The Philadelphia forecast is calling for our first snow of the season. We know that means it could be anything from drizzle or flurries to a downpour or blizzard. What we do know for sure is that there will be weather. Hassler’s umbrellas will at least keep your head dry. 

M. & A. Hassler manufacturers of Umbrellas, Parasols. Joe Freedman Collection of Trade Cards.

Photographer Frank Berry captured this image of corn husks in the early 1900s. Although we can’t be certain, the husks were possibly used as decoration for Halloween or a local harvest festival. #LibraryHarvest 

See more images from our Frank Berry Photographic Negative Collection here.

Berry, Frank. [Corn husks in piles on the side of a road] [graphic]. ca. 1907. 1 negative: glass; 4 x 5 in.

Our followers know how much we love the Marriott C. Morris photograph collection. For the most part this collection spans years of Marriott’s adult life as an amateur photographer, documenting family life in the late 19th century. This video is a window into Marriott’s and his sister Bessie’s childhood life through their collection of monograms. Marriott was 10 years old when he started this album.

Marriott C. and Elizabeth (Bessie) Morris. Monogram album. [Philadelphia] : [1873, 1874.]

For the 100th anniversary of Armistice (November 11, 1918) we are joining the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in sharing collections relating to World War I. #StoriesofService

The Library Company’s World War One graphics collection consists of materials relating to the conflict and its immediate aftermath. The photographs, postcards and scrapbooks in this collection are primarily from the Philadelphia region and include views of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and patriotic parades and rallies held around the city. The posters in this collection encourage American military enlistment, the purchase of war bonds, home front frugality, and support for relief organizations, including the Red Cross. A small number of posters relate to specific Philadelphia events.

The entire collection is available on our digital catalog or you can visit the World War I exhibition website for a little more insight: http://togetherwewin.librarycompany.org

Verrees, J. Paul, 1889- , artist. Join the Air Service and Serve in France, Apply to Aviator Examining Board. 1917.    

We’re excited to join this month’s #LibraryHarvest challenge! Watch for fall and harvest related images from our collection every Wednesday in November.

This circa 1882 trade card perfectly illustrates the feeling of a sunny fall day when the leaves have changed colors.

Use Eavenson’s diamond soap. [graphic]. Philadelphia : Graf Bros, printer. circa 1882.      

There’s something fishy going on here, but we aren’t quite sure what. Can you identify this drowning dish??

Comment or share with  #LCPlarderuninvaded  #LCPfoodporn.

See this print and more as part of our mini exhibition : Larder Uninvaded : Food Porn of the 1950s on display NOW.

We have extended the #AnimatedArchive challenge in hopes you will join us this evening for the opening of our latest exhibition– Stylish Books: Designing Philadelphia Furniture. Curated by Linda August, Curator of Arts & Artifacts and Reference Librarian, Stylish Books features books, periodicals, and advertisements spanning the 18th through 19th century that influenced furniture and interior design, demonstrating how taste and style changed over time. 

We hope you can join us for food and drinks 5-7 this evening. Click here for more information and to register for this free event! 

Welcome to another edition of Name that Mystery Mound!

Can you ID this [tasty?] meal?

Comment or share with  #LCPlarderuninvaded  #LCPfoodporn.

See this print and more as part of our mini exhibition : Larder Uninvaded : Food Porn of the 1950s opening November 2nd!

We are continuing our Animated Archive challenge for Archives Month. This week we have a balancing act. It’s goat to know how strong Brook’s thread can be.  

Ballin & Co., printer. Brook’s prize medal spool cotton. Hand & machine sewing.  New York : Ballin & Co. lith.,  [ca. 1885].  1 print : chromolithograph ; 7 x 10 cm. (2.75 x 4 in.)

Memories of the home of Grandma Lewis. Written for her grandchildren by Anne C. Lewis. Philadelphia, 1896.

This beautifully compiled memory album shows paintings of colorful interiors of Lewis’ home including this view highlighting furniture pieces. 

See this plate and more in the upcoming exhibition Stylish Books : Designing Philadelphia Books opening November 2nd! For more information please visit us HERE.