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Leary and Company (Leary's Bookstore) archives, 1840s-1969

Extent:

21.0 boxes and and 91 volumes

Abstract:

William A. Leary, was a small-time book seller in 1836 when he journeyed to Philadelphia to establish a sidewalk book stall on North Second Street. As business prospered, Leary moved to several different locations, finally settling at 138 North Second Street which was right next door to the Camel Tavern, a landmark in Philadelphia. Leary’s Book Store specialized in selling inexpensive, second—hand books. Because of its large inventory and cheap prices, Leary’s developed a national reputation. In addition to selling and buying books, Leary expanded his base of operations by venturing into the publishing business in the 1850s. William A. Leary, Jr. took over the book store in 1865. Stuart and Charles Mann purchased the store from the Leary Estate in 1876. Under the Stuart’s management, Leary’s became one of the largest old book dealers in the world. As more people moved to and shopped in the suburbs, Leary’s customer base declined. Leary’s went out of business on November 20, 1968....(see more)

Held at: Temple University Libraries Special Collections Research Center [Contact Us]

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American publishing, printing, and book-related ephemera collection, 1827-1961 (inclusive) 1852-1961 (bulk)

Extent:

0.4 linear_foot (1 box)

Abstract:

This is a collection of Book-of-the-Month club news, mailings, and offers along with a few examples of other book-seller related materials such as advertisements, catalogs, lists, and financial and business documents, mostly receipts. The bulk of the collection is from the years 1850 to 1961 with a few outlying documents from the 1820s to 1840s.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Alan and Lois Fern collection of Leonard Baskin and Gehenna Press material, 1957-1971 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear_foot (1 box and oversized folder)

Abstract:

Leonard Baskin (1922-2000) was a figurative sculptor, graphic artist, poet, printer, and founder of the Gehenna Press. This collection documents the printed works of Leonard Baskin and his Gehenna press through announcements; cards; exhibition advertisements; invitations; printing examples, bookplates, and keepsakes; printed complete works; and prospectuses and catalogs.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Fowler and Wells phrenological character readings, ephemera, and printed material, 1840-1910 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.4 linear_foot (1 box)

Abstract:

This collection contains materials related to the study and practice of phrenology, specifically as espoused by American phrenologists Orson Squire Fowler, Lorenzo Niles Fowler, Charlotte Fowler Wells, Lydia Folger Fowler, and Samuel Roberts Wells, who together make up the company Fowler and Wells. Fowler and Wells was the most prolific disseminator of phrenological materials throughout the nineteenth century. The materials in this collection range from extended, personal analyses of individuals, to advertisements and ephemera about phrenological publications, to original editions of the American Phrenological Journal.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Raymond H. Ferris collection of theater programs, 1881-1901 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.33 linear_foot (1 box)

Abstract:

Raymond H. Ferris (1890-1972), a University of Pennsylvania administrator, collected playbills and programs from Philadelphia theaters, dating from 1881 to 1901. The collection features playbills from the Academy of Music, Arch Street Theatre, Association Hall, Chestnut Street Opera House, Congress Spring Park, Eleventh Street Opera House, Garrick Theatre, Grand Opera House, Haverly's Theatre, McCaull's Opera House, New Arch Street Opera House, New National Theatre, Park Theatre, Philadelphia Lyceum, Temple Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, and Winter Circus.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Michael Zinman collection of World's Fairs and Expositions material, 1851-2000 (inclusive) 1873-1992 (bulk)

Extent:

6 linear feet (8 boxes)

Abstract:

Wolrd's fairs and expositions have been held internationally from 1851 and continue into the present. This collection comprises written materials, memorabilia, and, to a more limited extent, other materials such as photographs and musical recordings from or related to world's fairs and expositions that took place between 1851 and 1992. Most expositions recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) are represented, as well as many that are not officially recognized by the BIE. Some non-world's fair events are also represented to a limited extent. While events from around the world are featured in the collection, it primarily centers on expositions that occurred in the United States.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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University of Pennsylvania Dental Medicine Library miscellaneous manuscripts, 1841-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.04 linear feet (3 boxes)

Abstract:

This material comprised part of the Dental Library's historical collection. It contains material on the history of the Thomas W. Evans Museum and Dental Institute School of Dentistry University of Pennsylvania, the profession of dentistry, and biographical information on dentist Thomas W. Evans.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Fahnestock, French and Co. ledger, 1871-1872 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.1 linear feet (1 volume)

Abstract:

Fahnestock, French and Co. was a firm of merchants operating in the nineteenth century in Chicago, Illinois. Located at 393 West Madison Street, the firm sold the Gold Medal Sewing Machine and was also contracted to sell the Walking Motion Treadle for Sewing Machines by Keith, Baldwin & Co. This collection consists of a sales, advertising, and commission ledger, dated from 1871-1872, an alphabetized index book corresponding to the ledger, advertisements, blank bill heads, a contract, and an instruction booklet.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Philadelphia Orchestra Association records (personnel files), 1887-2012 (inclusive) 1900-2009 (bulk)

Extent:

35 linear feet (35 boxes)

Abstract:

The Philadelphia Orchestra was founded in 1900, and has developed and maintained its status as a prominent symphonic ensemble throughout its existence. Its history informs and intersects with the broader history of music in the twentieth century, as well as numerous historical movements, events and developments on a regional, national and global scale. This portion of the collection comprises personnel files. These materials document members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Orchestra staff, guest artists, student competition winners, and other persons who worked for or with the Orchestra including publicity firms, legal counsel and printers. This collection is not fully processed. While materials listed here have been processed and are available for research, a significant portion of the collection, labeled "unavailable," remains in process and cannot be consulted at this time. As soon as additional portions of the collection are completed they will be made available via additions...(see more)

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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William H. Trueman collection of dental advertisements, circa 1900 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.1 linear_foot (1 volume)

Abstract:

This album contains about twenty reprographic copies of dental advertisements (published between 1767 and 1828) collected by William H. Trueman (1842-1927). Trueman, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, practiced dentistry in Philadelphia for over fifty years and was an authority on the subject of dental history. The images in this album primarily advertise the services of individual dentists, and together provide information about this profession in the late eighteenth century United States.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]