- Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Extent:: 3.36 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection consists of preliminary artwork, dummies, mechanicals, wood blocks, and proofs for the books Little Una (1963) and Plop, Plop, Ploppie (1962) by children's author and illustrator Elizabeth Olds (1896-1991). There is also a screen print of Three Alarm Fire, which was the basis for the book The Big Fire (1945).

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

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]

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]

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]

Extent:: 0.1 linear feet
Abstract:: The collection consists of a piece of preliminary artwork and a dummy by cartoonist and children's author William Steig (1907-2003), for the book Sylvester the Magic Pebble (1969).

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

Extent:: 0.71 linear feet
Abstract:: Hendrik Willem Van Loon (1882-1944) was a journalist, historian, radio personality, writer, and illustrator who published more than fifty books on history for a children and adults. The Van Loon papers include a typescript for A Short History of Discovery (1917) with original color illustrations.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

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]