© Copyright 2025 - The Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. TEL (215) 546-3181 FAX (215) 546-5167
For inquiries, please contact our IT Department
- Title
- [Construction of the Ridge-8th Street Subway]
- Description
- Aerial views of the Ridge-8th Street Subway (later known as the Broad-Ridge Spur) under construction. The approach to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge at 5th and Race Streets and the adjacent Franklin Square are visible, as is the area bounded roughly by Callowhill to the north, Market Street to the south, Front Street to the East and 10th Street to the west. The Ridge-8th Street Subway opened in 1932., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from manuscript note on negative sleeve: Eighth st. Subway, Frank. Square; Phila. Pa.; June 13, 1931., Negative numbers: 14407n.
- Creator
- Aero Service Corporation, photographer
- Date
- 1931
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Aero Service [P.8990.14407n]
- Title
- Chinatown, Philadelphia, Pa. [900 block Race Street]
- Description
- View of Chinatown on the 900 block of Race Street in Philadelphia. In the right, shows the exterior of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. A white man police officer and a white woman stand under the awning and face the viewer. Buildings extend on both sides of the street including another restaurant with a sign that reads, 917 Cafe. Men and women pedestrians walk on the sidewalks. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Divided back., Library Company copy has manuscript message and address written on verso and is postmarked, Philadelphia, Pa. Jul 13, 1911 4:30 P.M., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
- Date
- [ca. 1911]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department LCP Postcards - Streets - Race [P.2023.27.2]
- Title
- Chinatown by moonlight Philadelphia, Pa. [900 block Race Street]
- Description
- View of Chinatown on the 900 block of Race Street in Philadelphia. In the right, shows the exterior of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. A white man police officer and a white woman stand under the awning and face the viewer. Buildings extend on both sides of the street including another restaurant with a sign that reads, 917 Cafe. Light emanates through windows and from the signs on the buildings, and the moon shines from above. Men and women pedestrians walk on the sidewalks. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Divided back., Library Company copy has manuscript message and address written on verso and is postmarked, Philadelphia, Pa. Jul 17, 1915 1[0] A.M., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
- Date
- [ca. 1915]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department LCP Postcards - Streets - Race [P.2023.27.3]
- Title
- A scene in the Golden Dragon, 1526 Market Street, Philadelphia's most beautiful restaurant
- Description
- Interior view of the Golden Dragon restaurant located at 1526 Market Street, Philadelphia and depicting the dining room crowded with patrons. Shows the large room filled with diners sitting at white table-clothed tables and standing in a row. The men and women, finely attired in suits, dresses, hats, and jewelry, look at the viewer. Plates of food and cups and glasses are visible on the tables. In the left, a Chinese man waiter, attired in a tuxedo, stands with probably menus under his arm. In the background, musicians, attired in tuxedos, are seated with musical instruments in front of a backdrop of peacock feathers. The dining room ceiling is decorated with multiple-colored fabrics. Charlie Kerr (1890-1976) was a jazz drummer and orchestra leader in the 1920s to the late 1940s., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Text printed on verso: Philadelphia, Pa., 19[blank], Dear [blank], Greetings from the beautiful Golden Dragon, where I dined today. "Charlie" Kerr's Orchestra is great., Series no. on verso: 2690 N., See related: Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112] - sheet number 112B04., Sheet number: 112A05., Divided backs.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- [ca. 1925]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112]
- Title
- A scene in the Golden Dragon, 1526 Market Street, Philadelphia's most beautiful restaurant
- Description
- Interior view of the Golden Dragon restaurant located at 1526 Market Street, Philadelphia and depicting the dining room crowded with patrons. Shows the large room filled with diners sitting at white table-clothed tables and standing in a row. The men and women, finely attired in suits, dresses, hats, and jewelry, look at the viewer. Plates of food and cups and glasses are visible on the tables. In the left, a Chinese man waiter, attired in a tuxedo, stands with probably menus under his arm. In the background, musicians, attired in tuxedos, are seated with musical instruments in front of a backdrop of peacock feathers. The dining room ceiling is decorated with fabrics. Charlie Kerr (1890-1976) was a jazz drummer and orchestra leader in the 1920s to the late 1940s., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Text printed on verso: Philadelphia, Pa., 19[blank], Dear [blank], Greetings from the beautiful Golden Dragon, where I dined today. "Charlie" Kerr's Orchestra is great., See related: Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112] - sheet number 112A05., Sheet number: 112B04., Divided backs.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- [ca. 1925]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112]
- Title
- Parade, Li Hung Chang's visit to Philadelphia, Pa
- Description
- View of the parade celebrating the arrival of Chinese statesmen, diplomat, and military general Li Hongzhang (1823-1901) in Philadelphia on September 3, 1896. Shows Li Hongzhang, wearing a mustache and attired in a cap and tunic, riding in a horse-drawn carriage driven by two white men. Members of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, attired in uniform, ride on horseback around the carriage and hold out their swords across the opening of the carriage. Several horse-drawn carriages follow in the procession. A large crowd of men and women spectators stand in the street surrounding the carriages to watch. In the right, people are visible standing on awnings and ledges and peering out of windows from the buildings lining the street. Several trolleys and carriages are parked in the right. Li Hongzhang traveled extensively in 1896, visiting Russia, Britain, Europe, the United States, and Canada to promote Chinese diplomatic interests and trade. He arrived in Philadelphia at the Germantown Junction train station on September 3, 1896. Hongzhang and other members of his party then traveled by carriage in a parade procession accompanied by police on bicycles and on horseback, members of the Reception Committee in carriages, and the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, attired in uniform and on horseback. They journeyed to Independence Hall, then to Market Street, past City Hall, and down Broad Street., Title printed on mount., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1897 by B.W. Kilburn., Photographer's imprint printed on verso: Photographed and published by B.W. Kilburn, Littleton, N.H., Pink curved mount with rounded corners., Gift of Linda Kimiko August, 2024., See related: Stereo - Kilburn - Processions [P.2024.31.1].
- Creator
- Kilburn, B. W. (Benjamin West), 1827-1909
- Date
- 1897
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Kilburn - Processions [P.2024.31.2]
- Title
- The Inasmuch Mission
- Description
- Reproduction of a drawing of a busy street scene with the four-story "Inasmuch Mission Men's Hotel and Restaurant" at 1019 Locust Street, Philadelphia. Completed in 1913, the mission house, the exterior resembling a warehouse, rehabilitated "fallen" men through religious and social services. Scene includes views of the nearby markets adorned with awnings under which men and women shoppers peruse displays, converse, and stand idle. The African American man, attired in a bowler hat, a shirt, a jacket, pants, and shoes, stands leaning against the awning pole with his hands in his pockets. In the right, the Chinese man, wearing a queue and attired in a tunic, pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes, stands against a wall and looks down the street away from the viewer. A horse-drawn wagon and pedestrians traverse the street. In the left, a man organ grinder with a monkey entertains children standing on the sidewalk., Copyrighted., Drawn by artist in 1914., See accompanying pamphlet containing the artist's descriptions of the views, "Ever-Changing Philadelphia" (Philadelphia: Frank H. Taylor), p. 6., Accessioned circa 1916., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
- Creator
- Taylor, Frank H. (Frank Hamilton), 1846-1927, artist
- Date
- [drawn 1914, printed 1915]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Taylor - Case 11-6 [2717.F]
- Title
- Race Street in Philadelphia's Chinatown
- Description
- View looking down Race Street in Chinatown. Includes storefronts adorned with buntings, awnings, and flags. Pedestrians, horse-drawn carts and carriages, and cyclists crowd the thoroughfare. Probably taken during Chinese diplomat and statesmen Li Hongzhang's visit to Philadelphia on September 3, 1896., Publisher's imprint printed on mount., Title printed on mount., Curved gray mount with rounded corners., Date inferred from type of mount., Gift of Raymond Holstein.
- Creator
- Berry, Kelley & Chadwick
- Date
- [ca. 1896]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Holstein stereo - Streets - Race Street [P.2011.47.1937]
- Title
- Parade, Li Hung Chang's visit to Philadelphia, Pa
- Description
- View of the parade celebrating the arrival of Chinese statesmen, diplomat, and military general Li Hongzhang (1823-1901) in Philadelphia on September 3, 1896. Shows members of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, attired in uniform, and riding on horseback in rows. Crowds of men and women spectators stand on the sidewalk and street to watch. In the right, people are visible standing on awnings and ledges and peering out of windows from the buildings lining the street. Several trolleys and carriages are parked in the right. Li Hongzhang traveled extensively in 1896, visiting Russia, Britain, Europe, the United States, and Canada to promote Chinese diplomatic interests and trade. He arrived in Philadelphia at the Germantown Junction train station on September 3, 1896. Hongzhang and other members of his party then traveled by carriage in a parade procession accompanied by police on bicycles and on horseback, members of the Reception Committee in carriages, and the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, attired in uniform and on horseback. They journeyed to Independence Hall, then to Market Street, past City Hall, and down Broad Street., Title printed on mount., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1897 by B.W. Kilburn., Photographer's imprint printed on verso: Photographed and published by B.W. Kilburn, Littleton, N.H., Pink curved mount with rounded corners., Gift of Linda Kimiko August, 2024., See related: Stereo - Kilburn - Processions [P.2024.31.2].
- Creator
- Kilburn, B. W. (Benjamin West), 1827-1909
- Date
- 1897
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Kilburn - Processions [P.2024.31.1]
- Title
- Ruins of the National Theatre, s.e. cor. of Chestnut and Ninth St
- Description
- Watercolor showing a view of the ruins of the National Theatre built in 1837 at 824-836 Chestnut Street, which was razed by fire on July 5, 1854. Shows partial fragments of the brick walls left standing. A broadside or poster is pasted on a fragment of the brick wall in the center. Bricks and debris are visible on the ground. Partial view of unburnt adjacent building in the left and in the background. The fire also destroyed the neighboring Philadelphia Museum known as the Chinese Museum built circa 1836-1838 after the designs of Isaac Holden at Ninth and Sansom Streets. The museum served as an exhibition space including the display of Nathan Dunn's Chinese artifact collection, and as a concert, public meeting, and lecture space., Title and date from manuscript note on accompanying mount., Manuscript on the note reads "R.H. Wells" but is likely mistaken and probably should read "C.H. Wells" who created many sketches for Charles A. Poulson., Originally part of Poulson scrapbook of illustrations of Philadelphia.
- Creator
- Wells, C.H., (Charles H.), approximately 1832-1884, artist
- Date
- March 1857
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *drawings & watercolors - Wells [P.8756.11]
- Title
- Japan tea pavilion, Sesqui Centennial Exposition
- Description
- Exterior view of the Japanese Tea House at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia held from May to November, 1926. Shows the front facade of the two-story, Japanese-style building. Paper lanterns flank the front door and hang along the exterior of the building. In the right, men sit at the tables in the porch. The Japanese Tea House was one of three buildings in the Japanese Garden. The Sesquicentennial Exposition, situated near the Navy Yard, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through attractions and entertainment in the form of pageants, exhibitions, and sporting events., Title from manuscript written on negative., Date inferred from event date., Series no. written on negative: 149.
- Date
- 1926
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Sesquicentennial [P.8609.138]
- Title
- [Peace Jubilee, Naval Day, Japanese cruiser Kasagi on the Delaware River]
- Description
- Photograph showing the Japanese cruiser Kasagi in the Naval Parade on the Delaware River during the Peace Jubilee on October 25, 1898. The cruiser has two engine stacks and a Japanese flag flies on a pole at the rear. Two row boats filled with men float close to the cruiser, and a steamship travels in the left. Philadelphia honored the end of the Spanish-American War with the Peace Jubilee celebration from October 25-28, 1898. In addition to war ships, the naval procession included yachts, steamers, tugs, barges, and rowboats. The last warship in the line was the Kasagi, recently built at William Cramp & Sons’ shipyard in Philadelphia. Captain Kashiwabara, with the Japanese officers and crew, lined the deck in full dress., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from date of event., Gift of Albert L. Doering.
- Creator
- Doering, William Harvey, 1858-1924, photographer
- Date
- October 1898
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department lantern slides - Doering [P.9453.278]
- Title
- [Exterior view of the Formosa Tea House]
- Description
- Exterior view of the Formosa Tea House at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia held from May to November, 1926. Shows the front facade of the Japanese-style building. An American and a Japanese flag flank the front door and side entrance in the right. Paper lanterns and an additional Japanese flag hang from the open windows of the porch in the right. Women attendees walk around the Tea House. The Formosa Tea House was one of three buildings in the Japanese Garden. The Sesquicentennial Exposition, situated near the Navy Yard, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through attractions and entertainment in the form of pageants, exhibitions, and sporting events. Japan annexed Formosa (ie. the island of Taiwan) in 1895 and remained in control until 1945., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from event date., Series no. written on negative: 113., See related: Sesquicentennial [P.8609.3].
- Date
- 1926
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Sesquicentennial [P.8609.127]
- Title
- [Return of 28th Division parade in Philadelphia, welcome home, passing Independence Hall May 15, 1919]
- Description
- Photograph depicting soldiers of the 28th Division of the Army marching past Independence Hall at 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia at the homecoming parade on May 15, 1919. Shows the soldiers carrying rifles and marching in formation down the street. In the right, spectators sit in bleachers and watch the parade. A banner on the post of the bleachers reads, "Boureuilles." American and Allied flags, including a Japanese flag, decorate the buildings. Police officers stand flanking the parade route. A photographer takes photographs standing on a stone urn on the sidewalk in the left. The 28th Infantry Division represents the Pennsylvania National Guard and was also called the "Iron Division" and “Keystone Division.” The Division served in World War I, including at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry., Title and date from manuscript note written on verso., See related: photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.44-51].
- Date
- May 15, 1919
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.45]
- Title
- [Peace Jubilee, Naval Day, Japanese cruiser Kasagi on the Delaware River]
- Description
- Photograph showing the Japanese cruiser Kasagi in the Naval Parade on the Delaware River during the Peace Jubilee on October 25, 1898. The cruiser has two engine stacks and American and Japanese flags fly on the masts. Buildings along the shore are visible in the left background. Philadelphia honored the end of the Spanish-American War with the Peace Jubilee celebration from October 25-28, 1898. In addition to war ships, the naval procession included yachts, steamers, tugs, barges, and rowboats. The last warship in the line was the Kasagi, recently built at William Cramp & Sons’ shipyard in Philadelphia. Captain Kashiwabara, with the Japanese officers and crew, lined the deck in full dress., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from date of event., Gift of Albert L. Doering.
- Creator
- Doering, William Harvey, 1858-1924, photographer
- Date
- October 25, 1898
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department lantern slides - Doering [P.9453.277]
- Title
- John F. Patton, York, Penn'a
- Description
- Trade card promoting John D. Patton and depicting a catamaran with a dragon on the sail. Shows a vignette of a wooden catamaran with a red sail decorated with a dragon traveling on the water. Four men, attired in white shorts, sit and stand on the boat. A large crane and other birds fly in the sky. Vignette is set over a red background with decorative leaves and a scroll with the advertising text. John F. Patton relocated to York, Pennsylvania from Baltimore and started his drug business in 1869., Title from item., Dare inferred from content., Advertising text printed on verso: You will never go amiss, if you go to Wallick’s Book Store, to make your purchases, books and stationery, pictures & frames, and a great variety of fancy goods. Remember Wallick’s Book Store. The city drug store is the best place in York, to buy drugs, medicines, chemicals, toilet articles, perfumery, &c., &c. and John F. Patton, is the man to sell them to you, and don’t you forger it., Gift of William H. Helfand.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Helfand Patent Medicine Trade Card Collection - Pharmacists - Patton [P.9828.6582]
- Title
- Ruins of museum building. Ninth below Chestnut Street
- Description
- Photograph depicting the fire ruins of the Philadelphia Museum known as the Chinese Museum built circa 1836-1838 after the designs of Isaac Holden at Ninth and Sansom Streets. Shows partial fragments of the brick walls left standing. Bricks and debris are visible on the ground. The Museum served as an exhibition space, including the display of Nathan Dunn's Chinese artifact collection, and as a concert, public meeting, and lecture space until razed by fire on July 5, 1854., Title from Poulson inscription., Date inferred from content., Attributed to Richards & Betts., Originally part of a series of eleven scrapbooks compiled by Philadelphia antiquarian Charles A. Poulson in the late 1850s entitled "Illustrations of Philadelphia" unidentified volume, page 13b. The scrapbooks contained approximately 120 photographs by Philadelphia painter and pioneer photographer Richards of 18th-century public, commercial, and residential buildings in the city of Philadelphia commissioned by Poulson to document the vanishing architectural landscape, Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Reproduced in Kenneth Finkel's Nineteenth century photography in Philadelphia (New York: Dover Publications, Inc. in cooperation with the Library Company of Philadelphia, 1980), entry #158., 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. 14., Arcadia caption text: The Chinese Museum, built 1836-1838 after the designs of English architect Isaac Holden, was a veritable multi-use venue. The two-story marble building exhibited Nathan Dunn’s impressive collection of wax figures dressed in authentic Chinese clothing set amidst Chinese furniture, decorations, and rooms along with the Philadelphia Museum Company’s holdings of artist Charles Willson Peale’s collection of paintings, bones, stuffed animals, and curiosities. Between 1842 and 1844 both museums left the building due to decreased attendance and profits, but the space at the northeast corner of Ninth and Sansom streets capable of holding 8,000 people continued to host balls, political conventions, plays, lectures, public meetings, and exhibitions, such as the Exhibition of American Manufactures sponsored by the Franklin Institute, pictured above in October 1844. The smoldered remains of the building are shown below, after a devastating fire destroyed it on July 5, 1854., Richards & Betts was a partnership between Frederick DeBourg Richards and John Betts circa 1854-1857.
- Creator
- Richards & Betts, photographer
- Date
- July 1854
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - Richards - Fires [(5)2526.F.13b]
- Title
- [Front facade to Lubin's nickeleon movie theater]
- Description
- Shows the front facade to one of the motion picture theaters built for Philadelphia motion picture entrepreneur Siegmund Lubin. The exterior of the theater is heavily decorated with architectural ornaments, predominately female figures. In the center, shows the ticket booth with a sign that reads, "Lubin's 5¢." There are four sets of double doors. Above the doors in the left is a sign reading, "Entrance to Theatre. Box Office" with a finger pointing left. An African American man, attired in a cap, a white collared shirt, tie, and suit jacket and pants, holds a broom and stands in between the first two sets of doors. A second broom leans against the wall beside him. In the left is a door that reads on the glass, "Filling's Wine Room." Adjacent building in the right has two visible signs, "Der Doo" and a partial view showing "Chinese" probably a Chinese restaurant. Der Doo (1874-1929?) emigrated from China to Baltimore in 1900. He opened Chinese restaurants in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. He served as president of the Chinese Reform Association, which sought to repress the opium trade., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, with corrections.
- Date
- [ca. 1920]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - theatres [P.9260.450]
- Title
- [Exterior view of the Formosa Tea House]
- Description
- Exterior view of the Formosa Tea House at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia held from May to November, 1926. Shows the front facade of the Japanese-style building. An American and a Japanese flag flank the front door and side entrance in the right. Paper lanterns and an additional Japanese flag hang from the open windows of the porch in the right. Men, women, and children attendees walk around the Tea House. The Formosa Tea House was one of three buildings in the Japanese Garden. The Sesquicentennial Exposition, situated near the Navy Yard, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through attractions and entertainment in the form of pageants, exhibitions, and sporting events. Japan annexed Formosa (ie. the island of Taiwan) in 1895 and remained in control until 1945., Title supplied by cataloger., Date written on negative: 7-[25]-26., Series no. written on negative: 144. 2604., See related: Sesquicentennial [P.8609.127].
- Date
- 1926
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Sesquicentennial [P.8609.3]
- Title
- [Diners at the India pavilion]
- Description
- Exterior view of people dining at tables outside of the India Pavilion designed to resemble the Moghul style of the Taj Mahal at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia held from May to November, 1926. Shows men and women seated at tables outdoors situated behind the arches and columns decorating the India Pavilion. The Sesquicentennial Exposition, situated near the Navy Yard, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through attractions and entertainment in the form of pageants, exhibitions, and sporting events. The India Pavilion was not officially sponsored by the government of India. The Taj Mahal Trading Company of London built the structure, and it contained displays of brassware, carpeting, inlaid woodwork, jewelry, and artwork. The building also held a restaurant, a tea sampling room, reading room, and an imitation jungle., Title supplied from cataloger., Date inferred from series date., Series no. written on negative: 139., See related: Sesquicentennial [P.8609.118; P.8609.121].
- Date
- 1926
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Sesquicentennial [P.8609.92]
- Title
- [Liberty loan parade on Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia]
- Description
- Photograph depicting the reviewing stand and a large crowd of spectators in front of 11th District Police Station at 1217 Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia during the Liberty Loan parade on April 6, 1918. Shows the police station decorated with American flags and Allied flags, including French, British, and Japanese. In front of the building is a large reviewing stand filled with men and women, including police and military officers. Eight women are dressed depicting Liberty, and there are three Boy Scouts. The stand is decorated with American flags and liberty loan posters. A large crowd of spectators faces the stand. People are visible standing in the windows of the buildings. The United States Treasury in conjunction with the Federal Reserve issued Liberty Loans, also known as Liberty Bonds, to finance the cost of America’s participation in the war. Four Liberty Loans were issued on April 24, 1917, October 1, 1917, April 5, 1918, and September 28, 1918 raising a total of 17 billion dollars. A fifth bond called the Victory Liberty Loan was issued on April 21, 1919. Subscribing to bonds was promoted as a patriotic duty., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from manuscript note written on verso: April 6th, 1918. Police station house between Montgomery Ave. and Berks St., Phila., See related: photo - unidentified - processions [8932.3-12]., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, with corrections.
- Date
- April 6, 1918
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - processions [P.8932.3]
- Title
- Cathay Restaurant, 1221-23 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa Music, dancing, broadcasting
- Description
- Interior view of the Cathay Restaurant located at 1221-1223 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Shows the view from the second-floor staircase, looking down at the main dining room on the first level and the balcony sections that flank the main stairway. Depicts on the first floor, a line of red tray holders for waitstaff in the left and rows of white table-clothed dining tables and chairs. On the balconies are additional rows of white table-clothed dining tables and chairs. The edges of the balcony are lined with different-colored figurine lamps with fringed shades. Colored paper lanterns and a chandelier hang from the ceiling. The Cathay restaurant, also called the Cathay Tea Garden, was a Chinese restaurant that had a large dance floor where musicians and bands played. They also broadcasted a live radio show. The restaurant closed in 1973., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Numbered 95415 on verso., Sheet number: 112A03., Divided back.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- [ca. 1920]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112]
- Title
- South China Restaurant
- Description
- Clipping from a serial advertising the South China Restaurant located at 913 Race Street, Philadelphia and containing typography and pictorial elements. Includes Chinese characters and text promoting lunch and dinner at the restaurant. A black border surrounds the text., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Text printed on recto: Authentic Delicious Oriental Dishes, Luncheon 35¢ Dinner 50¢, Facilities for Parties; Modern and Pleasant. Phone--Mar. 9140., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
- Date
- [ca. 1939]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department ephemera - advertisements - South [P.2023.27.5]
- Title
- Japanese Com. Dwelling
- Description
- Exterior view of the front elevation of the Japanese Commissioner's Dwelling designed by Matsuo-Ehe for the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Shows the front entrance and porch, wooden lattice-work on the first floor, and wooden panels on the second floor. Also shows an ornate folding screen in the front doorway. The dwelling was used to house Japanese workers. The Centennial Exhibition celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art., Title on negative., Date from item., Photographer's imprint printed on mount and on verso. Imprint on verso contains initials "CPC" in decorative border surmounted by date range 1776-1876., Series number on negative illegible., White curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Centennial Photographic Co.
- Date
- 1876
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Centennial Photographic Co. [P.9600.5]
- Title
- A Chinese laundry in Philadelphia
- Description
- Interior view of a Chinese owned and operated laundry in Philadelphia. In the center, shows the owner of the business attired in a top hat, white collared shirt, bowtie, suit jacket, waistcoat, and pants. He sits in a wooden chair with his legs crossed and smoking a cigarette as he supervises the workers. The four Chinese men laundry workers wear queue hairstyles and are attired in tunics, pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes. In the left, two men stand behind the counter and iron, one of whom spits water from his mouth onto the laundry. In the right, the man stands facing the viewer with his hand on top of his head while a man irons from another countertop. Steam rises up from the irons. There is a storage closet with the door partially open revealing shelves with folded laundry. More stacks of folded laundry sit on the countertops. In the right foreground, there are five irons warming on a heater and two baskets of laundry. A clock hangs on the wall., Title from item., Date and publication information from original source., Published in the June 3, 1876 issue of the Graphic, a British weekly illustrated newspaper., Text description of the engraving from the Graphic, p. 542: A Chinese Laundry in Philadelphia. Though not nearly so numerous as in California, where their presence has recently excited extreme hostility among the white working classes, the Chinese are to be found, though few and far between, in the Eastern States. There are several Chinese laundries in Philadelphia, and as they have only been recently introduced from California, they are almost as much objects of interest to Philadelphians as to foreigners. Our artist came across the laundry shown in our engraving unexpectedly. As soon as the Chinamen perceived him sketching it through the window, they rushed out and shouted after him, whereupon he made off, thinking it prudent to avoid a scene. The Celestial in European dress is the "boss," or master, who owns several laundries, and who attends to the customers and business arrangements. The manner of damping the clothes preparatory to ironing is peculiar, the operator fills his mouth with water, and squirts it over the linen., Gift of Linda Kimiko August., RVCDC
- Date
- June 3, 1876
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Ph Pr - 8x10 - Businesses - Chinese Laundry [P.2023.27.1]
- Title
- [View of the Centennial Machinery Hall with people from all nations]
- Description
- Block-printed wallpaper depicting an exterior view of Machinery Hall designed by Henry Pettit and Joseph M. Wilson for the Centennial Exhibition of 1876, which celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art in West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Horse-drawn carriages bring visitors to and from the Hall. A large crowd of spectators walk on the grounds. In the foreground, people from various nationalities and ethnicities are represented including Native Americans attired in feather headdresses; two men, including a Black man, attired in fez hats; two Chinese men, one carrying a fan, attired in conical hats and robes; two Arab men in white headdresses and robes; and a Scottish man attired in a kilt. Other spectators include a man attired in a sailor’s uniform, men and women couples, and young boys., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content., Gift of David Doret., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1876]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department ***Doret and Mitchell Collection – Prints [P.2022.62.3.49]
- Title
- [Naval Parade on the Delaware River during the Peace Jubilee]
- Description
- Photographs of ten views of the Naval Parade on the Delaware River during the Peace Jubilee on October 25, 1898. The ships depicted are the Tug Philadelphia; Japanese cruiser Kasagi; Texas; Topeka; Columbia; Mayflower; Marblehead; New Orleans; Gloucester; and the Transports Panther and Olivette. The Japanese cruiser Kasagi is depicted with two engine stacks, lines of nautical and national flags, and Japanese flags flying on the masts. Crew men are visible walking and standing on the deck and on the staircase on the side of the ship. Philadelphia honored the end of the Spanish-American War with the Peace Jubilee celebration from October 25-28, 1898. In addition to war ships, the naval procession included yachts, steamers, tugs, barges, and rowboats. The last warship in the line was the Kasagi, recently built at William Cramp & Sons’ shipyard in Philadelphia. Captain Kashiwabara, with the Japanese officers and crew, lined the deck in full dress., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from manuscript note on verso., Gift of Ann L. Wood.
- Creator
- Butler, Walter L., photographer
- Date
- October 25, 1898
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department albums [P.2016.32.13-22]
- Title
- Main entrance Taj Mahal Sesqui Centennial exposition
- Description
- Exterior view of the India Pavilion designed to resemble the Moghul style of the Taj Mahal at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia held from May to November, 1926. Shows the front entrance of building with a large dome, arches, and columns. A crowd of men and women attendees walk towards the entrance. Lawn in the foreground. The Sesquicentennial Exposition, situated near the Navy Yard, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through attractions and entertainment in the form of pageants, exhibitions, and sporting events. The India Pavilion was not officially sponsored by the government of India. The Taj Mahal Trading Company of London built the structure, and it contained displays of brassware, carpeting, inlaid woodwork, jewelry, and artwork. The building also held a restaurant, a tea sampling room, reading room, and an imitation jungle., Title from negative., Date inferred from series date., Series no. written on negative: 130., See related: Sesquicentennial [P.8609.92; P.8609.118].
- Date
- 1926
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Sesquicentennial [P.8609.121]
- Title
- Chinatown. Looking north on Hutchinson Street which dead ends into Race Street
- Description
- View from Hutchinson Street towards the 900 block of Race Street, Philadelphia. Shows in the foreground a partial view of a car and the buildings flanking Hutchinson Street. In the center, depicts an exterior view of the four-story building at 919-921 and the three-story building at 923 Race Street. Part of the sign for the Shanghai Garden Restaurant at 919 is visible. The neighboring business has a storefront glass window which reads, "Hong Tai & [Co.] 921 Chinese Good[s]" with a display of merchandise. The adjacent building reads, "Fook Lee Co. 923" on the storefront glass window, and a seated man is visible inside., Title and date from label on verso., Photographer's imprint stamped on verso: Photo by Phila. Inquirer, Oct. 2, 1955., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
- Creator
- Irving, William, photographer
- Date
- Oct. 2, 1955
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - Irving (Phila Inquirer) [P.2023.27.6]
- Title
- [Full-length portrait of Tozo Ohno]
- Description
- Full-length, forward facing portrait of Tozo Ohno sitting in a rocking chair on a covered porch at Hill School, Pottstown, Pa. Shows Ohno wearing his hair parted to the left and attired in a white collared shirt, waistcoat with pocketwatch chain, suit jacket and pants, and lace-up boots. He sits in the rocking chair with his legs crossed and his hands on his lap as he looks directly at the viewer. The porch floor and covering are composed of wooden planks. Partial view of trees in the background. Tozo Ohno (1869-1896) converted to Christianity and was disowned by his father. He traveled to the United States where he worked as a farm laborer, domestic employee, teacher, and missionary. He spent three years at Toronto University. In circa 1893, he arrived at Hill School in Pottstown, Pa. where the principal, John Meigs, invited him to stay. Ohno lived at the school and became the minister of Bethany Chapel. He died of tuberculosis in October, 1896 in Pottstown., Title supplied by the cataloger., Date inferred from content and life dates of the sitter., Manuscript notes written on verso: In pen, "Tozou Ono about 1910." In pencil, "These pictures once belonged to my father so I don't know how old they are, I only remember some stories told about him. Valet to Prof. John Meigs."
- Date
- [ca. 1895]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | PRINT PRINT cabinet card portraits - sitter - Ohno [P.2025.51]
- Title
- R. Totani, importer of Japanese goods, 127 S. Eleventh Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Description
- Envelope for Reachero Totani's Japanese goods business located at 127 South 11th Street, Philadelphia. Envelope for Totani's business with decorative lines bordering the left corner. Addressed to Mrs. Alfred G. Baker, 1818 Spruce St., City [ie. Philadelphia]. Postmarked Philadelphia, PA, 1893 and has a one-cent stamp with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin. Reachero Totani married a white woman named Elizabeth in 1889 in New York City and is listed in the 1891 New York directory as a clerk. He is listed in the Philadelphia directories from 1893 to 1895 with his business as "Japanese goods" and "china." In Philadelphia, he was also an active member of the Japanese Club, a dinner club comprised of Japanese men that met monthly. Henrietta Rush Fales Baker (1838-1897) married Alfred Gustavus Baker (1831-1892) in 1862. Alfred was president of the Franklin Fire Insurance Company and then became the director of the Southwark National Bank. When Henrietta died, she left an estate of two million dollars., Title from item., Date inferred postmark date.
- Date
- [ca. 1893]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department ephemera - envelopes - Totani [P.2025.60]
- Title
- [Exterior view of the India pavilion]
- Description
- Exterior view of the India Pavilion designed to resemble the Moghul style of the Taj Mahal at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia held from May to November, 1926. Shows the front facade of building with a large dome, arches, and columns. The Sesquicentennial Exposition, situated near the Navy Yard, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through attractions and entertainment in the form of pageants, exhibitions, and sporting events. The India Pavilion was not officially sponsored by the government of India. The Taj Mahal Trading Company of London built the structure, and it contained displays of brassware, carpeting, inlaid woodwork, jewelry, and artwork. The building also held a restaurant, a tea sampling room, reading room, and an imitation jungle., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from event date., Series no. written on negative: 143. 2833., See related: Sesquicentennial [P.8609.92; P.8609.121].
- Date
- 1926
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Sesquicentennial [P.8609.118]
- Title
- “The Far East” Chinese Restaurant, Yuen Doon Low, 907 Race St. Phila, Pa. A refined first class restaurant
- Description
- Menu depicting an exterior view of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street, Philadelphia built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. The balconies are decorated with lanterns and plants. Two American flags and a Chinese Republic National Flag are on flagpoles on the restaurant. The cover has a border of bamboo plants. The menu is in English and organized with numbered dishes from 1 to 106 and “to avoid mistakes patrons are requested to order by number.” Categories are: “Soups”; “Chicken Specialties”; “Chop Suey”; “Boiled Soft Noodles”; “Beef Specialties”; “Pork Specialties”; “Chow Main”; “Omelettes and Eggs”; “Fried Rice”; “Sandwiches”; “Miscellaneous”; “Preserves, Cakes and Candies”; “Teas”; “Special Dishes”; and a prix fixe “Table d’Hote” with five different options and prices from 85 cents to $3 dollars per person. Menu notes that dining on the third floor incurs “an additional charge of five cents.” The menu also includes the hours of service and telephone number. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from content and active dates of the publisher., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
- Date
- [ca. 1920]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *ephemera - Menus - F [P.2023.27.4]
- Title
- Cathay Tea Garden, 1221-23-25 Chestnut St., Philadelphia
- Description
- Menu for the Cathay Tea Garden located at 1221-1225 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. The green and gold menu cover depicts a Chinese woman, attired in a dress and high-heeled shoes, raising her left hand to her chin as she faces the viewer. She stands on a balcony or bridge overlooking a landscape of trees and mountains under a moonlit sky. The menu is in English and organized by number in sections for “Wines and Liquors” (#1-167); “Chinese Menu” (#1-179); and “American Menu” (#181-383). The Chinese menu includes categories for chop suey, chow mein, Chinese omelettes, and a prix fixe “Table d’Hote” with three different options and prices from $1.25 to $2.50. The American menu includes categories for sea food, steaks, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant advertises music, broadcasting, and dancing from 12 to 2:00 P.M., 6 to 8 P.M., and 10 to 1 A.M. with a note that “our patrons are requested to dance only with their escorts. This rule is for the protection of both you and us.” A one sheet insertion, decorated with a red border of bamboo, promotes three Table D’Hote dinners for Tuesday, August 17th for 85 cents, $1.10, and $1.35. The Cathay Tea Garden, also called the Cathay Restaurant, was a Chinese restaurant that had a large dance floor where musicians and bands played. They also broadcasted a live radio show. The restaurant closed in 1973., Title from item., Date inferred from content and active dates of business., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
- Date
- [ca. 1930]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *ephemera - Menus - C [P.2023.43.7]
- Title
- Japanese Com.'s Dwelling
- Description
- Oblique, exterior view of the front and side elevations of the Japanese Commissioner's Dwelling designed by Matsuo-Ehe for the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Two men sit on the ground in front of the building. The walkway leading to the building is visible in the foreground. The dwelling was used to house Japanese workers. The Centennial Exhibition celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art., Title on negative., Date from item., Photographer's imprint printed on mount and on verso. Imprint on verso contains initials "CPC" in decorative border surmounted by date range 1776-1876., Series number on negative illegible., White curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Centennial Photographic Co.
- Date
- 1876
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Centennial Photographic Co. [P.9600.6]
- Title
- [Street decorations for Liberty Loan during the World War, Phila., Pa.]
- Description
- Photograph depicting buildings decorated and the Statue of Victory in front of City Hall, Philadelphia to promote the Victory Liberty loan. In front of City Hall is the Statue of Victory, which was unveiled on April 21, 1919 at the start of the Victory Loan drive. Drapes of fabric decorate City Hall. American flags and several flags from allies, including Great Britain and Japan, decorate the buildings on Broad Street, including the Girard Trust Corn Exchange Bank built in 1905 to 1907 after the designs of Furness, Evans & Co. with detailing by McKim, Mead and White. Pedestrians crowd the sidewalks and street. A bicylist stands in the left. Automobiles and a horse-drawn wagon travel down the street. Several artillery guns are along the the street. The United States Treasury in conjunction with the Federal Reserve issued Liberty Loans, also known as Liberty Bonds, to finance the cost of America’s participation in the war. Four Liberty Loans were issued on April 24, 1917, October 1, 1917, April 5, 1918, and September 28, 1918 raising a total of 17 billion dollars. A fifth bond called the Victory Liberty Loan was issued on April 21, 1919., Title from manuscript note written on verso., Date inferred from content., See related: photos - unidentified - events - World War I - [P.7066.Q.29]
- Date
- [ca. 1919]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.28]
- Title
- [General John Joseph Pershing greeting women representing Allied Nations at Independence Hall]
- Description
- Photograph depicting General John J. Pershing greeting women dressed as Allied nations at Independence Hall during the General's visit to Philadelphia on September 12, 1919. Shows Pershing, attired in uniform, smiling with his left hand out as he greets the women representing the Allied nations standing in the left. The women each hold large national flags on flagpoles. A woman, dressed as Britannia in a helmet and Union Jack dress, smiles at the General. In the left, partially obscured by a flag, is a woman attired in a floral print kimono representing Japan, who holds a Japanese flag. Mayor Thomas Smith walks behind the General holding his top hat in his right hand. Police officers stand in front of a crowd of spectators. General John Joseph Pershing (1860-1948) served as the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) during World War One from 1917 to 1920. His visit to Philadelphia on September 12, 1919, included a parade, receiving a medal, planting a memorial tree, presenting colors to cadets at Wanamaker's store, visiting Independence Hall, and a speech at the Union League. Thomas B. Smith was the Mayor of Philadelphia from 1916 until 1920., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from manuscript note written on verso., See related: photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.52-61].
- Date
- September 12, 1919
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.53]
- Title
- B.T. Creighton, chemist & pharmacist, N.E. cor. 3rd & Washington Ave., Phila Prescriptions compounded at all hours of day or night, from pure drugs, at reasonable prices and only by graduates in pharmacy
- Description
- Trade card promoting druggist B.T. Creighton and depicting a rectangular paddle fan. In the left, shows the hand-held fan decorated in red, blue, white, and gold with a butterfly. Stems of leaves behind the fan., Title from item., Date inferred from active date of advertised business., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of William Helfand.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Helfand Patent Medicine Trade Card Collection - Pharmacists - C [P.9828.5698]
- Title
- The Walnut Street Theatre, 119th and 120th season
- Description
- Program for performance of The Mikado or, The town of Titipu, the opera by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan at the Walnut Street Theater, Philadelphia in January, 1928. Includes a list of the cast of the two act opera; history of the Mikado; article on the upcoming performance of the musical Chicago; and an article on Winthrop Ames. Cover image shows a decorative stone structure with sphinx, satyr, women, and urns against a red background. Advertisements include: Chinese restaurants, King Joy, Mandarin Cafe, Cathay Tea Garden; Mirador restaurant; Frigidaire; Bonschur & Holmes, opticians; Locust Laundry; Joseph Rieder, money lender; and Stetson Hats., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of the stage production., Cast of performers include: John Barclay, William Williams, Fred Wright, William C. Gordon, J. Humbird Duffey, Lois Bennett, S. Russell Sterling, Bettina Hall, Vera Ross, George C. Lehrian, Paula Langlen. Settings & costumes: Raymond Sovey. Dances: Michio Ito. Stage Manager: John Clements. Winthrop Ames: Managerial sponsor of the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company., Advertisements for Philadelphia Chinese restaurants include: King Joy “Leading Chinese-American Restaurant, S.E. Corner 12th and Chestnut Streets. Art Coogan and His Orchestra, Broadcasting Nightly Thru W.I.P. The city’s most delightful Restaurant to dine and dance” and depicting a Chinese woman, attired in a tunic and pants, holding a parasol; Mandarin Café “1016-18 Chestnut St. Smartest Café in Town, Announcing Ruth Bott and Her Studio Girl Orchestra, First Girl’s Most Unique Orchestra in Philadelphia, Dancing”; and Cathay Tea Garden “Chinese-American Restaurant, 1223 Chestnut Street, Billy Hays, Popular Song Writer and His Cathay Tea Garden Dance Orchestra, Dancing” and depicting a Chinese woman, wearing her hair up and attired in a tunic, pants, and slip on shoes, holding a fan in each hand.
- Date
- 1928
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *ephemera -- Misc. - Walnut [P.2024.37]
- Title
- John Griffeth. Furniture warerooms, 119 N. Second St., Philad'a, PA A full assortment of chamber and parlor suits, mattresses and bedding, &c
- Description
- Trade card promoting John Griffeth's furniture store and depicting Asian decorative motifs and objects, including fans, a parasol, cranes, and mountains. Shows vignettes of: a parasol and two fans in a blue and white porcelain container; two standing cranes, one eating a frog; and two mountain peaks. John Griffeth established his furniture business in 1880., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business advertised., Purchased 2015.
- Date
- [ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Berman Trade Card Collection - Griffeth [P.2015.56.316]
- Title
- [Ralston family cased photograph collection]
- Description
- Collection of daguerreotype and ambrotype portraits, several by Norristown daguerreotypist William Stroud, portraying clergyman and founder of Oakland Female Institute James Grier Ralston, his wife Mary Anderson Larimore Ralston, their daughters, and his and his wife’s female siblings, and women teachers at the Institute. Contains bust-, half-, three-quarter, and full-length portraits of individual and pairs of sitters. Sitters are often seated, but a number of the portrait depicts sitters in a standing pose. The women’s and girl’s attire includes bonnets; off-the-shoulder bateau neckline dresses; high-neck, long-sleeved dresses with lace collars and cuffs; brooch and belt chatelaines; and earrings. Dresses worn by the female sitters are often a solid dark color, but occasionally are of a pattern design or light color. James Grier Ralston’s attire included broad bow ties, vests, jackets, and suits. Many of the images also contain props, including covered side tables, chairs, flowers, possibly an ambrotype, and a crumpled piece of cloth., Sitters in addition to James Grier Ralston and Mary Anderson Larimore Ralston include their daughters Anna Larimore Ralston, Ella Grier Ralston, Lilly Grier Ralston (who died at 11 months old), and Cora (Cara) Ralston; Institute music teacher Mrs. John Hunsicker, i.e., Fannie Henry Hunsicker (married by James G. Ralston); Mary’s sister and Institute graduate, Hetty Clark Larimore; and Institute teacher and sister of James, Agnes Caldwell Ralston; Institute graduate Martha (Mattie) Divine (Mrs. Fleming); and an unidentified woman., Posed portrait pairs include images of Mary Anderson Larimore Ralston and daughter Anna Larimore Ralston (P.2012.5.6) in which Anna sits in Mary’s lap with her mother’s hand on her head; and Anna Larimore Ralston and Ella Grier Ralston (P.2012.5.8) which Anna stands next to Ella who sits on a chair, while she rests her arm on a covered side table adorned with a basket of flowers; Anna Larimore Ralston and Fanny Hunsicker (P.2012.5.16) in which Fanny, seated, has her one hand at her hip and her other hand and arm around the waist of Anna who stands; and Hetty Clark Larimore and Mary Larimore Ralston (p.2012.5.17) in which the women are seated, side by side, and Hetty holds a bound object, possibly an ambrotype and Mary holds a crumpled white cloth., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from photographic medium and age and attire of sitters., Photographers include William Stroud (Norristown, Pa.) and Theodore L. Chase (Philadelphia, Pa.)., Various-shaped mats, including oval, elliptical, double elliptical, and non pareil., Various colored pads, including blue, red, and maroon velvet or silk, several with embossing. Embossings include photographer’s imprints and/or imagery. Imagery includes floral and geometric designs, scroll work, and eagles., Primarily leather cases, and one thermoplastic case. Case designs vary, but are predominantly rose and mixed flower designs, in addition to geometric, scroll, and quatrefoil designs. Designs also include Pressed Flower, plate 154; The Delicate Roses, variant, plate 123; A Spray of Roses, plate 131; Mixed Garden Flowers, plate 133; Two Lilies, variant, see plate 112 and 113 in American miniature case art by Floyd and Marion Rinhart (Cranbury, New Jersey: A.S. Barnes and Co., Inc., 1969)., Majority of sitters identified by accompanying slips of paper with manuscript notes., Several of the images contain pink tinting on the cheeks of the sitters., P.2012.5.4, P.2012.5.8, P.2012.5.11-15, P.2012.5.21 contains daguerrean's imprint on pad or inside rim of case. Various imprints include: William Stroud, Norristown; William Stroud's Skylight Gallery, Norristown, Pa.; Stroud’s Ambrotypes Norristown, Pa., P.2012.5.6 contains dagurrean's imprint on pad: Theodore L. Chase, N.E. cor. Chestnut & Fifth Sts., Fannie Henry Hunsicker was a woman of Chinese descent. Official records are conflicting as to whether she was born in China, at sea, or in Connecticut., Several of the images contain weeping glass deterioration, tarnished plates, or other damage., Inventory of collection available at repository., See Sarah Weatherwax, "Revealing the Ralston Family," The Daguerreian Society Quarterly (July-September 2021), p. 3-6., Clergyman James Grier Ralston (1815-1880) founded Oakland Female Institute in 1845 in Norristown, Pa. Ralston studied at the Theological Seminary at Princeton and headed the Female Seminary at Oxford, Chester Country, PA before establishing Oakland. He married Mary A. Larimore (1822-1891) in 1842 and they had four children Anna L. (1848-1902), Ella M.(1847-1924), Lillie G. (1852-1853) and Cara G. (1856-1928), with Lillie dying in infancy. Ralston’s children were educated and/or taught at Oakland, as did his sister Agnes C. Ralston. The Institute operated until 1880 and the death of Ralston
- Date
- [ca. 1845-ca. 1855]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department cased photos - Ralston Family [P.2012.5.1-22]
- Title
- Famous Japanese Prima Donna arrives in Philadelphia to make her American debut
- Description
- Portrait photograph showing Philadelphia Grand Opera Company manager Kathryn O'Gorman Hammer greeting Takane Nambu arriving by train. In the left, Nambu, attired in a kimono, a fur coat, and dress shoes, steps down the stairs of a train and looks at the viewer. She shakes hands with Hammer, attired in a hat, a dress, a fur coat, and heeled shoes, who stands on the tracks. Takane Nambu performed as Cio-cio-san in Madame Butterfly for the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company at the Academy of Music on January 12, 1928. She also performed for the Company as Ah-Joe in L'Oracolo at the Academy of Music on November 15, 1928., Title and date from label on verso., Distributor's imprint stamped on verso partially covered by label: [illegible] photo is supplied by [Ac]me News Pictures, 461 Eighth Ave, New York City, not to be used for syndication or advertising purposes without written permission., Typewritten label pasted on verso: P82244. Famous Japanese Prima Donna arrives in Philadelphia to make her American debut. Philadelphia. Takane Nambu, Japanese Prima Donna of the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo arrived here for her American debut, which will be on January 12th, at the Academy of Music, with the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company. She will appear in "Madame Butterfly." She is shown being greeted upon her arrival by Mrs. William C. Hammer, assistant manager of the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company. Your credit line must read [illegible]., Stamped on verso: Refered-E. Dept. Jan 18 28 CAM. N.E.A., Manuscript note written on verso: A20389., Typewritten note on verso: Same subject used N.Y.
- Date
- January 18, 1928
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department group portrait photographs – organizations - Philadelphia Grand Opera Company [P.2024.17.3]
- Title
- [Street decorations in front of City Hall during Victory Loan, World War]
- Description
- Photograph depicting buildings decorated and the Statue of Victory in front of City Hall, Philadelphia to promote the Victory Liberty loan. In front of City Hall is the Statue of Victory, which was unveiled on April 21, 1919 at the start of the Victory Loan drive. Drapes of fabric decorate City Hall. On the street in front of the Victory Statue is a design of a large V and smaller v's flanking the sides. American flags and several flags from allies, including Great Britain and Japan, decorate the buildings on Broad Street, including the Girard Trust Corn Exchange Bank built in 1905 to 1907 after the designs of Furness, Evans & Co. with detailing by McKim, Mead and White. Pedestrians crowd the sidewalks. The United States Treasury in conjunction with the Federal Reserve issued Liberty Loans, also known as Liberty Bonds, to finance the cost of America’s participation in the war. Four Liberty Loans were issued on April 24, 1917, October 1, 1917, April 5, 1918, and September 28, 1918 raising a total of 17 billion dollars. A fifth bond called the Victory Liberty Loan was issued on April 21, 1919., Title from manuscript note written on verso., Date inferred from content., See related: photos - unidentified - events - World War I - [P.7066.Q.28]
- Date
- [ca. 1919]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.29]
- Title
- F.P. Louderbough, graduate in pharmacy, cor. Tenth & Jefferson Sts. Philadelphia
- Description
- Trade card promoting pharmacist F.P. Louderbough and depicting racist caricatures of two Chinese men and a crane. In the left, shows the Chinese man, attired in a yellow robe with a red sash around the waist, standing and holding a pot by the handle in his right hand. To the right, the Chinese man, wearing a mustache and goatee and attired in a black hat, yellow robe, and a pink shirt with long sleeves, holds a bowl towards a crane. Decorative border surrounds the scene., Title from item., Dare inferred from content., Series no. on recto: 1700., Gift of William H. Helfand., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Helfand Patent Medicine Trade Card Collection - Pharmacists - Louderbough [P.9828.6373]
- Title
- The Savoy Co. 13th year producing Gilbert & Sullivan of era the Mikado at the Broad Street Theatre May 1913
- Description
- Program for performance of The Mikado or, The town of Titipu, the opera by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan at the Broad Street Theatre, Philadelphia from May 14 to 17, 1913 for the benefit of Philadelphia Lying-In Charity Hospital. Includes a list of the Savoy Company's previous performances from 1901; history of the Savoy Company; article on Gilbert and Sullivan's operas; list of members of the Savoy Company; cast of performers of the Mikado; article on the Philadelphia Lying-In Charity Hospital; and cast of performers of every previous Savoy Company production. Cover image by artist Franz de Merlier and depicts the Mikado, or Emperior standing attired in a red hat and patterned kimono. In the right, a Japanese man, wearing a chonmage hairstyle and red kimono, sits on the floor. A line of four men, wearing chonmage hairstyles and patterned kimonos, hold swords in their right hands., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of the stage production., Advertisements on the inside covers and 7 p. of ads at the back.
- Date
- 1913
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *ephemera -- Misc. - Savoy [P.2024.36]
- Title
- F.P. Louderbough, graduate in pharmacy, cor. Tenth & Jefferson Sts. Philadelphia
- Description
- Trade card promoting pharmacist F.P. Louderbough and depicting racist caricatures of Japanese acrobats. Shows four barefooted, Japanese men, attired in red patterned kimonos, balancing, swinging, and flipping on two bamboo beams., Title from item., Dare inferred from content., Series no. on recto: 1700., Gift of William H. Helfand., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Helfand Patent Medicine Trade Card Collection - Pharmacists - Louderbough [P.9828.6374]
- Title
- Centennial Exhibition Souvenir Fan
- Description
- Souvenir fan commemorating the Centennial Exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. Folding fan with thirty blades including guards. Shows the Main Building at Fairmount Park, designed by Henry Pettit and Joseph M. Wilson. Numerous men and women visitors walk the grounds in front of the building. A Japanese woman, wearing her hair up with Kanzashi hair decorations, and attired in a pink, blue, and red kimono, stands holding a fan. Red roses grow at her feet. In the right, a Japanese woman, wearing her hair up and attired in a blue, red, and pink kimono, holds a red fan in her left hand, and in her right hand she holds the hand of a young Japanese boy, attired in a yellow and red kimono. The verso depicts a bird perched on a branch with pink and red flowers, and the silhouette of two birds against a blue background. Text printed across the top lists the names and addresses of Philadelphia hotels: “Irving House. 817 Walnut St.; Guy’s. Cor. 7th St. and Chestnut; Colonnade. Cor. 15th St. and Chestnut; St. Cloud. 709 Arch St.; La Pierre. Broad St. Below Chestnut; Girard. Corner Ninth and Chestnut; Continental. Corner Ninth & Chestnut; Bingham. Corner 11th St. and Market St.; American. 517 Chestnut St.; Merchant’s. 42 North 4th St.; Washington. 711 Chestnut St.; Markoe. 919 Chestnut St.” Additional text includes, “Main Building, International Exhibition. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. 1876. Length 1880 feet. Width 464.”, Gift of Linda Kimiko August, 2023.
- Date
- [ca. 1876]
- Location
- OBJ 924
- Title
- W.F. Potteiger, druggist, N.W. corner Fourth and Spruce Streets, Reading, PA
- Description
- Trade card promoting pharmacist William F. Potteiger and depicting a white woman attired in a kimono, probably an actress in character from the opera The Mikado or, The town of Titipu, by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Shows the woman wearing her hair up and decorated with fans and attired in a blue kimono with gold cranes, peach-colored obi, and purple skirt. She holds a peach-colored fan in her right hand and turns her head to the right with her left hand up. She stands on a fur rug., Title from item., Date inferred from active dates of the advertised business., Gift of William H. Helfand., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1886]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Helfand Patent Medicine Trade Card Collection - Pharmacists - Potteiger [P.9828.6624]
- Title
- Chas. Richardson, dealer in fine groceries, butter, eggs, flour, lard, fruit & poultry in season, s.e. cor. Belgrade & Crease Sts., Philadelphia
- Description
- Trade card promoting grocer Charles Richardson and showing a man clerk helping two women shopping in the grocery store. The man stands behind the counter and holds a scoop to weigh the product on a scale. Two women shoppers stand in the right, one holding a basket. In the left is an advertising statue of a Chinese man wearing a long mustache and attired in a cap; long-sleeved, mandarin collared shirt; balloon pants, and cloth slip-on shoes. The statue is on a pedestal with Chinese characters. Products displayed for sale include a ham, barrel of oil, and brooms., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Purchased 2015., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Berman Trade Card Collection - Richardson [P.2015.56.717]
- Title
- Compliments of John Wanamaker & Co. Clothiers, Chestnut below Ninth
- Description
- Trade card promoting dry goods merchant and clothier John Wanamaker & Co. and depicting a caricaturized Japanese boy playing a stringed instrument to a small dog. In the center, the boy, attired in a multi-colored, patterned kimono, geta shoes, and a straw conical hat, plays a stringed instument. In the left, a small black-and-white dog stands on his hind legs., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business advertised., Stamped on recto: Branch House, No. 10 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh., Purchased 2015., John Wanamaker and his brother-in-law Nathan Brown formed Wanamaker & Brown and opened the store Oak Hall at Sixth and Market Streets in 1861. Brown died in 1868. In 1869, the firm became John Wanamaker & Co., and he opened a store at Eighth and Chestnut Streets. John Wanamaker's Grand Depot at Thirteenth and Market Streets, opened in 1876 to cater to Centennial Exhibition crowds.
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Berman Trade Card Collection - John Wanamaker & Co. [P.2015.56.463]

