Map Lovers’ Monday: Schuylkill River from Wissahickon Creek to Norristown, 1913
February 26, 2024
The Schuykill River near the peak of its industrial might, in 1913.
Annual reports and other documents relating to Philadelphia’s water supply system, 1796-1992
February 21, 2024
Added November 29, 2025: Drinking Water Quality reports from the 1960s to the present, listed chronologically. My ultimate goal is to eventually post a comprehensive list of all reports relating to Philadelphia’s water supply, from the late 18th century to the present, with links to PDFs of each. It may be a while before I […]
Map Lovers’ Monday: Philadelphia front and center
February 19, 2024
From the city to the shore to the mountains, this fun, colorful map has it all.
Map Lover’s Monday: Fairmount Park, 1869
February 12, 2024
Three maps from the1870 Annual Report of the Commissioners of Fairmount Park In 1868, Fairmount Park was enlarged to more than 2000 acres with the purchase of land on both banks of the Schuylkill River. One goal of this purchase, and a later purchase of land along Wissahickon Creek, was to protect water quality in […]
The Discovery Center: The creative reuse of an abandoned city reservoir
February 6, 2024
A surprising urban nature center in North Philadelphia.
Plans and maps of the Pennypack Creek Watershed in Philadelphia
February 5, 2024
Maps of the Pennypack Creek watershed, which is mostly protected by a gem of a park in Northeast Philadelphia.
Map Lovers’ Monday: 1896 Suburban Transportation Map
February 5, 2024
Map showing transportation routes in Philadelphia and vicinity, focusing mainly on the suburbs, with many interesting details.
Models of Change
February 4, 2024
A modelmakers’ brochure with local buildings inspires me to find out what came before.
Mount Moriah Historic Cemetery and Arboretum
January 31, 2024
This Victorian burial ground, in the Cobbs Creek watershed, almost disappeared back into the woods. Read about its comeback, and how you can help.
Map Lovers’ Monday: 1891 Water Supply Plan
January 29, 2024
A priceless set of plans documenting a water supply proposal that amounted to nothing.
Sometimes the backside is the best side
January 26, 2024
It’s not always what’s up front that counts the most.
Buried Treasures No. 1: The Franklin Sugar Refinery
January 25, 2024
Only a ghost now remains of what was one of the largest sugar refining complexes in the United States.