Call Number:

02

Repository:

Historical Society of Tacony

Extent:

1.0 linear feet ((1 cabinet))

Language:

English

Date:

1974-2011 (inclusive)

Creator:

Historical Society of Tacony.

Abstract:

Tacony is a historic neighborhood located in Northeast Philadelphia. In 1872, Henry Disston bought a large tract of land in the area to which he moved his saw mill, which became the world's largest saw manufacturer. The Historical Society of Tacony photograph negatives collection, 1974-2011, documents architecture, landscapes, and local activities and events centered around Tacony in the northeast section of Philadelphia.

Tacony is a historic neighborhood located in Northeast Philadelphia. Tacony gained recognition in 1846 when the Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad built a Ferry Wharf to transfer passengers to downtown Philadelphia by steam-boat. In 1872, Henry Disston bought a large tract of land in the area to which he moved his saw mill, which became the world's largest saw manufacturer. Disston also sought to develop a "utopian" residential community in Tacony for his workers, and funded the building of schools, churches, and a library. The Tacony Iron and Metal Works became famous for crafting the dome and statue of William Penn which now sits atop City Hall in downtown Philadelphia. An important resident of Tacony was Frank Shuman (1862-1918), an inventor whose most notable inventions were wired safety glass and the first solar power steam engine.

The photograph negatives that make up this collection document architecture, landscapes, and local activities and events centered around Tacony in the northeast section of Philadelphia. A portion of the negatives are copies of historical photographs, some created by historian Louis M. Iatarola for books he authored. A large number of the photographs of houses were taken by real estate appraiser Louis A. Iatarola, 1974-2011.