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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute aviation photograph collection, 1934-1947 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.25 linear feet
Abstract:
Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1824, in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most important science institutes in the nation. Its mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute aviation photograph collection, 1934-1947, consists of approximately one hundred photographic negatives depicting airports, airplane repair and manufacturing plants, airplanes, autogiros, airships, and other images related to aviation.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute stereoscope card collection, circa 1873-1914

Extent:
3.5 linear feet
Abstract:
Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1824, in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most important science institutes in the nation. Its mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute stereoscope card collection, circa 1873-1914, consists of small amounts of stereoviews depicting various scenery from the United States and locations in Europe and Asia. Also in the collection are images related to the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia, PA and Coleman Sellers's Kinematoscope.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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M. Carey Lea opalotypes and manuscripts, circa 1840s-1890s

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Matthew Carey Lea (1823-1897) was a lawyer and chemist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his later years, Lea focused specifically on the chemistry of photography and made a number of contributions to the field, including publishing several hundred articles and a book on photography and developing a photochemical called Carey Lea Silver. M. Carey Lea opalotypes and manuscripts, circa 1840s-1890s, consists of just over forty opalotype photographs and two manuscripts.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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Ivy Mills financial records, 1783-1866 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Ivy Mills, located in what is now the community of Glen Mills in Concord Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, was established in 1729 by Thomas Willcox and his partner Thomas Brown. One of the earliest paper mills in operation in the American colonies, Ivy Mills rose to prominence, supplying paper to Benjamin Franklin for his print shop and to the American colonies and the Continental Congress for their currency. After the establishment of the United States, Ivy Mills continued to be the leading supplier of bank note paper for the federal government and also supplied banks across the western hemisphere with paper. The mill's ownership passed down through the Willcox family until 1866 when it ceased operations. Ivy Mills financial records, 1783-1866, consist of the mill's financial records, a glass plate negative of the mill, and paper samples.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute subject files, 1792-1943 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.5 linear feet
Abstract:
Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1824, in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most important science institutes in the nation. Its mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute subject files, 1792-1943, consist of files arranged alphabetically by subject containing a variety of primary and secondary-source documents related to each topic. The subject headings in the collection include Assorted Industry, Assorted Machines/Technology, Aviation, Cars, Deeds, Electricity, Maps, People, Newspaper Clippings, Patents, The Franklin Institute, Trains, Printing/Typing, and other topics.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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John Scott portrait negatives of scientists, circa 1920-1930s

Extent:
7.5 linear feet
Abstract:
John Scott was a photographer. John Scott portrait negatives of scientists, circa 1920-1930s, consist of approximately 2,500 film negatives of portraits of male and female scientists from the United States and around the world. The negatives are labeled with the name and field of study of the scientist, as well as a school with which they are associated or a location.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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D. G. McCaa papers on radio, 1909-1930 (inclusive)

Extent:
4.0 linear feet
Abstract:
D. G. McCaa (1882-1954) was a doctor and a pioneer in the field of radio engineering from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area. He is best known today for his noise-reduction circuits in AM radio.The D. G. McCaa papers on radio, 1909-1930, consist of materials relating to McCaa's work in radio, including twenty-five assorted lab notebooks, patents and patent correspondence, and other related papers.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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Oliver Evans papers on patents, manufacturing and business matters, 1793-1818, 1900

Extent:
0.67 linear feet
Abstract:
Oliver Evans (1755-1819) was a pioneer in automation, materials handling, and steam power whose innovations gave great impetus to the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Evans was among the first Americans to recognize the advantage of combined heat and power, or cogeneration. Later in his career, much of his time was spent on patent infringement lawsuits. The Oliver Evans papers on patents, manufacturing and business matters, 1793-1818, 1900, consist primarily of correspondence, as well as legal documents relating to Oliver Evans' patent infringement cases including summons, court papers and proceedings, sworn testimony and statements, and financial records.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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William N. Jennings scrapbook, photographs, and negatives, 1882-1937 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
William N. Jennings (1860-1946) was a photographer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania best known for being credited with the first successful photograph of lightning and his work in aerial photography. William N. Jennings scrapbook, photographs, and negatives, 1882-1937, consist of Jennings's scrapbook documenting his efforts to photograph lightning, including prints of the first photograph of lightning, as well as photographs, film negatives, and glass plate negatives of people at street scenes in Philadelphia, PA and nearby areas. There is also one oversized item consisting of mounted images of lightning.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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Frederick Graff maps, technical drawings, and plans on Philadelphia (Pa.) water engineering projects, circa 1683-1875

Extent:
2.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Frederick Graff (1775-1847) was a hydraulic engineer best known for designing Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's landmark Fairmount Water Works in the 1810s. He subsequently served as consulting engineer for water works in New York, Boston, and many other cities. After Graff's death in 1847, his son, Frederick Graff, Jr. (1817-1890), took over the role of chief engineer for the Philadelphia Water Department. Frederick Graff maps, technical drawings, and plans on Philadelphia (Pa.) water engineering projects, circa 1683-1875, consist of maps, drawings, and plans related to both the elder and younger Graff's work as water engineers. Most of the materials relate to the Fairmount Water Works, but some pertain to other water engineering projects in Philadelphia.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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Orville and Wilbur Wright papers on aeronautical engineering, 1889-1930 (inclusive)

Extent:
8.5 linear feet
Abstract:
Brothers Orville (1871-1948) and Wilbur Wright (1867-1912) were American inventors and pioneers in the field of aviation, best known for being credited with building and flying the first successful airplane. The Orville and Wilbur Wright papers on aeronautical engineering, 1889-1930, include notebooks, data sheets, graphs, technical drawings and blueprints, photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings and other materials related to the brothers' aeronautical efforts.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History local history collection, 1796-2009 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Northeast Philadelphia is one of the largest sections of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bounded by the Delaware River, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Tacony and Frankford Creeks. Before the City of Philadelphia was consolidated in 1854, the area was made up of several independent townships and boroughs, many of which had been settled in the 17th century by Swedes and Welsh and English Quakers. Industry developed early in the Northeast's history due to its proximity to several creeks and Philadelphia, but its population did not experience large growth until the 20th century. The Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History local history collection, 1796-2009, is comprised of small groups of materials from various local families, businesses, and historians.

Held at: Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History [Contact Us]

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Tacony Creek Park Maps, Plans and Drawings, 1950-1975 (bulk) 1903-1983 (inclusive)

Extent:
3.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Located in the northeastern region of Philadelphia, Tacony Creek Park is a long and narrow park comprising approximately 300 acres of land along Tacony Creek- roughly half of which is designated natural lands. Established by city ordinance in 1915, this park runs from the Tookany Park corridor in Montgomery County and is bounded on the south by Frankford Creek. Tacony Creek Park operates a number of recreational facilities as an integral part of the community, and has also been home to the Juniata Golf Course since 1930. Within Tacony Creek Park exists miles of recreational trails, and is home to one of the few urban meadows in the Philadelphia area.

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]

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Centennial Exhibition Plans and Drawings Collection, circa 1876

Extent:
1000.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Centennial Exhibition, officially designated the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine, marked the first World’s Fair to be held in the United States. While it was an international event, the theme of the fair was clearly American as the impetus to hold the event was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the achievement of American independence. Operating from May 10th to November 10th, 1876, the fair hosted over ten million visitors- or roughly 1/5 of the population of the United States at the time. Thirty seven international countries participated in the event, along with 26 states. The Exhibition promoted international commerce, and was a place where one could view a large number of diverse products in one location. Visitors could easily walk from an exhibit on Japanese art, to one of products produced by West Virginians. It was an excellent opportunity for all, particularly Americans removed the...(see more)

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]

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Cobb's Creek Maps, Plans and Drawings Collection, 1902-2003

Extent:
0.5 linear feet
Abstract:
Part of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park System, Cobb’s Creek Park has a rich and diverse history of transformative use. Located in the western and southwestern regions of Philadelphia, Cobb’s Creek Park was developed alongside the Cobb’s Creek watershed and contains approximately 800 acres of preserved land. Park development along such watersheds is fairly unique to the city of Philadelphia, and is not nearly as common in other urban park systems. While Cobb’s Creek is the predominant waterway for the region, the park is also the site of tributaries such as Naylor’s Run and Indian Creek. Cobb’s Creek Park offers a variety of public recreational attractions. The natural beauty of the park has popularized activities such as hiking and biking, while park recreation centers offer swimming pools, baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, ice skating, roller skating and campgrounds. There are two municipal golf courses available, as well as the Cobb’s Creek Community Environmental...(see more)

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]

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Neighborhood Park Maps, Plans and Drawings Collection, 1922-1983 (bulk) 1860-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:
20.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Included in this collection are maps, plans, and drawings of some of the locations operated by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. It primarily contains documentation on smaller neighborhood parks and squares. In addition to operating these locations, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department also cares for street trees throughout the city, and a small number of records related to prominent streets (particularly Roosevelt Boulevard) are also included in this collection.

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]

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