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Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area photograph and film collection, circa 1880-2013

Extent:

36.5 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 photograph and film collection, circa 1880-2013, consists primarily of photographic prints, with some slides, picture postcards, film negatives, photograph albums, a few glass plate negatives, and 16mm film reels that document various aspects of Phoenixville's history.

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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Woman's Club of Phoenixville records, 1903-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.5 linear feet

Abstract:

The Woman's Club of Phoenixville, one of the two oldest women's clubs in the state, was organized in 1884, granted state federation in 1897, and incorporated into the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1901. As of 2013, its goal is "to develop the educational, civic and social interest of its members and to advance the welfare of the community." The Woman's Club of Phoenixville records, 1903-2010, consist of eight scrapbooks (1958-1978), about six minute books (1959-2010), annual reports/membership directories (1903-circa 2005, incomplete), and a few other materials from the Club.

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

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Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area collection of obituaries and wedding announcements, 1983-2005 (inclusive)

Extent:

5.25 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 collection of obituaries and wedding announcements, 1983-2005, consists of newspaper clippings from The Phoenix, mostly obituaries with some coverage of other life events such as marriage announcements, birthdays, and profiles. The Historical Society tapered off clipping and filing in the late 1990s, but continues to maintain a database index of obituaries published after that time.

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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Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area local manuscripts collection, circa 1800-2000

Extent:

27.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Phoenixville, which was incorporated as a borough in 1849 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, evolved from a late-17th 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 local manuscripts collection, circa 1800-2000, includes various original manuscript materials relating to the people, families, organizations, and businesses in the Phoenixville area.

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

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Borough of Phoenixville records, 1880-1960 (bulk) 1858-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:

15.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Phoenixville in Chester County, Pennsylvania was settled in 1732 and incorporated as a borough in 1849. In its industrial heyday early in the twentieth century, it was an important manufacturing center. The Borough of Phoenixville records, 1858-1998 (bulk 1880-1960), include borough financial records, water department records, police department records, ordinances, and various other materials from the Borough of Phoenixville and subsidiary departments.

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

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Hungarian American Citizens Club records, 1937-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.75 linear feet

Abstract:

The Hungarian American Citizens Club was founded in Phoenixville (Chester County, Pennsylvania) in 1925. It offered members a place to socialize and celebrate Hungarian culture, while simultaneously encouraging them to learn English and practice good citizenship. The club closed in early 2001 due to waning membership. The Hungarian American Citizens Club records, 1937-1991, include minute books, financial records, and an attendance book.

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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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]