Our #womenshistorymonth #hometownhero today is Anne Hampton Brewster (1818-1892).  Brewster was an American novelist, journalist and foreign correspondent. Born in Philadelphia, she defied familial and social conventions by suing her brother for her share of their mother’s estate, emigrating to Rome, supporting herself financially through her writing, and not marrying. After 1868, she lived in Italy and wrote articles about Italian art, architecture, archaeology, political events, and social gossip for American newspapers. Brewster continued to write until her death, publishing three novels, seven pieces of nonfiction, fifty-two short stories, and four poems, along with her many newspaper articles. A Library Company Shareholder, she bequeathed her library and papers to LCP upon in her death in 1892. Learn more here.

Can’t think of a better time to break out some puzzles!

[Lithographic puzzle depicting the Fairmount Waterworks] ([Philadelphia]: [Thos. S. Wagner’s lith., 38 Franklin Place], ca. 1858). Hand-colored lithograph mounted on wood.

Image depicts a Reading Railroad Co. train with passengers in the foreground and the Fairmount Waterworks and Wire Suspension Bridge from the west bank of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia in the background. Includes spectators surrounding a hot air balloon behind the train and rowers and a steamboat on the Schuylkill River.

Happy #MorrisMonday! We hope your #socialdistancing has been as relaxing and cozy as this scene looks!

Marriott Canby Morris, Interior of Joseph Walton Cottage, Buck Hills Falls, ca. 1905. Glass negative.

Image depicts a view of an interior constructed from rustic wood beams at Joseph Walton’s Cottage. Three women, including Marriott C. Morris’ wife Jane Rhoads Morris, sit in chairs near the hearth reading or doing handiwork. Three small American flags adorn the mantle and lanterns hang from the ceiling.
    

Well, the amazing staff at the Library Company has survived their first week working from home, thanks in no small part to all of the extra help from a few new co-workers.

Please direct all reference questions and other inquiries to Carl, Peanut, Lucy, Smudge, Freyja, Zora, Sprout, or Stitch. 

This hidden fore edge painting of the fable of the Snail and the Butterfly is here to remind us that it is Spring! Go outside and enjoy it!* 

*Please enjoy responsibly #socialdistancing 

Fore edge painting on: Fables by John Gay. [London]: Printed at the Chiswick Press, by C. Whittingham, 1812. 

Here’s hoping you’ve got a few good books to keep you company in the coming days. And if not, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!  

Head on over to librarycompany.org/news for some great #content on the LCP Blog, or check out our podcast at librarycompany.org/talking-in-the-library. 

This little annotation, “Nothing worth reading in the book,” was scribbled by a disappointed reader in our copy of Poems and Parodies, by Phoebe Carey. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1854.

For today’s #HometownHeroes #LibrariesofInstagram challenge we’d like to thank all of the medical professionals and health care providers who have worked tirelessly to keep our city and our citizens safe, now and always.

Pennsylvania Hospital was conceived in 1751, and the first wing on Pine Street between 8th and 9th was built in 1755, making it one of the oldest established hospitals in the United States. 

Image:  Wild, J. C. (John Caspar). Pennsylvania Hospital. [graphic] Philadelphia: Published by J.T. Bowen at his Lithographic & Print Colouring Establishment, c. 1840.

What activities are you all taking up to relax during this period of #socialdistancing?

George Mark Wilson, [Syrian American woman named Selina holding knitting, looking at camera], ca. 1923. Gelatin silver print. 

Image depicts woman sitting on a step beneath a wood awning at 10th and Ellsworth Streets, wearing a fringed shawl wrapped around her head, a flowered skirt, and holding a knitting project in her lap.  

How we’re social distancing this week. Hope you all are staying safe and healthy!

Marriott Canby Morris, [Canoe on the river, Browns Mills, NJ with Photographic Society], 1927. Gelatin silver print.

Image depicts a woman and a dog in a canoe on an unidentified river. The woman paddles with an oar around a small island in the middle of the river.

It’s Friday the 13th so here is a handsome little black cat wearing a jaunty red bow to maybe momentarily distract you from the chaos. 

Funny, we’re making the same face…

Image:  J.A. Ladd & Son, Booksellers and Stationers…West Chester, PA. [Philadelphia], [ca. 1880].
Chromolithograph; 3.25 x 2.25 in.