Library Company of Philadelphia
It is that time of year again; the leaves are falling in earnest, and we celebrate an anniversary of our long established library. Tonight is the Library Company’s 284th Annual Dinner (yes, we have been around that long), and we are excited to welcome historian and writer, Jill Lepore as our guest speaker. So please raise a glass to our collections, our evolution, and our amazing staff over the years. #librariesarethespiceoflife
[Detail. Dining Room, James Rush Mansion, Chestnut St. Artist, unidentified.]
Colossal hand and torch Liberty by Library Company of Philadelphia
Via Flickr:
Philadelphia: Centennial Photographic Company, 1876. People stand around the traveling right hand and torch section of the Statue of Liberty, which was still under construction, and look down from an observation deck in the torch. The Statue of Liberty, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904), was not completed until 1886. The Liberty Torch, however, was constructed for the Centennial Exhibition. Arriving late in August, many exhibition programs incorrectly listed it as “Colossal Arm” or “Barthholdi Electric Light.”
P.2011.47.460
Hark, the haberdasher! A herald of hats for any head to hold. #flickrfriday #lcpprints #philadelphiaonstone
Via Flickr:
“Bison Americanus.” Hand-colored engraving in Mark Catesby, The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands (London, 1731).
“Bison Americanus.” Hand-colored engraving in Mark Catesby, The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands by Library Company of Philadelphia
The state penitentiary, for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, c1855. by Library Company of Philadelphia
It is October, and with that comes thoughts of harrowing hauntings. Eastern State Penitentiary is widely known for its creepy corridors, and also its beautiful decay. It is hard to believe this prison used to be on the outskirts of town. It has since been surrounded by the city. #onlythepenitentmanwillpass #flickrfriday
Preserve by Library Company of Philadelphia
Via Flickr:
World War I-era poster shows Uncle Sam pouring out a cornucopia full of fruit and vegetables. Jars of preserve stand in the foreground. Published by Geo. P. Thomas, N.Y.; Artist: Housh, ca. 1917-1919.
Accession Number: P.2284.234
Charles Zeuner, Prayer of the Blind. Boston: C. Bradley, 1833.
Sheet music “Prayer of the Blind” published in 1833 for the benefit of the New England Institution for the Blind, later Perkins School. The Institution, established in 1829, was the first school for the blind in the United States. Picture shows first page of sheet music including the title in block letters, the dedication in script letters, and four bars of music. The first two bars are labeled. the top bar is labeled “Allegro” and the second bar is labeled “Moderato.” Text reads from top to bottom: Prayer of the Blind [next line]. Poetry by [new line] B. B. Thatcher Esqr. [new line] Music by [new line] Ch. Zeuner Esqr. [new line] Published for the Ladies’ Fair held at [new line] Faneuil Hall [new line] for the benefit of the “Institution for the [new line] Instruction of the Blind” May 1st, 1833. [new line] Boston : [new line] Published by C. Bradlee, 164 Washington St., 1833. Also includes a copyright statement below the bars of music. Statement reads: Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1833 by C. Bradley in the Clerk’s office of the District Court of Massachussetts. [end of description]