- Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: George Sheaff (1779-1851), a wine merchant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased the Highlands Mansion in 1813. Sheaff was interested in "progressive" agriculture and scientific farming, and the grounds blossomed under his hand. His family was the first to reside at The Highlands year-round, and members of the Sheaff family occupied the mansion for 102 years. The Sheaff family papers, 1797-1904, consist primarily of daily journals of the Sheaff family, which were kept from 1838 to 1904. The collection also contains property plans, wills and estate records, and newspaper advertisements for the property.

Held at: Highlands Historical Society [Contact Us]

Extent:: 6.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Caroline Sidney Sinkler (1860-1949) was born in South Carolina and purchased The Highlands from the Sheaff family in 1917. She left the property to her niece, Emily Wharton Sinkler Roosevelt (1884-1970). Emily Roosevelt, wife of Nicholas Guy Roosevelt, bequeathed the Highlands to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since 1970, the Highlands has been owned by the Commonwealth and been administered by the non-profit Highlands Historical Society. The Sinkler and Roosevelt family papers, 1915-1957, include correspondence, property plans, newspaper clippings, a few photographic reproductions of paintings, and several copies of a family tree. Nicholas Roosevelt's correspondence (1892-1930) and Emily Wharton Sinkler's correspondence (1902-1916) make up the bulk of the collection.

Held at: Highlands Historical Society [Contact Us]

Extent:: 3.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Settled by Quakers beginning in 1680, the small town of Langhorne in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, grew as an important transportation center between Trenton and Philadelphia due to its location at the intersection of major roads connecting the two cities. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town, which served as a stop along the rail line, became a popular summer vacation destination for wealthy Philadelphians. The Historic Langhorne Association house histories, circa 1975-2012, consist of binders and file folders with information, including chronologies and photographs, on all of the homes in the Borough of Langhorne. Additional information is available for older, historic properties.

Held at: Historic Langhorne Association [Contact Us]

Extent:: 1.8 linear feet (2 containers, 10 volumes)
Abstract:: The Philadelphia Flower Show’s history extends back to 1829, when the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) hosted its first public horticultural exhibition in Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street, called the “Spring Flower Show.” Three years later, in 1832, PHS hosted the first fall “Harvest Show.” The Harvest Show (at times called the “Autumnal Exhibit”) immediately became an annual event. In addition, from time to time, PHS hosted or participated in daffodil, rose, peony and other flower shows. The exhibitions were both large and small, and at times competitive. The Spring Flower Show, which was initially held intermittently, was an annual event by 1871. This is a collection of minute books and finance books of the Philadelphia Flower Show, Inc., from its inception in 1927 to 1996. The collection includes the charter and bylaws of the organization; minutes of monthly, annual and special meetings; correspondence; a small number of legal documents; investments and income reports;...(see more)

Held at: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society [Contact Us]