Subjects Urban Development

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

Birch’s Views of Philadelphia, 1800

Newspaper Clipping Scrapbooks of Frederic Graff Jr.,Chief Engineer of the Philadelphia Water Department: Part 1, 1854-1857

Newspaper Clipping Scrapbooks of Frederick Graff Jr., Chief Engineer of the Philadelphia Water Department. Part 2: 1858-1871

Oak Lane Reservoir pipeline, 1904

The Water and Drainage History of Philadelphia: A seven-part course

A section of wooden water pipe, long out of service, removed from a Philadelphia street in 1901. It had been installed about 1801.

Wooden Water Pipe, removed from Market Street, December 6, 1901

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

Torresdale Conduit work gang, 1906

Torresdale Conduit work gang, 12/18/1906

Finished Upper Roxborough filters, 1903

Finished Upper Roxborough filters, 1903

Engine House of the Belmont Works, R. Newell photo (2004.057.0074.001)

Engine House, Belmont Works

New Mill House at Fairmount (2008.001.0046)

New Mill House at Fairmount