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Free Library of Philadelphia collection of home management ephemera, 1880-1950 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection includes advertising ephemera about cleaning, laundry, and kitchen products, mostly marketed to women who managed their own home.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Fine Press prospectuses and ephemera, 1955-1982 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.33 linear feet

Abstract:

The collection contains material from fine presses and individual printers received by the Rare Book Department of the Free Library of Philadelphia. The bulk of the items are prospectuses, but the collection also includes greeting cards, keepsakes, printed advertisements, and samples.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Oliver Goldsmith papers, 1758-1798 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.11 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection is comprised of letters and other documents to and from Oliver Goldsmith. The first series has letters and documents from members in his literary circle as well as documents related to Oliver Goldsmith’s works. The second series is composed of contracts between Oliver Goldsmith and John Newbery.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Munro Leaf papers, 1918-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:

15.46 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection contains the literary papers of author and illustrator Munro Leaf (1905-1976), with materials dating from 1918 to 1986. Manuscript drafts and illustrations from fifty-eight titles are represented (including fourteen titles produced as part of his work for the US Army and the Foreign Service). In addition to graphite and pen and ink illustrations and manuscript drafts, the collection includes audiovisual materials, clippings, correspondence, dummies, ephemera, photographs, promotional materials, proofs, published volumes, and a scrapbook. Of particular note: the original manuscript for The Story of Ferdinand (1936) as well as a sizeable collection of materials related to the book and its many adaptations; both published and unpublished art and drafts for the Can Be Fun series; and a large quantity of materials related to Munro Leaf’s Watchbirds, serialized in Ladies Home Journal and published in six compilations.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Free Library of Philadelphia Collection of Literary Manuscripts, 1666-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:

23.0 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection contains letters, manuscript fragments, autographs, and other documents by famous authors. The material dates from 1666 to 1990 with the bulk of the collection consisting of letters written by the authors to various friends with some letters to editors or critics.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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A. Edward Newton collection, 1892-1941 (bulk) 1808-1966 (inclusive)

Extent:

8.0 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Philadelphia book collector A. Edward Newton (1864-1940). The bulk of the materials are book manuscripts, correspondence, keepsakes, and newspaper clippings, with published volumes cataloged separately. The collection relates to his book collecting activities and was primarily compiled by his son, E. Swift Newton, with additional material given by various donors.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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19th Century playbills, 1852-1902 (bulk) 1803-1939 (inclusive)

Extent:

29.25 linear feet (117 volumes (many volumes are boxed))

Abstract:

The 19th Century playbills collection contains a range of material related to theater culture in nineteenth century Philadelphia and in selected other theaters across the northeastern United States. Researchers will find nineteenth century playbills from the following Philadelphia theaters: the Walnut Street Theatre, the Academy of Music, the Arch Street Theatre, the Chestnut Street Theatre, National Theatre (Walnut Street), the National Theatre (Chestnut Street), the Melodeon, and the Continental Theatre. There are also playbills from the Chestnut Street, Arch Street, and 11th Street opera houses. This collection contains an assortment of scrapbooks which include newspaper clippings, photographs, and reviews of actors and performances. The majority of scrapbooks were assembled by various theater enthusiasts; however ten were compiled by theater producer and director Paul E. Glase, who was active in the Philadelphia theater scene during the early twentieth century. Because the...(see more)

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Beatrix Potter collection, 1900-1943 (bulk) 1884-2004 (inclusive)

Extent:

40.64 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection consists of material created by or about the children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. It contains correspondence, original artwork, manuscripts, collectibles, research material, and ephemera collected by the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Norman H. and Charlotte Strouse collection of letters of the presidents, 1780-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.4 linear feet

Abstract:

This is a collection of manuscript letters of presidents of the United States dating from 1780 to 1993 collected by Norman H. Strouse. All of the presidents are represented except for Abraham Lincoln, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan. The letters and other documents relating to Abraham Lincoln have been separated into their own collection at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Older letters are generally more substantive, with more recent letters mostly being short notes of thanks.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Ed Wynn papers, 1907-1966 (bulk) 1890-1966 (inclusive)

Extent:

6.0 linear feet (8 boxes)

Abstract:

This collection contains the correspondence and papers of actor and comedian Ed Wynn. The collection includes ideas for gags, box office records for staged productions, telegrams, postcards, 65 publicity photographs, 50 gag magazines, and family papers and mementos. There are also approximately 300 newspaper and magazine clippings about Wynn and his productions as well as 20 printed posters and artwork in various media of Wynn.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]