Philadelphia Area Archives

Historical Society of Montgomery County township boxes, circa 1887-2012

Extent:: 30.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Montgomery County Historical Society township boxes, circa 1887-2012, consist of government reports/publications, local historians' research and writings, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and ephemera relating to and organized by subdivisions of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Held at: Historical Society of Montgomery County [Contact Us]

Marsella Photo Studio photographs, 1950-1968 (bulk) 1896-1968 (inclusive)

Extent:: 12.3 linear feet
Abstract:: Julius Caesar Marsella (1913-1965) and his father Ercole Marsella (1887-1941) were proprietors of a photography studio in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The Marsella Photo Studio photographs, 1896-1968 [bulk 1950-1968], depict local businesses, colleges, churches, residences, people, etc.

Held at: Historical Society of Montgomery County [Contact Us]

Donnaldson family papers, 1773-1915 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.25 linear feet
Abstract:: John Donnaldson (1754-1831) was a merchant and insurance broker who owned shares in the Canton, the first ship to sail from Philadelphia to China in 1785-1787. All of his five sons also had mercantile careers, and three of them--Edward Milner Donnaldson (1778-1853), Richard M. Donnaldson (1787-1873) and Hugh Donnaldson (1796-1819)--traveled to China. The Donnaldson family papers, 1773-1915, include documents relating to various family members, but principally Richard M. and Harriet Donnaldson. Documents include correspondence, land draughts, marriage certificates, etc. Of special interest are two original accounts of voyages to China, 1818-1819.

Held at: Historical Society of Montgomery County [Contact Us]

Nicholas L. Childs family papers, 1818-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.75 linear feet
Abstract:: The Childs and Moon families were long-time residents of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Nicholas Lewarne Childs (1940-2009) taught history and Asian studies in private secondary schools in New Jersey, Iran, and Singapore. The bulk of the Childs family papers, 1818-1991, relate to Nicholas L. Childs and date from about 1965 to 1991, but there are also older materials from Louis M. Childs II, Nicholas L. Moon, Jacob Childs, Lizzy Orchard, and other Childs and Moon family members. The collection is comprised of correspondence, travel journals, travel ephemera, lecture notes and slides, photographs, genealogical research, legal documents, vital records, and other miscellaneous papers.

Held at: Historical Society of Montgomery County [Contact Us]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]