Smith's Island. C. Boenning, proprietor
Title
Smith's Island. C. Boenning, proprietor
Description
Advertisement for the resort area operated by Caspar Boenning at the Delaware River Island containing a "General View of Smith's Island (Fare 6 Cts To Go & Return)" surrounded by 8 scenes showing island amusements and entertainments. Central view depicts a sailboat passing two ferries of people approaching the pier adorned with a tall flagpole and signage for "C. Boenning Baths." Individuals walk on the pier and paths on the island near resort and residential buildings, including the residence of Robert W. Smith. A ferry boat travels through the channel in the right of the image. Upper surrounding vignettes include 3 titled scenes "Residence of Thomas G. Smith," "Swimming & Shower Bath," and "Residence of Robert W. Smith." Shows visitors strolling the building and grounds of the residences. Robert Smith residence also shows a dog swimming and a man on a skiff in a reservoir besides the fenced dwelling. At the bath for men and boys, individuals attired in swim trunks swim, go down a water slide, and dive from a plank and a small raised platform in the center of the pool. Others partake of the waterfall-like shower to the right of the pool and the shade provided by roofing covering parts of the poolside. Also shows a fully-dressed man on the plank holding a rope tied around a child in the pool, possibly receiving swimming lessons and two men and two boys attired in street clothes., Lower untitled scenes show men and women spectators watching a man shooting at a target from the shed of an outdoor shooting range; boys looking in from outside a fence, near a "No Admittance For Boys" sign, at individuals purchasing beverages from a "Lager Beer" stand next to the crowded tented seating area; patrons strolling around and within the Ladies and Families Refreshment Saloon with a "Restaurant" and "Bowling Saloon" as a waiter delivers a tray of food past the side of the building; women attending to customers of all ages at a sarsparilla and mineral water stand advertising "Refreshments for Boys" "Cakes" and "Ice Cream" as children, including a boy with a hoop, play in front of the two-story octagonal building; and a recreation ground where men and women watch ladies swing in swinging cars, and men and boys climb gymnastic (monkey) bars and a pole, as vessels sail on the river in the background. The island, owned by the Smith family 1817-1879, was removed 1891-1897 by the Federal Government to improve the navigation of the river for shipping traffic., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 699, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 723 W 429
Date
[ca. 1862]
Location
Historical Society of Pennsylvania | Print Department | HSP at LCP HSP Bc 723 W 429