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W.S. Sample, Jr. film reels and scrapbooks of Phoenixville High School music, 1934-1955 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Walter Scott Sample, Jr. was a well-known band director in Phoenixville (Chester County, Pennsylvania), known as "the John Philip Sousa of the area." After becoming music director for Phoenixville High School in 1934, Sample started a marching band that gained attention for innovative routines and high quality of performance. The W.S. Sample, Jr. film reels and scrapbooks of Phoenixville High School music, 1934-1955, document Sample's work with the Phoenixville High School music department. It includes about one dozen 16mm color and black and white film reels of performances and seven scrapbooks of photographs, programs and ephemera, clippings, and related materials.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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Phoenix Iron Company records, 1879-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Established in 1790 and incorporated in 1855, the Phoenix "works" produced nails, railroad rails, Civil War cannons, and structural steel. Among its well known products were the Griffen Gun, 1861, and the Phoenix Column, 1862. In the 1860s the Phoenix Bridge Company was created as a separate division. The Phoenix works closed in 1987. The Phoenix Iron Company records, 1879-1985, include employee records, utility usage readings, stockholder minutes, correspondence, specifications and work orders, financial papers, contracts, shipping postcards, annual reports, and various other company records.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area subject files, circa 1850-2013

Extent:

53.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Phoenixville, which was incorporated as a borough in 1849 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, evolved from an early 18th century village. The history of the town largely mirrored the history of the Phoenix Iron Company which became hugely successful in the mid-19th century with the advent of the railroad. The Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area subject files, circa 1850-2013, consist primarily of photocopied primary-source documents, newspaper clippings, and research articles that relate to numerous aspects of Phoenixville's history. It also contains a fair amount of original documents, principally pamphlets, small printed works, and ephemera, as well as some photographs, deeds, and manuscript pages. The collection is organized into series and subseries by subject; the largest series are Genealogy and Phoenix Iron Company / Phoenix Steel Company.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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F.B. Neiman & Son Funeral Home registers, 1905-1966 (inclusive)

Extent:

3.2 linear feet

Abstract:

Frederick Bickel Neiman, Sr. (1879-1954) was an undertaker who owned and operated F.B. Neiman Funeral Home in Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Frederick B. Neiman, Jr. (1905-1978), continued in his father's profession, and the business became F.B. Neiman & Son Funeral Home. F.B. Neiman & Son Funeral Home registers consist of the home's registers from its founding in 1905 until 1966, as well as some financial records. Most registers provide a significant amount of biographical information for each decedent.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Phoenixville lodges records, 1847-1974 (inclusive)

Extent:

5.75 linear feet

Abstract:

An altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) was originally organized in England in the 18th century. Established in the United States in 1819, it was the first national fraternity to include both men and women (beginning in 1851). Branches of the I.O.O.F. were started in Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1847. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Phoenixville lodges records, 1847-1974, document the Phoenixville iterations of the I.O.O.F. over a 125-year period. The collection includes records of Phoenix Lodge No. 212, Phoenix Encampment No. 79, Adelaide Rebekah Lodge No. 42 (women's auxiliary), and the local Three Link Club (junior division). Minutes form the largest portion of the collection, but there are also membership records, financial records, ephemera, and other related materials.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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Forge Theatre records, 1962-2003 (inclusive)

Extent:

5.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Forge Theatre is a nonprofit community theater group based in Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Formed 1962, the group is still active as of 2013. The Forge Theatre records, 1962-2003, include scrapbooks, newsletters, meeting minutes, programs, framed certificates, and banners from the group.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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Phoenixville Chapter No. 713 of the American Association of Retired Persons scrapbooks and photograph albums, 1969-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Chapter No. 713 of the American Association of Retired Persons in Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania was founded in 1969 and is still active as of 2013. Nationally, the AARP promotes the well-being of older persons through advocacy, education, and service. The Phoenixville Chapter No. 713 of the American Association of Retired Persons scrapbooks and photograph albums, 1969-1986, consist of ten volumes. The scrapbooks include newsletters, clippings about the AARP, ephemera, and some administrative records such as membership lists, correspondence, and meeting minutes.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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Phoenixville schools attendance registers, 1858-1900 and 1925-1957

Extent:

3.33 linear feet

Abstract:

Phoenixville, which was incorporated as a borough in 1849 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, evolved from an early 18th century village. The history of the town largely mirrored the history of the Phoenix Iron Company, which became hugely successful in the mid-19th century with the advent of the railroad. The Phoenixville Area School District is located in northern Chester County, several miles west of Valley Forge Park. The district covers three municipalities: Phoenixville Borough, Schuylkill Township, and East Pikeland Township. The Phoenixville schools attendance registers, 1858-1900 and 1925-1957, primarily are from elementary schools in the Phoenixville School District. Also included are some superintendent yearly reports and statistical information.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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Central Evangelical Lutheran Church records, 1883-1968 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Central Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1875 and closed in the late 20th century. The Central Evangelical Lutheran Church records, 1883-1968, consist mostly of Church Council minutes and treasurer's reports, with some Ladies Aid Society minutes, membership lists, and various other records of the church.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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Martha McAvoy King collection on Chester County (Pa.) human services, circa 1950-1980

Extent:

1.5 linear feet

Abstract:

Martha McAvoy King (1904-1997) of Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania was a life-long activist-volunteer and leader in local civic affairs. Specifically, she was involved in numerous social service programs relating to health and human services, education, and housing. The Martha McAvoy King collection on Chester County (Pa.) human services, circa 1950-1980, includes papers relating to her volunteer activities, primarily her involvement with Chester County's Children's Services Advisory Committee and the county's housing authority. Materials include reports, correspondence, minutes, financial papers, and membership lists.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]