This circa 1880 trade card shows three young girls admiring a decorated Christmas tree while lying in bed. We love the look of wonder on their faces! #ChristmasGoals

Pleis’ fit powders & liver pills, Phila. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! [Philadelphia] [ca. 1880]

LIbrary Company volunteer, Ann Nista, illuminates the 17th Century naturalist Francis Willughby (1635-1672) through his posthumous publication De Historia Piscium (1686).

You can read more about his contribution to science HERE.

Willughby, Francis. De Historia Piscium.  Oxonii : e Theatro Sheldoniano, anno Dom. 1686.

This wintry scene of what looks like very fashionable sisters spending time together in the snow can’t help but warm our hearts. 

Howell, Joseph B., b. ca. 1830, printer. Jas. T. Brady, packer. N.E. cor. 12th and Market Sts., Philadelphia. Philadelphia : J.B.H [ca. 1880] 1 print : chromolithograph ; 5 x 8 cm. (2 x 3.25 in.)

We love the steady gaze and snow-covered clothing on the newsboy featured on this die-cut trade card, which also shows the December 6, 1885 edition of the family newspaper, Sunday Grit, published in Williamsport, Pa. 

The illustration on the newspaper depicts bust portraits of Grit founder Dietrick Lamade and editor George W. Rianhard. Grit was founded in 1882 as the Saturday edition of the “Daily Sun and Banner” before the name was bought by Lamade circa 1885. #LibraryWonderland

Sunday Grit. [Williamsport, Pa.] [1885] 1 print: chromolithograph

The Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce, Manufactures, Fashions, and Politics, etc. (London: Rudolph Ackermann, December, 1809).

Shown here are richly carved, elegant mahogany chairs gilt in gold. “They may be covered with the best red morocco leather, velvet, or (which is far more elegant) rich damask silk, ornamented with rich Persian fringe…” Published by Rudolph Ackermann, this monthly magazine showcased interior decoration with vibrant color plates. Designs came from French and British craftsmen, but the magazine circulated widely, including in Philadelphia where it had a great influence. The Library Company acquired the first two volumes of the periodical soon after publication.

Stylish Books : Designing Philadelphia Furniture on display through April 26, 2019.

We love this cozy image of a baby seated next to a Christmas tree, captured by Marriott C. Morris in the winter of 1893 #MorrisMonday

Morris, Marriott Canby. [Baby on chair near Christmas tree in front of window].  1893. 1 photograph: glass negative.       

Baking season is in full swing, and what would your pastries be without a little crimping? This 19th century pastry cutter is part of our arts & artifacts collection, and a necessary tool in 1866. Remember to avoid those soggy bottoms!

Lechner & Stump. Combination Pie Rimmer, Crimper, and Pastry Cutter. 1866.    

The sinking sun on our copy of John Burroughs’ Winter Sunshine (New York, 1876) is a #mood

 #PublishersBindingThursday

Winter sunshine. Burroughs, John. New York : Hurd and Houghton. 1876.

We love the moody winter moonlight in this circa 1840s hand-colored lithograph, which shows the State House (now Independence Hall) at Sixth and Chestnut streets in Philadelphia. #LibraryWonderland

Wild, J. C. (John Caspar). State House. Philadelphia. Philadelphia:  J.T. Bowen. c1840, 1848

Abraham Swan, The British Architect: or, The Builder’s Treasury of Stair-Cases (London, 1758).

The Library Company, by the time of the Revolution, owned the largest collection of architectural books in the colonies. Valued and popular, these design books and manuals provided instructions and models. Swan’s book with sixty plates furnished designs of various orders, patterns for ornamental work, and practical directions for building roofs and staircases. It helped popularize the Rococo in America.

Stylish Books : Designing Philadelphia Furniture on display through April 26, 2019.