Place: East Fairmount Park (Philadelphia, Pa.) - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Extent:: 86.0 linear feet
Abstract:: In the early part of the nineteenth century, Philadelphia City Council took action to protect the purity of public water. This involved the acquisition of property on the banks of the Schuylkill River in order to eliminate polluting waste that had previously been generated by various industrial sites along the river. The City’s newly acquired property was dedicated to the health and enjoyment of the citizens of Philadelphia, and became known as Fairmount Park. The Fairmount Park Commission (FPC) was established by Act of the Assembly, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, March 26, 1867. Over the course of this organization’s history (1867 to 2010) the FPC continued to acquire land for the people of Philadelphia, and operated with a single continuous mission: to preserve and protect its open space; provide opportunities for recreation; maintain the landscapes and structures, streams and woodlands that exist within the Fairmount Park System. This collection contains various materials that...(see more)

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]

Extent:: 52.0 linear feet
Abstract:: One of the United States' largest and oldest municipally-operated park systems, Fairmount Park encompasses 9,200 acres and includes sixty three neighborhood and regional parks. The formation, growth, maintenance and enjoyment of Fairmount Park has produced one of the longest-standing examples of city and citizen cooperation. This collection contains a multitude of images of the Fairmount Park system created between 1855 and 2000 in a variety of formats.

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]

Extent:: 98.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Items in this collection relate to East and West Fairmount Park, the original components of what has become the vast Fairmount Park system. Unique in its composition, these areas not only contain naturalist landscapes, but they are also home to a truly diverse set of historic and functional structures. In addition to a vast trail system and traditional recreational facilities (such as swimming pools and baseball diamonds), these parks are also home to an array of 18th and 19th century historic houses, the nation's first zoo, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the imposing Fairmount Water Works, and Philadelphia's iconic Boathouse Row.

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]

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