Record Source: Other PACSCL Partners / Subject: Steamboats - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Extent:: 14.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The Craven Hall Historical Society, previously the Citizens for the Preservation of Craven Hall, was organized in Warminster Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1978. Today the organization owns and operates both Craven Hall, a Federal/Greek Revival home built in stages between 1790 and 1845 that is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the John Fitch Steamboat Museum, dedicated to the inventor of the world's first commercial steamboat. The Craven Hall Historical Society records, 1900-2013 (bulk 1978-2013), contain materials relating to the restoration of Craven Hall and the construction of the John Fitch Museum as well as general Historical Society records. In addition to records created by the Historical Society, this collection includes research materials compiled by the Historical Society on Craven Hall and John Fitch.

Held at: Craven Hall Historical Society [Contact Us]

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Andrea Sutcliffe is the author of Steam: The Untold Story of America's First Great Invention, a book published in 2004. Steam is about John Fitch, inventor of the first American engine capable of propelling a boat and proprietor of the world's first commercial steamboat service. The Andrea Sutcliffe book research files for "Steam," circa 2000-2004, consist mostly of copies of secondary articles about Fitch with some correspondence, copies of primary source documents, and research notes.

Held at: Craven Hall Historical Society [Contact Us]

Extent:: 1.66 linear feet (12 volumes)
Abstract:: The Red D Line was the main transportation link between the United States and Venezuela from 1820 to 1936. The line took its trade name from the red D on its white flag, which stood for the line's founder, John Dallett, a Philadelphia merchant. Dallett travelled to Venezuela in 1823, where he went into business with the influential Venezuelan merchant, John Boulton. Dallett returned to Philadelphia and set up a business shipping cargoes to Boulton, and in 1838 began chartering sailing vessels to carry his merchandise. The Red D Line records house a sampling of business and financial records of the shipping line from 1861 to 1936. There are twelve volumes.

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]

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