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William Penn Charter School archives
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Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]370 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
The William Penn Charter School was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1689. The school was chartered by William Penn, the founder of the province of Pennsylvania, on Lenape land, to be the "Friends Public School". The school was charterd in 1701 to be run by a board of Overseers chosen by the Philadelphia Friends Meeting, the second charter of 1708 separated the school from the Philadelphia Friends Meeting and entrusted it entirely to the board of Overseers and the third charter in 1711 expanded membership of the board to non- Quakers. The charter in its name does not mean it is a modern charter school, but refers to the historic document William Penn signed to establish this first Quaker school in America. Penn Charter School is the oldest continuously run Quaker school in the world and the oldest elementary school in Pennsylvania- throughout its five century history it has remained rooted in its initial vision for education and its Quaker values have remained constant.
In 1711 a group of schools created by Penn's charter consolidated to form the all-boys Latin and Math preparatory school. The school opened next to the Friends Meetinghouse between 12th and Market streets in Philadelphia. As the school expanded over the next two centuries it relocated in 1903 to its campus on Pinehurst property in East Falls, Philadelphia
The William Penn Charter School archives contain the financial, corporate, historical and social records of the school, dating from 1611-1992. The collection illuminates the history and traditions of the William Penn Charter School. The collection is broken into ten series: corporation records books, legal papers, corporation papers, Overseers' correspondence, faculty correspondence, school history, pictures, published books, school publications, and objects.
The corporation records books series contains twelve volumes of minutes from Overseers' meetings dating from 1712-1969. The minutes contain information on the day to day governance of the school and document the school's vision and mission for over two and a half centuries.
The legal papers series contains deeds and leases for plots of land that the William Penn Charter School acquired or sold from the late 1600s until the 1900s, a highlight being deeds from William Penn. The series also contains legal documents related to benefactors' legacies.
The corporation papers series contains lists of Overseers, treasurers' reports, school inspector reports, and a sub-series of nearly one hundred teachers' accounts- a good source of genealogical material marked with the teacher's name, dates of employment, pay rate and notes.
The Overseers' correspondence series dates from 1725-1912 and documents the moving of the school from 12th and Market streets in center city Philadelphia to Germantown amongst other school governance matters.
The faculty correspondence series includes the correspondence of headmasters Richard M. Jones and Richard M. Gummere to faculty and staff.
The school history series holds a variety of documents, including instructions to teachers, surveys of school scholars, lists of school library books, autographs of David Webster and John Quincy Adams, and school histories published by William Penn Charter School, amongst many other ephemeral documents.
The pictures series contains photographs and illustrations of a variety of school matters including class photos, overseer photos, athletic events, and school life.
The published book series contains early books from the William Penn Charter School's library, most published in the 1700s and 1800s. The books are a mix of religious and secular children's books, along with instruction books for grammar, geography, natural history, mathematics, and latin.
The school publications series includes copies of several school newspapers and magazines. The yearly school catalogs from 1900-1946 document the evolution of the academics offered at Penn Charter through the first half of the 20th century.
The objects series contains a sundial and commemorative medals and coins from William Penn's arrival in America.
Processed by Janeen Lamontagne, June 2022.
People
- Penn, William, 1644-1718
- Benezet, Anthony
- Gummere, Richard M. (Richard Mott), 1883-1969
- Jones, Richard Mott, 1843-1917
- Carter, W. (William), 1651-1739
- Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848
Subject
- Schools -- Quakers
- Quakers -- Books and reading
- Quakers -- Education
- Quakers -- Correspondence
- Quakers -- Pennsylvania -- Germantown (Philadelphia)
- Quakers -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
- Schools -- Society of Friends
- Child Rearing -- Religious aspects -- Society of Friends
- Society of Friends -- Education -- Pennsylvania
- Publisher
- Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections
- Access Restrictions
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The collection is open for research use.
- Use Restrictions
-
Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).
Collection Inventory
Photocopy, index of names of overseers and scholars laid in.
Original bound volume
Original bound volume
Original bound volume
Minute book of Overseers' meetings, 1874-1912
Original
Original bound volume
Original bound volume
Original bound volume
Original
Original
Original
Original
Original
Rufus M. Jones's copy
Gives succession of each member of the corporation from one of the fifteen overseers; also the treasurers of the overseers.
Original bound volume
Original bound volume of the records and accounts for the Wyatt Wistar Brown Trust scholarship fund.
Original bound volume of the records and accounts for the Wyatt Wistar Brown Trust scholarship fund.
Shows payments to teachers, workmen, etc.
shows payments to teachers, workmen, etc.
John Reynall, treasurer. At the back of book 29 receipts dated 1770-1783 for payments made to teachers, workmen, etc. Gift of Lawrence J. Morris, P.C. 1885.
Lists all ground rents owned by school.
Check book with stubs showing payments by school.
Accounts of disbursements under legacy of John Jones and others, first by John E. Carter, 1866-78, and then by Charles Hartshorne 1879-92.
Register of the distribution of the proceeds of the charitable legacies, etc., under the care of the Overseers of the Public School.
Ledger containing general accounts, expenses for apparatus, advertising, athletics, books and stationary, etc.
Records from circa 1917 laid in.
Applications for admission on the gratuitous funds under the care of the overseers of the Public School, etc.
Describes events, e.g. visits from parents, new students, etc.
Describes events, e.g. visits from parents, new students, etc.
Notebooks containing copies of the first and third charters as well.
Three drafts of the second Charter, 1708. Also includes minutes from related meeting in 1709, handwritten by James Logan.
The original 1711 charter for the school, signed by William Penn.
An undated manuscript transcription of the original 1711 charter.
Monthly, Quarterly and for sufferings minutes.
2nd and High Streets and Strawberry Alley, etc. Including land grant William Penn to William Markham, Robert Turner and Samuel Carpenter 1689, for lot on High St., Philadelphia. Signed by William Markham et al. on vellum with seal.
Concerning William Carter's legacy.
Land Grant from William Penn to Thomas Harris for lot on Chestnut St, 1684-05-31.
Deed Thomas Harris to William Carter, 1701-02-20.
Grant of rent charges John Guest et ux to Joseph Pidgeon, part of William Carter's Legacy file. 1705/06.
Deed, Caleb Cash to William Carter, 1706-09-30.
Counterpart of deed, William Carter to Daniel Gaunt, 1706-10-01.
Grant of rents William Carter to James Turfer, 1713-03-30.
Grant of annuity, Francis Gandonet to William Carter, 1723-02-23.
Counterpart of release, Joseph Richardson et ux to Bernard Eaglesfield. Part of William Carter's legacy, 1730-11-06.
Grant of annuity from Caleb Ranstead et ux to William Carter, 1733-04-25; icludes description in 1808.
Deed, Joseph Richardson et ux to William Carter. Part of William Carter's legacy, 1737/12/05.
Demise of Messuage and 2 lots in Philadelphia, for annual rent of 16 pounds, Overseers of Public Schools to Owen Jones, 1749/3/27.
Demise of Messuage and two lots to Jacob Lewis for fifteen pounds and forty pence, 1749/3/27.
Deed from Thomas Hallowell et ux to Christopher Marshall, 1756/3/29.
Northeast corner of 4th st. and Market st.
Plus photocopies of property records.
List of Legacies from Monthly Meeting Minutes. 1688-1704.
Plus photocopies of property records.
List of owners of lands from which annuity was drawn, 1753.
Robert Wade's Will to Free School, 1754.
Includes William Dillwyn's promise to make a title to a lot on Sassafras St. when he became 21.
List of names of the owners of lands from which annuity was drawn, 1764.
Original and handwritten Document with the names of owners of lands from which annuity was drawn, 1764.
Deed poll: William Parr to Peter Knight, 1765.
Deed: Peter Knight et ux to Henry Hale Graham, 1770.
Deed of Exchange: Henry Hale Graham to Israel Pemberton and other overseers, etc., December 27, 1770.
Oxley Lot on Mulberry [Arch St.]
Papers regarding a lot on 12th st., west side, below Market st.
Papers regarding alternations to School #8 on S. 12th st.
Deed, Abraham L. Pennock and wife to Sarah Pennock and others, 1823/7/21.
Papers regarding the law suit over the City of Philadelphia's right to tax the school. Copy of verdict I case of the City of Philadelphia vs. overseers of the public school.
Minutes and acknowledgement of receipt.
Also filed here: clarifying letter of Provident Turst Co. of Philadelphia from Alfred G. Scattergood, treasurer of overseers.
Papers regarding the school property in Germantown (Pinehurst)
Indenture of Samuel Bould as apprentice teacher; Indenture of Phineas Jenkins, Indenture of Samuel Eldridge as apprentice teacher, printed by Benjamin Franklin; Indenture of James Dickinson as apprentice teacher.
Promissory notes from the 18th and 19th centuries; copies of minutes trust agreements; act to allow release of land and others; printed copies of the 3 charters; excerpt from the charter of 1711; pamphlet published by J.B. Lippincott and Co.; R.M. Jones's bound copy of manuscript notes and corrections.
Deed from William Penn to Nicholas Walne for 1,000 acres of land and appurtenances in Pennsylvania.
Deed from William Penn to Thomas Droosdale [sic] for 1,000 acres of land in Pennsylvania.
Petition of 8 friends of Deputy Governor Markham, for establishment of Free School in Philadelphia, 1697/8. Includes original and typescript of the the text.
Deed for High St. lot, Thomas Lloyd's executors to Samuel Carpenter, 1701-01-24.
Deed from Samuel Carpenter to the Public School of Philadelphia, 1701-04-24.
Patent to Edward Shippen for 404 acres in Lancaster County. Recorded in Patent Book A, Vol. 1, p. 155.
Patent of Rebecca Steel for a lot of ground on Mulberry St. in Philadelphia city, recorded in Patent Book A, Vol. 13, p. 231
Deed from Samuel Preston Moore, Philadelphia Physician, and wife, Hannah to Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia printer for a lot of land on High St. between 3rd and 4th Streets. Signed by Benjamin Franklin and Justic John Mifflin on vellum with wax seal. (This land had in 1720 been purchased by Richard Hill from Anthony Morris).
Deed, Joseph Pennock et al to Joseph Pennock, for land on the south-west corner of 12th and High [Market] Streets, 1787-06-16.
Release of right, Lewis Pennock to George and Isaac Pennock. 1795-06-27.
Deed from John McOlvain et ux to William Sansom, 1809-06-02.
Deed, William Sansom et ux to John Biddle and others, 1809-06-02.
Deed, John Biddle and others to Abraham Pennock, 1812-03-02.
John E. Carter in account with John Jones's legacy; Register of the distribution of the proceeds of the charitable legacies.
Photostat copies
Includes: certificate of appointment of two overseers to succeed two deceased (Thomas Master and Nathan Stanbury in place of John Jones and James Fox, signed by nine overseers); certificate of appointment of William Hudson as overseer to replace Edward Shippen, deceased; certificate of appointment of David Lloyd as overseer to succeed Samuel Carpenter, deceased; certificate of appointment of William Carter as overseer to succeed Griffith Owen, deceased; certificate of appointment of Israel Pemberton Jr. as overseer to replace Job Goodson, deceased.
Overseer appointment certificates for Charles Evans, William Evans and William Evans Jr.
5 blank appointment certificates
Agreement between John Hunt, John Fothergill and Robert Willian, for Willian to come to Pennsylvania and teach school in Philadelphia.
Includes: Report to overssers by school committee 1784-1-16; Report to overseers by school committee on new building added to school 1889; Recommendation to overseers by school committee for a new financial plan for the school 1893-5-26; Report to overseers by school committee 1905-10-27; Report to overseers by school committee with statement by headmaster Richard M. Jones appended 1915-2-26; Misc.
For additional reports from 1907 and undated, see papers of Richard M. Jones.
Statistical reports of the school's finances, numbers of students and their religious affiliations, teachers and salaries; also indicates growth and changes of the school.
Statistical reports on the school's finances, numbers of students and their religious affiliations, teachers and salaries, growth and changes of the school.
Includes: items concerning John Young Jr's debt to overseers; rent rolls; a letter from Anthony Benezet to Israel Pemberton concerning Benzenet's application for a teaching position; a letter to the overseers from John Wilson resigning and protesting against teaching Latin to poor children; Address to the overseers in Latin and English by eight students requesting a place to meet; Petition to overseers by students of the mathematical school for a yard; Petition to overseers by students of mathematical and Latin schools asking for special hours in summer; Letter to overseers from Joshua Fisher and six other friends proposing a school building near Pine St.; and other various letters related to the business of the the public school.
Includes: Letter to Asa S. Wing, Clerk of overseers, from R.M. Jones, 1915/3/5, enclosing copy of this suggestion to overseers for new school buildings and enlarging upton them. Excerpts from minutes of overseers concerning building and organizing a school house on 12th st.; Letter, 1917/10/4 to overseers from Frederick L. Smith, acting headmaster, enclosing financial statement and forecast note from Jonathan Evans to Daniel B. Smith regarding admission policies of school;Letters to overseers from Frederick L. Smith, 1918/4/29, outline his plans for establishment of Junior school in Germantown, to feed into 12th street upper school; For all other papers on F. L. Smith, see headmaster's papers letter to overseers from John Greenleaf Whittier recommending Richard M. Jones for headmaster; Report to school committee by auditor of headmaster's books; notice to teachers from Daniel B. Smith, clerk of overseers, urging more neatness and religious instruction etc.; papers regarding a gift from the overseers to Richard M. Jones on 25th anniversary as headmaster with his thank you notes; letters of George Walenta to overseers; Letter to Asa S. Wing, clerk of overseers from R.M. Jones with his suggestions to overseers for new school school buildings and additions; letter to overseers from Frederick Smith, acting headmaster, with financial statement and forecast; letter to overseers from Frederick Smith outlining his plans for establishment of Junior School in Germantown to feed into 12th st. Upper School; and more various documents related to the business of the public school.
T. Wistar Brown, treasurer
Letter to Overseers from John Wilson, 1769, resigning and protesting against teaching Latin to poor children. Also filed here: envelope with Edward Bettle's notes about letter, 1900/4/30
Also known as Forrest Lot
Built to separate and control Latin and Mathematical schools. See minutes 4th and 5th days 1810.
Includes accounts for William Preston, Benjamin Kite and Robert Rankin.
Usher?
Includes: accounts for Samuel Allen, Esther A. Ellis, Matilda P. Ellison, M.B. Fletcher, E.M. Huntington, Hannah Llewelyn and N.G. Macumber.
Overseers' correspondence regarding moving the school to Germantown. Copy of minutes from meeting of overseers, 1908-10-30, at which letters from Henry W. Brown were read, requesting and end to right-of-way from Penn Charter School grounds in Germantown to Midvale Ave.
Correspondence and meeting minutes of overseers to pick a new headmaster.
Correspondence and meeting minutes of overseers to pick new head master.
Papers of headmaster Richard Mott Jones. Includes correspondence with overseers, faculty and others; Inspectors' reports 1899 and 1907; discussions of Edward Bettle Jr. 1903-1908; plans for moving the school out of the city; headmasters' notices to staff 1875-1917. Arranged chronologically by year and alphabetically by names within each year. Letters from teachers and headmaster to the board of overseers are filed under "Overseer's business papers".
Includes a note regarding the student's gazette.
From Headmaster Richard M. Jones.
Includes: Inspector's report.
Includes inspectors' report
Frederick L. Smith was a teacher and assistant headmaster between 1892 and 1917. He became acting headmaster at the death of Richard M. Jones in 1917 and served for one year, until the appointment of Richard M. Gummere. He remained on the faculty unitl 1925, when he was asked to resign.
Frederick L. Smith was a teacher and assistant headmaster between 1892 and 1917. He became acting headmaster in 1917 upon the death of Richard Mott Jones, and served for one year, until the appointment of Richard M. Gummere. He remained on the faculty until 1925, when he was asked to resign.
Includes: headmaster's notices to staff 1918-1924; survey of cost of living and teachers' salaries in city of Boston and in 14 leading private boys' schools in the U.S. (1926?); two letters from Clinton A. Strong, teacher at W.C.P.S. about salary increase 1930; correspondence of headmaster and state representative James A. Walker whose son was a pupil at the school 1924-1926.
Letter from Massachusetts Govenor Endicott Peabody to John F. Gummere, headmaster of W.P.C.S. Boston.
Includes list of schools of friends in Philadelphia.
Includes bound manuscript book recording text books used in the schools under the care of the Overseers of the Public School founded by Charter in the Town and County of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, 1852
9 copies of Rules for the Good Government…of the Scholars…, signed by Thomas Morris in Philadelphia, 1795/12/10.
Signed by Thomas Morris
See also: List of some overseers 1711-1920; Book containing lists of teachers and lists of scholars Vol. 7
John D. Craig, 1804; John Coope, 1805; D. Ellise, 1813; Emmor Kimber, 1799; Enoch Lewish, 1799; William Lippincott, 1809; Jane Loftus, 1761; Nathaniel Platt, 1742; John Ramsey, 1789; J.W. Walter, 1805; Miscellaneous.
Bills of lading and correspondence in regards to scientific instruments bought in England for the school. Correspondence regarding scientific insturction in the school.
Fragment presented to William Penn Charter School by the Friend's Historical Association in 1953.
Document by Anthony Benezet. List of free scholars and departed scholars from his school. An indenture signed by Anthony Benezet for apprenticing Samuel Bould to Benezet for three years.
91 pages, early 19th century. Paper made by Brandywine paper mills.
Minutes of class renuions 1954-1980; Chronicles of the class of 1918; Class biographies as of May 1954; Reunion programs for 35th (1953), 45th (1963) and 50th (1968) anniversaries.
Certificate awarded to H. T. Brown Jr., the All-Around track and field Champion of the William Penn Charter School for 1918.
Also includes a letter from headmaster Eric Ball to the overseers about faculty member Chuck Cooper's death from AIDS.
Manuscript newspaper, published by the students, 11 issues. Vol. 1: 5-7, 7-8, 11-12, 14, 20, 23; Vol. 3: 25-27; Vol. 6: 51-57, 59-60.
Includes: Poulson's American Daily Advertiser newspaper; The Germantown Guide newspaper containing an account of visit to the Penn Charter School; Letter from William H. Morris to his grandmother describing his school; Medal won by George Dudley Whitney, O.P.C. in inter-academic track meet; 19 newspaper clippings, 16 pamphlet clippings; Article,"Penn Charter Worthies of the Eighteenth Century"; miscellaneous manuscript notes.
Extract from proceeding of monthly meeting of Philadelphia on establishment and duties of overseers.
Includes: 7 clippings pasted on one sheet telling of the fire at Whitman's store, next to the school; List of out-of-school interests with advisory staff for each; letter from Richard M. Jones soliciting names of likely boys for the school.
A paper prepared for and read at a Tea Meeting. 3 different typescripts, plus introductory speech made at same tea by Edward Bettle Jr.
Includes: 3 manuscript pages describing grounds, buildings and commuting arrangements of hypothetical suburban school; list of early overseers; Announcement of convention senior school to nominate candidates for school captain; school song; correspondence concerning memorial of Jacob P. Jones; Letter to Richard S. Francis from A.G. giving outline of additions and alterations over the years to the school buildings on 12th st.; Financial data prepared by A.G. Scattergood for submission to overseers with proposals by headmaster Richard M. Gummere for improvements to the school; essay plus rough draft by R.M. Gummere on the special quality of the Penn Charter School; 3 fragments on atmosphere and progressive education at WPCS; Educational Institutions in the Religious Society of Friends pamphlet by Edward H. Magill; "Our Headmaster" essay on Richard Mott Jones by Bernard Westerman; Inventory of school furniture; Penn Charter's Opportunity address by Charles L. McKeenan, P.C.; "The 200th Anniversary of the Charter of the Penn Charter School" leaflet plus soliciting letter sent to all the alumni and program of events.
Headmaster R.M. Gummere's copy with notes of historical nature on cover and front leaves.
By John F. Gummere
Minutes and memoranda regarding the monthly meeting of overseers of the public school. Matieral for use in compiling a history of the school sent to Richard Gummere by Virigina Jones, widow of Richard M. Jones.
Minutes and memoranda regarding the monthly meeting of overseers of the public school. Matieral for use in compiling a history of the school sent to Richard Gummere by Virigina Jones, widow of Richard M. Jones.
Biographical sketches pertaining to the history of the public school. Matieral for use in compiling a history of the school sent to Richard Gummere by Virigina Jones, widow of Richard M. Jones.
Prepared by Edward Bettle Jr.
Gift of Robert Kroeger to headmaster Richard M. Jones. Photos of football, baseball and other teams.
Includes: photographs, drawings and etchings.
Photograph of the obverse and reverse of "The Greater Provincial Seal of Pennsylvania," previously attached to the original School Charter of 1711.
Robert Proud, school master at William Penn Charter School, and historian of Pennsylvania.
Includes: Othniel Alsop; Henry Drinker; Charles Ellis; Thomas Evans; Thomas C. James M.D.; James Logan; C.L. Nicholson; Elihu Pickering; Edward Randolph; Thomas Scattergood [?]; David Scull; Edward L. Scull; Charles Thomson; Nicholas Waln; John M. Whitall; Charles Yarnall; Silhouette of Samuel Mickle Fox.
Photograph of William Penn Charter School Faculty circa 1968.
Photograph taken by Chandler Scheetz photo studio at 823 Arch st. in Philadelphia of an unidentified man in top hat.
Presented to the school by Amelia Mott Gummere
Includes 4 miniature books: "Tiny Library for Tiny People, to teach them to read: tiny anecdotes", published in Philadelphia, publisher and author unknown; "Toy-book: Miss Patty Proud", Philadelphia, printed by John Adams; "The Prize for Youthful Obedience, part 1", London, publsiher and author unknown; "The Little Field Daisy" NY, printed by Mahlon Day, undated.
"Latin Language", publisher unknown; "Mathematical Commpendium 4th edition", by Sir Jonas Moore, London, with bookplate by Samuel Gummere and autographed by Gummere; "Robinson Crusoe", by Daniel De Foe, New York.
2 volumes, by Mrs. Sarah Trimmer, London. One volume contains engravings, the other the text to accompany the pictures.
Includes: "The New England Primer", facsimile of book, Century Reprint, Ginn and Co.; "Child's First Book", by Goold Brown, publsiher unknown; "An Epistle of Tender Counsel to Parents, School-Masters, and School-Mistresses and Like-wise to the Youth", by Benjamin Holmes, London: T. Sowle Raylton and Luke Hinde.
Full title: "A Synopsis of the Four Evangelists: or a Regular History of Jesus Christ in the Words of the Evangelists", by Charles Thomson, Philadelphia.
Translated from the Septuagint by Charles Thomson, Philadelphia: Jane Aitkin, One volume.
by Maria Edgeworth, Vol. 1, American Edition, Providence and Boston.
By Maria Edgeworth, American Edition, Providence and Boston.
By "a Lady", Hartford: Hale and Hosmer.
By Lindley Murray, 9th edition, N.Y.
By Lindley Murray, 15th edition, York.
Translated from Greek by Charles Thomson. Philadelphia: Jane Aitkin. 2 copies.
Translated from Greek by Charles Thomson, Philadelphia: Jane Aitkin.
"The Vicar's Garden: or the Greek Medal", by an American Lady, 5th edition, Philadelphia; "A Wreath of Forget-Me-Not...", translated from German by M. Yeardley, Philadelphia: Thomas Kite.
"The Christmas Pie", by Uncle Trim, Philadelphia: Nathan Kite; "Peter Parley's Method of Telling About Geography to Children", N.Y.:Colins and Hanney.
"Poetic Tales for Children", unidentified author, N.Y.: Samuel Wood; "Little Ellen, and Other Pleasing Poetic Tales", by A.L. of New Port R.I., New York: Mahlon Day.
"The Two Wealthy Farmers...", unidentified author, Philadelphia, printed for Benjamin Johnson; "Epitaphs and Elegies", unidentified author, New York: Samuel Wood and Sons; "Pinnock's Catechisms: A Catechism of Natural History", 6th edition, London.
"English Grammar Made Easy to the Teacher and Pupil", by John Comly, originally compiled for the use of Westtown Boarding School, Pennsylvania; "An Easy Grammar of Geography", by Jacob Willetta, 10th edition, Poughkeepsie.
"The Manners and Customs of the Jews, and Other Nations Mentioned in the Bible", unidentified author, London; "Hymns for Childhood on the Works of Nature and Other Subjects", by Felicia Hemans, Philadelphia.
"Original Poems for Infant Minds", by James Taylor and others, N.Y.: Mahlon Day; "The Tales of Peter parley, About Europe" by Samuel Goodrich, 3rd edition, Boston.
"The Little Deserter: or Holiday Sports", unidentified author, New Haven and Charleston; "A Sketch of My Friend's Family, intended to suggest some practical hints on religion and domestic manners", by Mrs. Marshall, Philadelphia.
By Lindley Murray, N.Y.: Samuel Wood and Sons.
The Institues of English Grammar, Methodically Arranged: with examples for parsing, questions for examination false syntax for correction, exercises for writing, observations for the advanced student, and a key to the oral exercises: to which are 4 added appendixes. By Goold Brown, 2nd edition, N.Y.: Samuel Wood and Sons.
"The One Hundred and Nineteenth Psalm" by American Sunday School Union, Philadelphia; "The Death-Bed of a Young Quaker", unidentified author, Boston: Peirce and Parker; "A Catechism, Explanatory of the Principles and Peculiar Testimonies of the Society of Friends, for the Instruction of its Youthful Minds", unidentified author, Philadlephia: Nathan Kite.
"A Short Account of George Fox, Prepared for Young Children", unidentified author, Philadelphia: William Brown; "Tourist's Pocket Map of the State of Virginia...Roads etc.", drawn by J.H. Young, Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell; "The New England Primer, Improved", unidentified author, Albany.
"Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts", by Joseph Freiherrn von Eichendorf, Leipzig; "Laokoon", by C.E. Lessing, Leipzig.
"Hymns for First-Day Schools", New York: Friend's Scripture School Assocation; " Questions for Bible Classes and Families", New York: Samuel S. and William Wood.
"Elementary Exercises in Geography, for the Use of Schools", by Samuel R. Gummere, 8th edition, Philadelphia; "Peter Parley's Book of Poetry for Children", N.Y..
"The Teacher's Assistant: or A System of Practical Arithmetic", compiled by Stephen Pike, Philadelphia; "Comly's Spelling and Reading Book, With Notes for Parents and Teachers", by John Comly, Bonsal's edition, Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott.
"Parlour Magic", unidentified author, Philadelphia; "My Little Hymn Book", Boston and Philadelphia.
2nd edition, author unidentified, Philadelphia: William Brown.
A bound book with bi-weekly publications of Parley's Magazine for Children and Youth spanning from 1833 to 1834, Philadelphia: Andrew Waldie.
By Ovid London. Used by Charles Thomson (secretary of the Continental Congress) while headmaster of the William Penn Charter School in 1757. (From the library of the late Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker, acquired by William Penn Charter School in 1924).
Inscribed by Richard Mott Jones stating it was presented to him by his Father, Eli Jones when Richard became Headmaster (2/2/1875).
By Lewis Carnaro, with notes by Mason L. Weens, to which is added "The Way to Wealth", by Dr. Franklin, Philadelphia: Benjamin Johnson.
New York: Griffin and Rudd. Illustrated with copperplates.
Includes: Vol. 1, No. 1, 1886-11-29; Vol. XIII, No. 2, 1954-01; Vol. 17, No. 2, Summer 1981.
Includes: Vol. III, No. 17, June 1888; Vol. III, No. 18, October 1888; Vol. III, No. 23, March 1889; Vol. III, No. 26, June 1889.
Includes: Vol IV, No. 30, January 1890; Vol. XII, No. 104, March 1898; Christmas number, 1909.
Charter Bi-Centennial Anniversary 1701-1901 issue.
Includes: Pamphlet with announcement of move of school from 12th St. to Germantown, issued by Richard M. Gummere and the overseers 1924; William Penn Charter School brochure 1975; Appeal letter to Penn Charter Lumni for funds to help with moving the school, printed leaflet, 1924; Constitution of the Alumni Association of the William Penn Charter School, 1892; a decal for Penn Charter Musical Clubs.
A music score for male voices and piano, words by W. C. O'Neill, music by C.R. Smith.
Includes: catalogs for years 1900-1901, 1901-1902, 1902-1903, 1903-1904, 1904-1905, 1905-1906.
Includes: William Penn Charter School catalogs for 1906-1907, 1908-1909, 1909-1910, 1910-1911.
Includes: William Penn Charter School catalogs for 1911-1912, 1912-1913, 1914-1915.
Includes: William Penn Charter School catalogs for 1915-1916, 1916-1917, 1917-1918, 1918-1919.
Includes: William Penn Charter School catalogs for 1919-1920, 1921-1922, 1932-1933, 1933-1934.
Includes: William Penn Charter School catalog for 1934-1935, 1935-1936, 1937-1938, 1938-1939, 1940-1941, 1945-1946.
Includes: 2 catalogs of Penn Charter School graduates listed by graduating year with brief biographies, 1875-1911 and 1875-1962.
Alumni of Penn Charter listed by class, alphabetically and geographically with address and occupation.
Graduates of the class of 1908 listed alphabetically including nicknames, address, favorite color, birthday, height, weight, favorite quote, and list of extracurriculars.
Includes several candid photos of each graduate with quotes. Pictures of clubs, atheletics and teachers as well.
Impression of the Great Seal of the Province of Pennsylvabia in red wax, stored in round metal box.
Given through the Welcome Society of Pennsylvania to Penn Charter by the Chigwell School, which William Penn attended.
Two bronze medals 7 1/2 cm. in diameter, commemorating William Penn's arrival in America.
Medal with silver finish, 4 cm. in diameter, commemorating the arrival of William Penn in America.
Two bronze 4 cm. diameter medals commemorating the arrival of William Penn in America.
Coin distributed by U.S. Mint commemorating the Bicentennial of Pennsylvania.
Bullet from a squirrel gun found on site of 8 S. 12th St. when the building was being raised in 1925.