Subjects Urban Development

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

Visions of the Schuylkill, 1884 and Now

“Fairmount Waterworks. From the forebay.” (From nature & on stone G. Lehman; Published by C.G. Childs & G. Lehman, 1833. Free Library of Philadelphia, Print & Picture Collection)

Fairmount Water Works from the forebay, 1833

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

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

Bridge Street Draw, southeast corner property, June 12, 1896

Bridge Street Draw, southeast corner property, June 12, 1896

State House Garden, Philadelphia, 1800

Back of the State House, Philadelphia, 1800

South East Corner of Third and Market Streets, Philadelphia, 1800

Arch Street, with the Second Presbyterian Church, 1800

The City and Port of Philadelphia on the River Delaware from Kensington, 1800