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Chemical Leaman Tank Lines Inc. collection, 1942-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:

3.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Chemical Leaman Tank Lines was at one time the largest tank truck carrier in the nation, transporting chemicals, coal tar derivatives, petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, and other liquid, dry, and gas products throughout most of the United States and Canada. It grew from a family trucking operation that was started in 1913. Prior to a 1998 merger, the company was based in Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Chemical Leaman Tank Lines Inc. collection, 1942-1998, consists mainly of promotional materials such as printed annual reports, pamphlets, and press releases, as well as internal memos, press shots, financial documents, and a few other administrative records, mostly relating to the creation of the promotional materials.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Donald Greenleaf family papers, 1867-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:

5.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Donald J. Greenleaf (born 1932) is a long-time resident of the Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania area, who has held multiple positions in the Borough of Downingtown's government. Other family members were also prominent citizens and businessmen in the community. The Donald Greenleaf family papers, circa 1880-2000, primarily consist of slides and some photographs and film negatives of Downingtown and nearby areas. Also present in the collection are materials from Greenleaf's Pharmacy, ephemera from Downingtown area organizations, newspaper clippings, deeds, borough government records, and other materials.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Northwood Cemetery Company records, 1871-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.5 linear feet

Abstract:

The Northwood Cemetery Company (Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania) was incorporated in 1871 with the goal of establishing and maintaining a burial site beautified through art and nature. The cemetery is still active as of 2014. The Northwood Cemetery Company records, 1871-1995, consist of administrative, financial, and burial records. Of note is a burial ledger, 1871-1907, listing the name, date and cause of death, and age of people buried in the cemetery.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Jane L. S. Davidson research files for "A History of Downingtown", 1914-1985 (bulk 1981)

Extent:

1.5 linear feet

Abstract:

Jane L. S. Davidson (1939-2012) of Chester County, Pennsylvania was an award-winning advocate for historic preservation, long-time Chester County Historic Preservation Coordinator, and co-founder of the Chester County Historic Preservation Network. The Jane L. S. Davidson research files for "A History of Downingtown," 1914-1985 (bulk 1981), consist of research materials and notes used by Davidson to write A History of Downingtown (1982).

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Rotary Club of Downingtown records, 1932-2005 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Abstract:

The Rotary Club of Downingtown was established in 1926 in Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Part of Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Downingtown is a social and service organization dedicated to promoting service through four "avenues": Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service. The Rotary Club of Downingtown records, 1932-2005, consist of minutes, financial records, correspondence, membership materials, newsletters, clippings, photographs, and other materials relating to the Rotary Club of Downingtown, and the state, district, and national chapters of Rotary International to which it belonged.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Downingtown Area Historical Society General Archives collection, 1843-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:

20.0 linear feet

Abstract:

The Borough of Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania is located halfway between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Known as Milltown in the 18th century since it was the location of the last mills on the edge of the unsettled western frontier, the village became known as Downingtown after the War of 1812; the borough was incorporated in 1859. Improved transportation, by stagecoach, railroad, and eventually highways, drew increasing population and investment to Downingtown over the 19th and 20th centuries. The Downingtown Area Historical Society General Archives collection, 1843-2012, consists of various small accumulations of records (less than one linear foot) from businesses, clubs, organizations, individuals, and families based in or near Downingtown.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Woman's Club of Downingtown records, 1914-2007 (inclusive)

Extent:

15.0 linear feet

Abstract:

The Woman's Club of Downingtown (Chester County, Pennsylvania) was organized in 1914 and is still active as of 2014. Its mission is "to develop the educational, civic, and special interests of its members and to advance the welfare of the community." It was federated in the General Federation of Women's Clubs for most of its history, but disaffiliated in 2001. The Woman's Club of Downingtown records, 1914-2007, consist of various administrative, financial, and other records from the club's founding in 1914 through the beginning of the 21st century. A detailed inventory of the collection is available on-site.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Downingtown Area Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1870-1991

Extent:

7.0 linear feet

Abstract:

The Borough of Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania is located halfway between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Known as Milltown in the 18th century since it was the location of the last mills on the edge of the unsettled western frontier, the village became known as Downingtown after the War of 1812; the borough was incorporated in 1859. Improved transportation, by stagecoach, railroad, and eventually highways, drew increasing population and investment to Downingtown over the 19th and 20th centuries. The Downingtown Area Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1870-1991, consists of photographs and postcards depicting the people, businesses, churches, organizations, and schools of the Downingtown area.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Brandywine Lodge No. 388 (Downingtown, Pa.) records, 1850-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.5 linear feet

Abstract:

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) is an altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization not based in any particular ethnic, religious, or trade affiliation. Brandywine Lodge No. 388, I.O.O.F. in Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania was incorporated in 1852, absorbed Pilgrim's Lodge (Lionville, Pa.) in 1974, and itself merged into Star of Hope Lodge 199 I.O.O.F. (previously of Coatesville, Pa.) in 2001. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Brandywine Lodge No. 388 (Downingtown, Pa.) records, 1850-1980, include minute books (1918-1926), officers books (1850-1962), building-related documents, and other materials.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Downingtown Area Historical Society ephemera collection, 1978-2014 (bulk) 1909-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:

3.0 linear feet

Abstract:

The Borough of Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania is located halfway between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Known as Milltown in the 18th century since it was the location of the last mills on the edge of the unsettled western frontier, the village became known as Downingtown after the War of 1812; the borough was incorporated in 1859. Improved transportation, by stagecoach, railroad, and eventually highways, drew increasing population and investment to Downingtown over the 19th and 20th centuries. The Downingtown Area Historical Society ephemera collection, 1909-2014 (bulk 1978-2014), documents the people, businesses, churches, organizations, and schools of the Downingtown area. Newsletters, pamphlets, maps, programs, copies and print-outs of research articles, and other types of ephemera are included.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]