats of arms; sentimentalized genre scenes representing family lore, including J. A. P. Lewis's immigration to America for love; his childhood haunts, Christmas presents, and play areas; exteriors, interiors, grounds and gardens of the family residences and storefronts, including parlors, front rooms, gates, a weather vane designed as a cavalryman on the Walnut Street stable, dormer window (Second Street residence), store house on Laurel Street, and stores on Front and Walnut street; ground plans of Lewis residences (264 S. Second and Walnut Street); the "Great Tree" (South Second Street property); and Chinese exports and china patterns. Photographs depict family portraits of Johann Andreas Philipp and Anna Maria Lewis, John F. and Eliza Lewis, and G. Albert and Anne C. Lewis; the Lewis cargo ship "Globe," family churches and residences, including the altar of St. John's Lutheran Church, Crailsheim (J.A.P. Lewis's baptismal font) and St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Swedes Church, (Gloria Dei), and St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church (Philadelphia), and the final residence of Eliza Lewis at 1927 Spruce Street; and family artifacts, furniture, and mementoes, including Ludwig's sword and secretary and John F. Lewis's lucky Mexican dollar. Also contains engraved portraits of Frederick the Great and pictorial details by Lewis incorporated at the end of narratives and as frames around portraits., Ephemera includes certificates, bills of lading, and calling cards (including in Chinese) related to the Lewis firms; G. Albert's share certificate in the Philadelphia Museum Company; photomechanical and chromolithographed genre prints; an engraving sample possibly by James Otto Lewis; newspaper clippings, including advertisements and announcement for the Lewis firms, family obituaries, and poems; manuscript "endorsements on notes received, but protested for non-payment" by Weir, Lewis & Co. and family signatures, including that of Eliza Lewis; and textile swatches from Chinese curios, wall paper, and upholstery. Family trees and a chronology of the Lewis firm (until 1828) also form the content., Floral border in watercolor on title page. Border also includes pictorial details showing a sailing ship and Chinese character., Wm. F. Murphy's Sons, Co. Makers stamped on spine., Red leather binding with gold lettering., Dedication: "Dedicated to the Memory of my dear Mother who made the homes of my childhood most lovely and so beautiful!" Surrounded by watercolor frame reading "Haec Olim Meminisse Juvabit Virgo," i.e., "This will help you remember once upon a time.", Gift of Oliver Allen., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Transcription and inventory available at repository., See Sarah Weatherwax, "The Lewis Albums," The Magazine Antiques (August 2006), 116-121., See Oliver H. Allen, "The Lewis Albums," American Heritage 14 (December 1962), 65-80., One of six Lewis Family albums held in the Print Department., Housed in clamshell box., George Albert Lewis, son of Philadelphia China trade merchant John F. Lewis (1791-1858) of John A. Lewis & Co. and Eliza Mower (1788-1885), was a banker, genealogist, and artist descended from Hessian solder and Philadelphia Prothonotary Johann A. P. Lewis [formerly Ludewig]. Lewis studied art with G. W. Holmes, frequently exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Artist's Fund Society, and was a member of several organizations, including the Numismatic & Antiquarian Society of Philadelphia, Genealogical Society of Philadelphia, and the Library Company. He married Anne C. Larcombe on July 1, 1851 and with her had two children Alberta (1854-1934) and Hermann (b. 1863) and grandchildren Hildegarde Allen (b. 1885), editor and publisher Frederick Lewis Allen (1890-1954), Barbara Lewis [Shepperd] (b. 1885), Margaret Lewis [Browne] (b. 1886), and George Draper Lewis (b. 1888).
- Creator
- Lewis, G. Albert, 1829-1915
- Date
- 1900
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department albums [P.9829.2]