The Schuylkill and Wissahickon banks in 1858
December 17, 2023
Pictures from the First Geological Survey of Pennsylvania, and other resources about the state’s geology.
Petition of manufacturers along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia for a new upstream water supply, 1868
December 17, 2023
This self-serving petition, which would have allowed manufacturers to continue polluting the water supply of Philadelphia, was rejected by the Pennsylvania Legislature, but manufacturers kept polluting the river anyway.
The Worry of the Wires
December 16, 2023
A cartoon for the holidays, showing that the problem of unsightly overhead wires is hardly new.
Wooden Pipes in Philadelphia
December 16, 2023
A brief explanation, with pictures, of the use of wood to convey water (but not sewage).
Beauty from Utility: The Architect of the Southwest Sewage Pumping Station
December 16, 2023
Celebrating a pumping station built 100 years ago with recently-discovered drawings.
Lighthouses along the Delaware, 1913
December 16, 2023
For every possible topic–even lighthouses–you can find someone who is obsessed with it.
Visions of the Schuylkill, 1884 and Now
December 16, 2023
An early idea of what the banks of the Schuylkill could be–and what they look like today.
Centre Square Water System
December 16, 2023
Three sets of rarely-seen drawings of a national engineering landmark.
An electrifying experience
December 5, 2023
A brief diversion into the fluid known as electricity
From Creek To Sewer
November 30, 2023
This post is where this website (under a couple of different names) began more than 20 years ago. The text is still the same, but I have added new maps and new high-resolution images that are worth checking out.
Native American Heritage Day
November 24, 2023
Celebrating Philadelphia before the European invasion with a beautiful map of Lenapehoking.
Aramingo Canal, Then and Now
November 15, 2023
Uncovering the history of the Aramingo Canal, aka Gunner’s Run.