This week we highlight the joy of finding the unexpected and the joy of naming our collections in the most literal way. 

Ephemera reveals something about regular people in their historical context, what they wanted to remember, and how they interacted with the visual culture of their daily lives. When we process material and find a photograph or note tucked in between pages of a book, that item could be secret token in a hiding place, or it could be as utilitarian as a bookmark. Either way these are clues of history that many can relate to now. Have you ever hidden something in a book?

Things found in books graphics collection.  [ca. 1880-ca. 1950] 

Shown here is a study for the plate, “The View from Springland,” published in William Birch’s “Country Seats of the United States,” showing the gated lush grounds of Springland, Birch’s Pennsylvania country home near Neshaminy Creek in Bucks County from 1798 to 1818. Birch sold the property in 1805, continued to dwell on the grounds, and repurchased the estate in 1813. 

According to an obituary for William Birch’s son, Thomas Birch (1779-1851), the two-roomed toll-takers’ house, visible on the bridge over the creek, served as the studio where father and son produced the views for The City of Philadelphia.

See this painting and more on view now in our main gallery as part of our current exhibition, William Birch, Ingenious Artist: His Life, His Philadelphia Views, and His Legacy, through October 19, 2018.

William or Thomas Birch, Preparatory sketch for An Unfinished House, in Chestnut Street Philadelphia, ca. 1800. Watercolor and ink. 

An Unfinished House, in Chestnut Street Philadelphia, (Philadelphia: W. Birch & Son, 1800). Hand-colored engraving. 

For subscribers not familiar with Philadelphia, Birch’s ambiguous title, “an unfinished house,” could mean that this impressive edifice was under construction and would soon be a showcase of American style and wealth. In reality, the residence’s owner, financier Robert Morris (1734-1806) was in debtors’ prison and the house, located near Eighth Street, would soon be demolished with the building’s materials used to pay off Morris’s creditors. William Birch purchased two bas- reliefs from the house for use in his own residence Springland. Restrikes from the original printing plate were issued as late as 1860.

William Birch, Ingenious Artist : His Life, His Philadelphia Views, and His Legacy on display now through October 19, 2018. To find out more visit: http://www.librarycompany.org/birch2018/

Leave it to the Morris Family to give us lifestyle envy! Marriott C. Morris captured this image of a dreamy outdoor meal on July 7, 1888. We’re still trying to pick our favorite hat of the group, which one is your favorite? #MorrisMonday #HatsintheLibrary

Morris, Marriott Canby, 1863-1948, photographer. Party at dinner in woods at Highlands, [NJ] [graphic]. July 7, 1888.  1 photograph: glass negative; 4 x 5 in.

On America’s birthday we think mostly of the Revolutionary War and our Founding Fathers. They signed a declaration knowing the work of building the United States was not complete just by signing a document.

This political cartoon (ca. 1861) evoking the Declaration of Independence promotes the emancipation of slaves. The image shows a slave breaking off shackles in a basket suspended by a eagle while an abolitionist proclaims “Break Every Yoke; Let the Oppressed Go Free". 

Fabronius, Dominique, artist. The Declaration of Independence illustrated. [graphic]  Boston: Published by Thayer & Co, ca. 1861. 1 print: lithograph; 50 x 41 cm.(19.5 x 16 in.)

It’s not often that we see Marriot C. Morris in front of the camera, but when it happens he does not disappoint! This fabulous image of MCM reclining among foliage was captured in July, 1909, while the Morris Family was camping (or should we say glamping?) in the Poconos. #MorrisMonday

Morris, Marriott Canby, 1863-1948, photographer. [Marriott C. Morris reclining among foliage], Pocono Lake, [PA] [graphic]. July 1909. 1 photograph: film negative; 3.5 x 5.5 in.     

This maze has two puzzles, can you solve them? One is to reach the center, the other is a hidden message. If you solve the latter please share your answer in comments! 

The charmed circle of good dressers [graphic]. [United States]: [no publisher identified], [ca. 1895] 1 print:  relief in red ink;  21 x 26 cm (8.25 x 10.75 in.)

Smell like wet dog? The “new” soap will take care of all unwanted scents that stick to your clothes, especially after playing in the park with your four-legged best friend.

Chas. Shields’ Sons, printer. Colgate & Co.’s “new” soap. The “new” soap in oval cakes unequalled for laundry use. New York : Chas. Shields’ Sons, [ca. 1880].     

Marriott C. Morris captured this dreamy image in the summer of 1909 while camping with his family at the Pocono Lake Preserve.  #MorrisMonday

Morris, Marriott Canby, 1863-1948, photographer. [Two women holding a basket], Pocono Lake, [PA] [graphic]. 1909. 1 photograph: film negative; 3.5 x 5.5 in.

This negative shot by Marriott C. Morris, shows his youngest child and only daughter, Janet Morris petting an undeniably adorable pup.

Morris, Marriott Canby, 1863-1948, photographer. [Janet Morris in carriage petting dog, 131 W. Walnut Lane] February 1908. 1 photograph: film negative; 3 x 4.5 in.