Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1516

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.83 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Collection of William H. Rau photographs, circa 1800s, Ms. Coll. 1516 , Kislak Ceenter for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania.

Date:

circa 1800s (bulk)

Form:

Black-and-white photographs

Abstract:

William H. Rau (1855-1920) was a prominent Philadelphia photographer and the official photographer for the St. Louis world's Fair in 1904 and of the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in 1905. This collection of twelve photographs from his studio at 1324 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia depicts various buildings and scenes around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

William H. Rau was born in Philadelphia in 1855. His older brother, George, operated a photography studio out of the Rau house, exposing William to the trade at a young age. By the age of 13, he started doing photographic work for his future father-in-law, William Bell, who was a medical and survey photographer for the federal government.

In 1877 Rau purchased the stereograph company of his father-in-law, William Bell, and continued to publish stereographs as well as lantern slides under his name. Rau was appointed official photographer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad in 1895. He surveyed the length of the line, from New York City through Pennsylvania to upstate New York. In 1891, Rau was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Railroad as its official photographer to document operations and scenic views along its track lines. Later in 1893, the Pennsylvania Railroad commissioned Rau for a second photographic campaign.

Rau received appointments to photograph the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis (1904) and the Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland (1905).

Rau died at his home in Philadelphia on November 19, 1920.

The Collection of William H. Rau photographs comprises twelve images taken by Rau in Philadelphia. Images include: street scenes; trains; the Girls High School, 17th and Spring Garden Streets, circa 1876; Ridgeway Library at Broad and Christian St.; hospital on Front Street; Wissahickon Creek; Pennsylvania University; Grand Opera House; gardens; Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; and Philadelphia City Hall.