Call Number:

LOCAL

Repository:

Chestnut Hill Historical Society

Extent:

18.8 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Multiple accession numbers.

Date:

1900-2011 (bulk) and 1755-2011 (inclusive)

Creator:

Chestnut Hill Historical Society.

Abstract:

Chestnut Hill, in northwest Philadelphia, was a village of farmers and millers during the Colonial period. After the railroad reached the area in 1854, Chestnut Hill became a popular spot for Philadelphia's wealthy and it soon boasted magnificent estates designed by Frank Furness, T.P. Chandler, and Horace Trumbauer. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society local history collection, 1755-2011 (bulk 1900-2011) consists primarily of newspaper clippings and other printed materials, such as pamphlets, publications, and ephemera, relating to the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. There are some original records of local organizations, such as minute books and ledgers, as well as some family papers.

"Chestnut Hill, in northwest Philadelphia, is one of America's most beautiful urban villages thanks to the fusion of a magnificent physical setting, notable architecture, historic preservation, and careful planning. During the Colonial period, Chestnut Hill was a...village of farmers and millers. After the railroad reached the area in 1854, Chestnut Hill's natural splendor and healthful atmosphere made it a popular spot for Philadelphia's wealthy. Soon, it was ringed by magnificent estates designed by Frank Furness, T.P. Chandler, and Horace Trumbauer. Living side-by-side with the wealthy were hardworking communities of Italian, Irish, and German immigrants."

Bibliography:

Keels, Thomas H. and Elizabeth Farmer Jarvis. Images of America: Chestnut Hill. Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia, 2002.

The vast majority of this collection consists of newspaper clippings and other printed materials, such as pamphlets, publications, and ephemera. There are some original records of local organizations, such as minute books and ledgers, as well as some family papers. Materials are grouped into files by subject and arranged alphabetically. Subjects include local schools, businesses, associations, and families in the area of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.