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Historic resources from our archives - images, maps, documents, and more.

This 1838 view of the Fairmount Water Works with the Schuylkill River in the distance, by John T. Bowen, “captures the pleasures of Fairmount in its heyday,” writes historian Jane Mork Gibson. “The neat beauty of the works set into a gentle landscape, steep paths and steps that offered an exhilirating contrast to the general flatness of Philadelphia, as well as the excitement of boat races on the river and refreshments offered in the former Engine House, all prompted the admiring comments of visitors.”

Fairmount Water Works and the Schuylkill River, 1838

Gillette Schuylkill mud cartoon

‘Gillette, All By Himself, Gets Fine New Idea On Germ Slaying’

“Philadelphie,” Bird’s Eye View, 1855

Black-and-white newspaper ad advertising "Delightfully Romantic Schuylkill Excursions"

Schuylkill steamship excursions ad, 1852

Race Bridge, Fair Mount Water Works, 1834 (Graff05.63)

Race Bridge, Fairmount Water Works, 1834

A man fishing from the banks of the Schuylkill River

Fishing in the Schuylkill