Subjects Pumping Stations

Material, both historical and contemporary, that covers Philadelphia's pumping stations, which are mammoth structures that move tremendous quantities of water from place to place all around the region. Philadelphia has had nine (?) pumping stations throughout her history, beginning with the Fairmount Water Works; four are currently in operation.

Map Lovers’ Monday: The Ellet Map of Philadelphia County, 1843

Black-and-white image of an ornate white building on a riverbank with trees behind it

A new book, more than 40 years in the making, about an iconic Philadelphia building

Fairmount Water Works: The Surprising History of an American Landmark

Fairmount Water Works in High Resolution

Ghosts of Water in Fairmount Park, Part 1, with Adam Levine

Birch’s Views of Philadelphia, 1800

Fairmount Water Works (Picturesque America)

Kensington Water Supply in 1883

Northeast Philadelphia history, one page at a time: The Holmesburg Library Scrapbook Collection

Birkinbine Schuylkill Hydrographical Survey 1861-66

Two reports on the state of the Schuylkill River, 1867

Centre Square Engine House, location of one of two steam engines used in the city’s original water system. Engraving by Birch.

Centre Square Engine House, ca. 1807