Form: Diaries - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Union League archives, 1833-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1643.0 items
Abstract:: Founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln, the Union League of Philadelphia laid the philosophical foundation of other Union Leagues across a nation torn by Civil War. From its founding to the present, the League has been a leading civic organization and has played an important role in the history of our country and the City of Philadelphia. Over the past 150 years, this service has ranged from raising troops during the Civil War and lobbying for enforcement of the “freedom” amendments during Reconstruction, to feeding the hungry during the Great Depression, to finding jobs for returning veterans after World War II. The Union League archives houses a wide variety of records related to the general administration of the Union League, its mission, building and history. Additionally, researchers will find a small sampling of papers more generally related to the Civil War, including some letters written by Abraham Lincoln....(see more)

Held at: Union League of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Miller-Dickey Family papers, 1786-1992 (inclusive)

Extent:: 10.0 boxes
Abstract:: This collection consists of papers of the Cross, Dickey, and Miller families of Chester County, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland. John Miller and his wife, Margaret, emigrated from Scotland to Pennsylvania with their young daughter, Jane, in 1786. Miller, who was trained as a stone cutter in Scotland, developed a thriving marble business in Philadelphia; he also owned a farm in Great Valley, Pennsylvania. John was active in the Philadelphia community; he was an early member of the Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society, and a supporter of the Magdalene and Missionary Societies. The papers in this collection consist primarily of personal correspondence, business records, genealogical notes, diaries, and family photographs, of the Cross, Dickey and Miller families. The collection is particularly strong on relationships between women, family health, Presbyterian church, the history of Oxford, Pennsylvania, marble cutting business, and the genealogy of the Miller, Dickey,...(see more)

Held at: Chester County Historical Society [Contact Us]

Anne Hampton Brewster papers, 1845-1892 (bulk) 1777-1892 (inclusive)

Extent:: 28.0 containers
Abstract:: Anne Hampton Brewster (1818-1892) was an American novelist, journalist and foreign correspondent who defied contemporary conceptions of womanhood and society during the nineteenth century. The papers date from 1777 to 1892, with the majority of the materials dating from 1845 to 1892. The materials primarily consist of diaries, journals, commonplace books, correspondence, newspaper clippings, notes about her writings and drafts of her writings. The materials document Anne Hampton Brewster’s personal life with friends and family, and they document her professional life as a journalist and writer.

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Read family papers, 1792-1896 (bulk) 1736-1896 (inclusive)

Extent:: 70.0 linear feet and
Abstract:: The Read family consistently played an important role in American government and politics from the time that George Read, a Delaware resident, signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Throughout the 17th to 19th centuries, the Reads served as lawyers, judges, politicians, generals, consul-generals and foreign ministers. This collection contains the papers of four generations of the Read family of Philadelphia, consisting of John Read, Judge John Meredith Read, General John Meredith Read, and Harmon Pumpelly Read. The materials date from 1736 to 1896, with the bulk dating from 1792 to 1896, and include extensive correspondence, bills and receipts, genealogical notes, legal documents, newspaper clippings, photographs, scrapbooks and ephemera. The majority of the collection consists of General John Meredith Read’s papers relating to his family history and genealogy, correspondence, and political materials. The collection is particularly valuable in illustrating...(see more)

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Rush family papers, 1748-1876 (inclusive)

Extent:: 34.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The Rush Family papers includes material from Benjamin Rush, physician, social activist, educator, writer and patriot; his brother Jacob Rush, lawyer, Supreme Court judge, and patriot; and Benjamin’s son James Rush, physician and Treasurer of the United States Mint. These American men were “strong characters, zealous patriots during the stirring period in which they lived, tenacious of their convictions and of the high standard of individual duty which they set for others, and typified in themselves,” (Richards, page 53). The bulk of the collection is the papers of Dr. Benjamin Rush and his son Dr. James Rush. Judge Jacob, John, Richard and William are represented, but to a much lesser degree. The other Rush family members are represented in a very limited manner. The collection contains correspondence; financial records; medical notes, lectures, and case histories; writings regarding medicine, politics, and the judicial system; and observations on colonial Philadelphia, the...(see more)

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Barry-Hayes papers, 1778-1861 (bulk) 1723-1875 (inclusive)

Extent:: 23.0 boxes and [7 oversize volumes, and 1 oversize folder]
Abstract:: John Barry (1745-1803), often credited as the Father of the American Navy, served the Continental Navy and the United States Navy for seventeen years. He and his descendents, particularly his nephew Patrick Hayes and grand-nephew Patrick Barry Hayes, became prominent members of Philadelphia society, serving as seamen, merchants, businessmen and politicians. The Barry-Hayes papers are the business, political and personal papers of John Barry and of his family, especially Patrick Hayes and Patrick Barry Hayes. The collection includes correspondence, letterbooks, diaries, logbooks, legal and financial papers related to Barry’s career in the Navy, the business ventures of the Hayes, Keen and Somers families, and their personal lives.

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]

Conner family papers, 1832-1856 (bulk) 1832-1856 1816-1903 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.0 folders
Abstract:: Susan Dillwyn Physick was born on June 22, 1803, in Philadelphia, the second of four children. Her parents were Elizabeth Emlen, whose family was one of the wealthiest in Philadelphia, and Philip Syng Physick, the prominent physician. In 1824 she met naval Master-Commandant David Conner, and the two married on June 25, 1828. The Conner family papers consist primarily of 23 journals kept by Susan Dillwyn Physick Conner from 1832 to 1856. The collection also includes her unfinished autobiography with amendments by her son, a scrapbook, two notebooks, two journals by her son, one journal by Philip Conner’s wife, two letters (one by Mary Lewis, one by Philip Conner), three account books, two published books owned by Susan Physick Conner, and notes and drafts by Arthur Hale, Philip Conner’s son-in-law.

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]

Marvin Rosefield Keck papers, 1916-1920 (bulk) 1916-1972 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.25 linear feet
Abstract:: Marvin Rosefield Keck, (1895-1971) was a musician who served in World War I in Admiral Niblack’s Flagship Band of the Mediterranean Fleet on the Flagship Olympia. The Marvin Rosefield Keck papers, which date from 1916 to 1972, consists of newspaper clippings, correspondence, diaries, drawings, photographs, scrapbooks, and unpublished writings. The collection covers Keck's experience in World War I as a band member in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Olympia and his experience in the American Legion band in South Dakota after World War I.

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]

Weiss family of Weissport, Pennsylvania papers, 1777-1916 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.75 linear feet
Abstract:: The Weiss family was prominent in the coal business in eastern Pennsylvania during the late 1700s and 1800s. The Weiss family collection dates from 1777 to 1916 and documents, most fully, Jacob Weiss (1750-1839), Francis White (1773-1845), and Francis White (1819-1888). The papers include diaries, geological and surveying notebooks, maps and observations; personalia and biographical notes; transcribed documents, portraits, scrapbooks, business journals, daybooks, mercantile records and account books as well as correspondence of many members of the family.

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]

J. Percy Moore papers, 1847-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:: 16.0 linear feet (45 containers)
Abstract:: John Percy Moore (1869-1965) was a Professor of Zoology at the University of Pennsylvania from 1912 to 1939, an Assistant Curator at the Academy of Natural Sciences from 1902 to 1938, and held several positions between 1920 and 1956 at the Ludwick Institute, which offered free lectures and courses in the natural sciences. He was also a world recognized authority on leeches. During his career, Moore named six genera, 229 species, five subspecies and four varieties of polychaetous annelids, or segmented worms (Loi 1980). The J. Percy Moore papers document Moore's professional career as a zoologist, primarily his study of leeches and other annelids; educator; and biographer. The collection dates from 1847 to 1963 and consists of his specimen notes, sketches, photographs, 16 mm film, travel logs, and field notes related to his study of leeches and other annelids. The collection also contains materials related to his involvement with The Academy of Natural Sciences (ANSP) Board of...(see more)

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Constantine Hering and Calvin B. Knerr family papers, 1820-1940 (bulk) 1820-2003 (inclusive)

Extent:: 7.0 linear feet (12 document boxes, 4 half-size document boxes)
Abstract:: Dr. Constantine Hering (1800-1880), born and educated in Germany, immigrated to Philadelphia in 1833 and devoted his life to the study, practice and education of homeopathic medicine in the United States. As such, he is considered the father of homeopathy in America. Hering founded several schools and organizations devoted to teaching homeopathy, especially the North American Academy of the Homeopathic Healing Arts, aka the Allentown Academy, in 1836, and the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia in 1848. Hering’s pupil and eventual son-in-law and professional assistant, Dr. Calvin B. Knerr, also practiced homeopathy. Knerr was integrally involved in the editing of two of Hering’s books and also devoted much time and effort to writing Hering’s biography, The Life of Hering. This collection primarily houses papers of Dr. Constantine Hering and his son-in-law, Dr. Calvin B. Knerr from 1820 to 1940. To a significantly lesser extent, the collection documents the...(see more)

Held at: Drexel University: College of Medicine Legacy Center [Contact Us]

Drexel family collection, 1826-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:: 9.3 cubic feet
Abstract:: The collection contains correspondence, memoirs, genealogical charts, newsletters, pamphlets, family reunion material, scrapbooks, legal documents, publications, and newspaper clippings related to the descendants of Francis Martin Drexel. Includes a diary written by Francis Martin Drexel in 1826-1830 and three letters authored by Anthony J. Drexel, the founder of Drexel University. The bulk of material dates from the twentieth century and is contained in eleven volumes of scrapbooks that begin with the death of Anthony J. Drexel in 1893.

Held at: Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections [Contact Us]

Charles Morice papers, 1862-1970 (inclusive)

Extent:: 9.0 boxes
Abstract:: Charles Morice was a prolific spokesman for the Symbolist movement. He was at times a poet, playwright, shipping clerk, literary critic, professor of literature, and lecturer. He collaborated in the founding of Mercure de France, the “organ of the purest Symbolism.” He attended Stéphene Maliarmé’a “Tuesdays,” weekly social gatherings of Symbolist writers and painters. While writing for Le Matin he was assigned to cover the death penalty debate. He corresponded with many famous artists on their thoughts on the death penalty. He also collaborated with the painter Paul Gauguin on his book Noa Noa, and with Auguste Rodin on his book Les Cathedrals des France. Morice wrote and had several unfinished manuscripts when he died on March 18, 1919. The collection of Morice’s papers comprises nine boxes and sixteen volumes. The collection is divided into printed material, his journals and notebooks which were called Petite...(see more)

Held at: Temple University Libraries Special Collections Research Center [Contact Us]

Meydum, Egypt expedition records, 1929-1933 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.6 linear feet
Abstract:: Alan Rowe, born in Hornchurch, Essex, England in 1891, spent his life not only in his homeland but in Australia, Egypt, Palestine and Libya in pursuit of the study of Egyptology. He excavated with C.S. Fisher at Beth Shan and George Reisner at Giza before serving as Field Director of the University of Pennsylvania Museum Expedition to Meydum, Egypt. The Meydum, Egypt Expedition records consist of eight archival boxes of records plus photographs and plans housed separately. The object registers are placed with the oversized materials.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Penn Museum Archives [Contact Us]

Margaret Matches Newman papers, 1927-1930 (bulk) 1919-1959 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.25 linear feet
Abstract:: The Margaret Matches Newman collection documents Newman's travels to Papua New Guinea and her subsequent career as an author, most notably of the book . Materials include some correspondence, a diary, personal snapshots, and memorabilia.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Penn Museum Archives [Contact Us]

M. Louise Baker papers, 1879-1955 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.0 linear feet
Abstract:: During her employment as museum artist at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology from 1908-1936, M. (Mary) Louise Baker established an international reputation as the preeminent archaeological artist of her time with unmatched technical skill in scientific illustration. Her work at the University Museum included paintings of Maya pottery for limited edition folio volumes; paintings and reconstructions of Ur of the Chaldees’ royal tombs findings for Sir C. Leonard Woolley and of the Palace of Merenptah at Memphis, and a reconstructed drawing of the Piedras Negras Lintel 3. She spent much of her career dividing her time between the positions of museum artist and as art teacher at the George School in Bucks County, PA. A life-long Quaker, M. Louise Baker was born in Alliance, Ohio, on August 4, 1872. At the age of 19, she came to Pennsylvania to complete her education. By 1900, she had decided to concentrate on art and enrolled at the Pennsylvania Museum...(see more)

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Penn Museum Archives [Contact Us]

Ellen L. Kohler papers, 1930-2006 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.0 linear foot
Abstract:: Ellen L. Kohler (1916-2008) taught classical archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania (Roman and Etruscan) from 1958 until 1980. Her early field work included excavations at Kourion, Cyprus (1949, 1951, 1955) and at Sybaris (1962), but her principal work was at Gordion, Turkey, where she assisted project director Rodney Young and later Keith DeVries during 18 seasons variously between 1950 and 1982, and in 1992. Her research interests included early Phrygian animal-style carvings in wood and ivory, but she later worked almost exclusively with the inventory of 6th to 7th century Gordion tumulus burial objects. Her principal report, The Lesser Phrygian Tumuli, Part 1, was published in 1995. Dr. Kohler also served as Assistant Curator of the Mediterranean Section of the University Museum from 1958 to 1965, Registrar from 1965 to 1977, and Research Associate from 1968 until her death in 2008. She also served as Executive Editor of Gordion Publications from 1977 to 1987, and as...(see more)

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Penn Museum Archives [Contact Us]

Clarkson Clothier Lantern Slide Collection, 1901

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Clarkson Clothier (1846-1917) of Philadelphia was an avid businessman and actively participated in numerous social and charitable organizations. In 1901, he embarked on a trip around the world with his family, which they documented through photographs and travel diaries. The Clarkson Clothier Lantern Slide Collection includes lantern slides of photographs from his trip, as well as purchased professional slides of views from around the world. These lantern slides have been catalogued in the digital database. The collection also includes two travel diaries.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Penn Museum Archives [Contact Us]

Free Library of Philadelphia Collection of Literary Manuscripts, 1666-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:: 23.0 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection contains letters, manuscript fragments, autographs, and other documents by famous authors. The material dates from 1666 to 1990 with the bulk of the collection consisting of letters written by the authors to various friends with some letters to editors or critics.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Katherine Milhous and Frances Lichten papers, 1903-1977 (inclusive)

Extent:: 40.14 linear feet
Abstract:: This is a collection of the manuscripts, illustrations, and papers of Katherine Milhous, and the papers of Frances Lichten. Katherine Milhous manuscript materials include drafts, dummies, proofs, notes, finished art, color separations, and other production materials for her children’s books. Her papers include artwork in various media, correspondence, lecture notes, itineraries, scrapbooks, publicity materials, books, photographs, and subject files. There are also 18 model houses Milhous made for the Works Progress Administration. Frances Lichten materials include correspondence, a small amount of family history material, two albums of photographs and letters from Milhous and Lichten's 1925-1926 trip to Europe, and copies of brochures and small volumes illustrated by Lichten.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

A. Edward Newton collection, 1892-1941 (bulk) 1808-1966 (inclusive)

Extent:: 8.0 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Philadelphia book collector A. Edward Newton (1864-1940). The bulk of the materials are book manuscripts, correspondence, keepsakes, and newspaper clippings, with published volumes cataloged separately. The collection relates to his book collecting activities and was primarily compiled by his son, E. Swift Newton, with additional material given by various donors.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Henry Voelcker, Catherine Rabe, and Frederick Martin Rabe family papers, 1871, 1879

Extent:: 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: The collection consists of 12 letters written by Henry Voelcker, of Philadelphia, to his wife, Catherine Voelcker (later: Catherine Rabe), over several months during a trip to Germany, in 1879, along with a small notebook containing a draft of another letter. Henry and Catherine were both German immigrants, and the destination of Henry's trip was Durkheim, Germany, his hometown; he was very ill at the time and died shortly after his return to Philadelphia. The collection also includes a diary (partly resembling an autograph album) belonging to Frederick Martin Rabe, whom Catherine later married. Rabe, also a German immigrant and resident of Philadelphia, wrote the diary in 1871 when he was living in Lawrence, New South Wales, Australia.

Held at: German Society of Pennsylvania: Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library [Contact Us]

William Meneely papers, 1970-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.25 linear feet ((1 flat box))
Abstract:: William Ernest Meneely (1952-1996) was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the son of Arthur William Meneely and Grace Elouise Cook. He worked for 16 years at Georgia State University Library, where he was Head of Collection Development, retiring in 1992. Among the materials included in the collection are personal writings, photographs, and a collection of his artwork in the form of collages with mostly gay male subject matter created using cut-out images from magazines.

Held at: John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives, William Way LGBT Community Center [Contact Us]

Keith Griffith papers, 1983-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.5 linear feet ((5 boxes))
Abstract:: Darrell Keith Griffith (1959-2012) was an AIDS activist and founder of the website CruisingForSex.com. The collection is divided into two series: Personal materials and AIDS activism. The personal materials date from 1983 to 2012, the year of Griffith's death. The series on AIDS activism covers Griffith's years of involvement in the social justice movement, 1985-1992.

Held at: John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives, William Way LGBT Community Center [Contact Us]

Charles and Mary Cohen Collection, 1846-1920 (inclusive) 1850-1912 (bulk)

Extent:: 4 linear feet (5 document cases)
Abstract:

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Archives at the Library of the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies [Contact Us]

Abraham Anscher papers, 1883-1884 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.2 linear feet (1 box)
Abstract:: The Abraham Anscher papers comprise a detailed narrative of an 1883-1884 expedition through southern African written by the exploring party leader, Anscher, who was a Jewish Chicago immigrant. His narrative details various places in South Africa including: Botswana, Matabeleland, the Transvaal, along the Zambezi River, and beyond. Some correspondence is also included.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Archives at the Library of the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies [Contact Us]

Julien Levy Gallery records, 1857-1982 (inclusive)

Extent:: 19.0 linear feet (46 containers)
Abstract:: Julien Levy (1906-1981) was a pioneering New York art dealer of the 1930s and 1940s. He was introduced to the art world in Paris by Marcel Duchamp, who he met in New York in 1926. In Paris he met photographers and artists, including Man Ray, Berenice Abbot, and his future wife Joella Haweis, daughter of Dadaist muse Mina Loy. Upon his return to the United States, Levy worked briefly at the Weyhe Gallery before opening the Julien Levy Gallery at 602 Madison Avenue. In 1932, Levy mounted “Surrealisme,” an exhibition that introduced the Surrealist art movement to New York. This collection documents the career of prominent art gallery owner Julien Levy. The records date from 1857 to 1983 and include correspondence, exhibit announcements and invitations, scrapbooks, gallery financial ledgers, audio-visual materials, and personal papers such as letters, diaries, appointment books and calendars. The material in this collection reflects the course of Levy’s life, beginning with childhood...(see more)

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]

Julien Levy Gallery records, 1857-1982 (inclusive)

Extent:: 19.0 linear feet (46 containers)
Abstract:: Julien Levy (1906-1981) was a pioneering New York art dealer of the 1930s and 1940s. He was introduced to the art world in Paris by Marcel Duchamp, who he met in New York in 1926. In Paris he met photographers and artists, including Man Ray, Berenice Abbot, and his future wife Joella Haweis, daughter of Dadaist muse Mina Loy. Upon his return to the United States, Levy worked briefly at the Weyhe Gallery before opening the Julien Levy Gallery at 602 Madison Avenue. In 1932, Levy mounted “Surrealisme,” an exhibition that introduced the Surrealist art movement to New York. This collection documents the career of prominent art gallery owner Julien Levy. The records date from 1857 to 1983 and include correspondence, exhibit announcements and invitations, scrapbooks, gallery financial ledgers, audio-visual materials, and personal papers such as letters, diaries, appointment books and calendars. The material in this collection reflects the course of Levy’s life, beginning with childhood...(see more)

Held at: Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives [Contact Us]