Subject: Philadelphia

This billhead from Benjamin Green, a dealer in carpetings, window shades, and oil cloths, records a transaction with Mr. B. E. Sharp in Philadelphia on June 17, 1864. The bill details the purchase of 2 pairs of window shades for $8.00. The item features standard print for the business details, location (No. 33 North Second Street, opposite Christ Church), and itemized list, with ornate script used for the date, buyer's name, and the "Rec'd Payment" notation, which is signed by B. Skresky on behalf of Benjamin Green. 3.

This billhead from Frank Brothers & Co., Clothiers & Jobbers of Men's Wear, records a transaction with Mess. Aliralt & Co. on June 7, 1878. The item listed is "1 Trick Tonder" for $16.12. The document features an ornate Victorian-style masthead for "FRANK BROTHERS & CO." with decorative typography, identifying the business as "CLOTHIERS & JOBBERS of MEN'S WEAR," and a standard ruled ledger format. Terms for cash and discounts are printed at the top left. 3.

This billhead from Hassler's Musical Bureau, located at 1119 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, records a transaction on June 15, 1888. It is a receipt acknowledging payment of $12.00 from Mr. Henry W. Edwards for "Orchestral Services" provided at Andalusia on the 2nd. The document features the business name and address printed at the top in a clear, sans-serif font. The date, buyer's name, description of services, amount, and director's name are filled in with ornate, cursive handwriting. The phrase "With Thanks" and the signature "Mark Hassler" are also in a distinctive cursive style, with "With Thanks" highlighted in purple ink. **3.

A billhead from P. Schoeneman & Son, Wholesale Clothiers, located at 25 North Third St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated May 24, 1878. The bill lists items purchased by Wm. Davenport, including suits, coats, and pants, with quantities and prices, totaling $162.00. The document features printed ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and address, with handwritten details for the date, buyer, and itemized transaction. 3.

A trade card for A. Cohen, a dealer in new and second-hand fine clothing, located at 932 South Street, Philadelphia, Pa. The card advertises a large assortment of full dress suits always on hand and available for hire. The design features various serif and sans-serif font styles and sizes, with the business name and address prominently displayed, typical of late 19th-century commercial printing. **3.

This certificate confirms William Tinsley's membership in the Anna M. Ross Post 94, Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Republic. The document details his service as a Corporal in Company F of the 5th Penna. Cavalry during the Civil War, enlisting in 1861 and being discharged in 1865. He was mustered into the Grand Army of the Republic on April 7, 1879. The certificate features an ornate design with an American flag and eagle emblem, the motto "Honor Loyalty," and illustrations of Civil War-era soldiers flanking classical columns. A prominent seal is affixed near the bottom.

This multi-page dance program is for the Hebrew Charity Ball held on February 9, 1869. The cover features "Hebrew Charity Ball 1869" in decorative Victorian-style lettering, adorned with an illustration of cherubs holding musical instruments within a circular frame, set against ornate borders. A yellow ribbon is attached to the spine. The program lists "Promenade Music" and "Dancing Music" selections, including various quadrilles, waltzes, schottisches, lancers, galops, and gems from operas, with composers such as Offenbach, Mozart, Strauss, Verdi, and Hassler. Music was provided by Hassler's Grand Orchestra and Military Band. The interior pages also list Henry S. Frank as the Master of Ceremonies and several Floor Managers. The final page is blank for "Engagements." The item was printed by R. Stein, Phil. 3.

An envelope from Leon Isaacs & Co., Manufacturers of Glucinum Pens, located at 925 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. The envelope is addressed to Arthur F. Frey at 520 Warren Street, East Saginaw, Michigan. It features a decorative company logo depicting a pen nib, with "LEON ISAACS & CO. GLUCINUM" inscribed on it, and ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and product. The postal cancellation mark indicates it was mailed on June 22, 1885, at 5 PM, from Philadelphia, PA. The reverse side contains handwritten notes, possibly inventory or accounting references. 3.

This partially printed and handwritten insurance policy, dated September 2, 1760, records the insurance of the Brigantine Ellenor for its voyage from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to St. Christopher. The policy was purchased by John Lownes on account of Caleb Cowpland, insuring the ship's body, tackle, apparel, and furniture against perils of the sea, enemies, pirates, thieves, and other misfortunes. The policy was valued at £500, with an 18 percent rate, costing £90 plus 5 shillings. The underwriters listed, each for £100, include Reese Meredith, John Mifflin, John Wilcocks, Abraham Judah, and John Mease. The document features an ornate "WHEREAS" heading and period-typical script. **3.

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An engraved card serving as an invitation from Dr. Mütter to Mr. B. Etting for a Wistar Party, dated December 4, 1854, in Philadelphia. The invitation requests Mr. Etting's company on Saturday evening at 8 o'clock and asks for an early answer. The card features an engraved likeness of Caspar Wistar in profile, flanked by the words "WISTAR PARTY" in block letters. The main invitation text is handwritten in ornate script. A handwritten "Ant." appears in the upper left corner.

This manuscript is a legal document, possibly a lease of property or an estate settlement document, concerning land in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It involves individuals such as Simon Gratz, Michael Gratz, and Hyman Gratz, with references to their attorneys. The document includes several handwritten endorsements and agreements regarding land rights and transfers, dated March 14, 1810, and March 23, 1812. Portions of the text discuss the assignment of rights by individuals like Benjamin Eddy and Richard Barker, and mention Samuel Barber and Nieager Bennett. The document features handwritten text in ink on aged paper, with visible water damage or stains, and consists of multiple folded sections.

A personal letter from Miriam Gratz, written from Baltimore, Maryland, on June 22, 1797, to her children in Philadelphia, primarily addressed to her eldest surviving son, Simon Gratz. The letter concerns family matters, including updates on her husband Michael Gratz's health and their planned return to Philadelphia. She also mentions her other children, Hyman, Rebecca (Becky), and Rachel. The document consists of handwritten text on aged paper, typical of 18th-century correspondence, with no significant decorative features. The verso contains an autograph address panel. 3.

This four-page letter from Herman Hamburger to his friend John Pugh Green, dated September 24, 1862, discusses Hamburger's experiences and perspectives during the Civil War. Written on a printed advertising circular for Hamburger's Philadelphia law practice, the letter expresses his envy of Green's military position, his admiration for General McClellan, and his complex, somewhat conflicted views on President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The letterhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for "HERMAN HAMBURGER, ATTORNEY AT LAW," along with the "LAW AND COLLECTION OFFICE" and address. **3.

A letter from Hirsh & Brother, manufacturers of umbrellas and parasols, located in Philadelphia, PA, to S. Marks & Co. in Roseburg, OR, dated May 2, 1887. The letter discusses business matters, specifically mentioning "goods for the office." The letterhead features a detailed lithograph of the Hirsh & Brother factory building at 1309-1317 Market St., highlighting 7 acres of floor space devoted to manufacturing umbrellas and parasols. The business name "Hirsh & Brother" is presented with ornate Victorian-style lettering. 3.

A letter from Michael Gratz in Philadelphia, dated January 23, 1795, to his son Simon Gratz concerning various business matters. The correspondence mentions a transaction for which Judge George Wallace of Pittsburgh has agreed to pay in cash. The item consists of two pages, featuring an autograph address panel. The top line is torn, resulting in some loss of text. The letter highlights the extensive mercantile activities and financial dealings of Michael Gratz.

A handwritten letter from M. Chambers to Horace Moses, dated Philadelphia, June 23, 1852. Chambers responds to Moses's note regarding ground rent in Richmond, expressing displeasure about a perceived threat and stating his intention to settle the matter. Chambers mentions being engaged with building in Jersey and his usual practice of annual ground rent payments. The letter is handwritten on plain paper, folded, with a postmark visible on the reverse side.

A personal letter from Simon Gratz to Mr. Stone, dated November 1, 1869, from 518 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Gratz expresses regret for postponing a meeting due to his father, Edward Gratz, being at the point of death. He also mentions "the portraits of Mr. [unclear name]" which are at his office, requesting Mr. Stone to ensure they are placed in "Taylor's hands." The letter is handwritten on plain paper with no decorative features.

This letter, written circa 1885 on Frank Muhr's personal stationery, is addressed to Mayer Sulzberger at 1303 Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Muhr congratulates Sulzberger on a new position.

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An etched portrait of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney by Max Rosenthal, produced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1890. The print measures 5-5/8" x 8" and is mounted on card stock. It is signed "Max Rosenthal" in pencil outside the border.

A blank pre-printed receipt or statement of services for H. Polano, Jr., based in Philadelphia, PA. The form indicates services for "Professional Services at Funeral of" and includes a line for "Received Payment". It also notes that H. Polano, Jr. is an "Agent for Isaac Leeser's Prayer Books and Bibles". The item features ornate Victorian-style script for key phrases like "No.", "To", "For Professional Services at Funeral of", and "Received Payment", complemented by a standard serif font for other text. The verso contains handwritten notations for "Removing fire wood to celler (.50)" and "Com. on collection (44.48)", totaling "44.98". 3.

This is a blank receipt form from Congregation Mikveh Israel, Philadelphia, for annual seat rent in either the New Synagogue on Seventh Street or the Old Synagogue on Cherry Street. The form covers the period from May 25, 1860, to Rosh Hashanah, 5621 (circa 1860-1861), and also includes a line for 'prescription money.' The document features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the heading 'To CONG. 'MICKVE ISRAEL,' Dr.' and an elaborate script initial 'M.' The printed name '(Gabay)' appears at the bottom. The verso of the document contains handwritten financial notes and calculations, dated September 12, 1875, indicating the reuse of the paper. 3.

This item is a blank pre-printed receipt form from the Editor of The Occident, located in Philadelphia. The form is for a subscription to "The Occident" for "Vol. 8," at a cost of "$3," covering the period up to "March 18." It includes blank spaces for the date and the recipient's name, as well as a line for acknowledging "Received Payment." The form features standard serif typography for most of the text, with a more decorative script used for the honorific "Mr."

This item is sheet music for "The Jew Broker," a song featured in the "New Entertainment of the Jew and the Doctor," with lyrics attributed to M. Bernard. The sheet music includes musical notation and song lyrics, and was printed and sold by R. Shaw in Philadelphia and T. Hewitt in New York, priced at 25 Cents. R. Shaw is identified as an "Importer of Music and Musical Instruments" at 15 South Fourth in Philadelphia. The verso of the first sheet contains a faint pencil sketch of a head. The piece is from Thomas Dibdin's 1798 farce, notable for its portrayal of Jewish characters, reflecting a historical trend towards more sympathetic depictions while still using broadly drawn dialect.

This stock certificate, numbered 147, certifies that George D. Rosengarten is entitled to eighty-one shares in the capital stock of the Northern Liberties Gas Company. The company was incorporated by the State of Pennsylvania. The certificate indicates a total capital of $200,000, with shares valued at $25 each. It is transferable only on the books of the company upon surrender of the certificate. The document features ornate borders on the left and right sides, decorative script for the phrase "This is to Certify," and is signed by the President and Treasurer of the company.

This trade card advertises B. W. Levy, a Philadelphia business offering gents' fine furnishing goods and a constant stock of umbrellas. The card features a colorful illustration of white bell flowers (likely lily of the valley) and a pink rosebud on the left side. The business name, "B. W. Levy," is prominently displayed in ornate lettering, followed by "GENTS," "FINE FURNISHING GOODS," and the address "2120 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia." A note indicates "A Fine Stock of Umbrellas Constantly on Hand." The overall design suggests a Victorian-era aesthetic typical for advertising of the period. The verso of the card is blank. 3.

This trade card advertises B. W. Levy, a Philadelphia business specializing in fine furnishing goods for men, with a particular emphasis on umbrellas. The card features a colorful illustration of blue flowers, possibly forget-me-nots or blue bells, with a bee or insect near them. The business is located at 2120 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia. 3.

This trade card advertises B. W. Levy, a Philadelphia business specializing in "Gents' Fine Furnishing Goods" and a "Fine Stock of Umbrellas." The business was located at 2120 Callowhill Street. The card features a decorative, colorful illustration of a large pink rose and blue forget-me-nots, typical of floral designs on late 19th-century advertising.

This trade card advertises David Cohen, "The Leading One Price Shoe House," located at 31 North Eighth Street, below Filbert, East Side, Philadelphia. The advertisement highlights that the business is an agent for sole leather and offers "tip shoes, best in the country," with a note stating "no connection with any other store." The card features an amusing illustration of a smiling child in a dress on a stool, pouring water from a basin onto a smaller, crying, naked child in a tub below. The text is presented in a mix of decorative and standard fonts, with "DAVID COHEN" and "One Price Shoe House" being most prominent, against a two-tone background of faded gold and a reddish-brown for the illustrations and some text. 3.

This trade card advertises E. Nunes' Ten Per Cent. Clothing House, located at the Corner of Fifth and Germantown Avenue. The card details a range of clothing items available with "STRICTLY ONE PRICE," including various business suits, worsted suits, and pants, with prices ranging from 90 cents to $18.80. It also offers a full line of youths', boys', and children's clothing, such as children's knee pants for 60 cents and men's cotton stripe coats for 20 cents, stating that all goods are sold at ten per cent. above the cost of manufacture. The store hours are noted as open evenings until 10 o'clock and Saturdays until 12 o'clock. The recto of the card features a monochromatic red illustration of a young girl in a hat reaching for apples on a tree, with a basket on the ground. **3.

This trade card advertises the specialties of Fernberger Bros., offering "Pure Old Rye Whisky" for $3.00 per gallon and "Fine Brandy for Mince Meat" for $2.50 per gallon. The card notes that orders by mail receive prompt and careful attention. The design features an illustration of an owl perched on a branch, with an insect nearby, set against a yellow sunburst background on the left side. The text is presented in a combination of decorative and standard typefaces, with information about the quality and purported health benefits of their products.

A trade card for H. N. Harbach, a business specializing in picture frames, located at 807 Filbert Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1885. The card features a decorative image of a hand holding a colorful bouquet of flowers, with ornate Victorian-style lettering used for the business name and address. 3.

This trade card advertises J. Rothschild, an importer of French millinery goods located at 1022 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, dating to approximately 1885. The card features a colorful lithographic image of a young girl in a pink dress descending stairs while holding a green cord. The business name and address are presented in ornate Victorian-style lettering at the bottom. 3.

This round trade card for Josephs Bros., "Phila. Shoe Stores," serves as an advertisement, offering "Compliments of" the business. It lists two store locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 465 & 467 Broad Street, Corner of Orange, and 57 Market Street, Corner of Plane. The card features a prominent decorative element—a large, detailed pink rose with green leaves, set against a light blue background and within a white border. The business name and addresses are printed on a rectangular panel that partially overlaps the floral design, characteristic of decorative Victorian-era advertising. The card is embossed, adding a tactile quality to its visual appeal. **3.

A trade card for Mrs. C. Solomon Boot & Shoe Store, located at 1349 South Second St., Philadelphia. The card serves as an advertisement, indicated by "Compliments of Mrs. C. Solomon Boot & Shoe Store." It features a colorful lithographic illustration depicting a young girl in a hat and boots, holding a parasol, walking through a verdant landscape with a stippled sky. The business name and address are presented in a rectangular frame with clear, simple lettering, while the overall design reflects a typical ornate Victorian-era advertising style. 3.

This trade card for Mrs. C. Solomon's Boot & Shoe Store in Philadelphia features a lithographic illustration of a Black person, depicted in a racist caricature, wearing a straw hat and playing with a top in an outdoor scene. The business information is presented in a white rectangular text box, stating "COMPLIMENTS OF Mrs. C. Solomon Boot & Shoe Store, 1349 South Second St. PHILADELPHIA." The overall design includes a dotted background pattern, typical of late 19th-century trade cards. The reverse of the card is blank except for handwritten archival markings.

A colorful trade card for Mrs. C. Solomon's Boot & Shoe Store, located at 1349 South Second St., Philadelphia. The card features an illustration of a girl in a hat and dress playing croquet in a park-like setting. The text reads, "Compliments of Mrs. C. Solomon Boot & Shoe Store, 1349 South Second St. PHILADELPHIA." The imagery and style are characteristic of late 19th-century advertising, often using appealing illustrations to promote businesses. **3.

A colorful trade card for Mrs. H. Loewenthal's Continental Ladies' Suit Store, located at 641 South Street, Philadelphia. The store specialized in ladies' suits, children's clothes, and ladies' underwear. The card features an ornate Victorian-style design with a vibrant sprig of blue, orange, and red flowers with green leaves, adding a decorative touch to the advertisement. 3.

This is a trade card for Mrs. H. Loewenthal's Continental Ladies' Suit Store, located at 641 South Street, Philadelphia. The card advertises ladies' suits, children's clothes, and ladies' underwear. The design features a decorative floral corner with two prominent pink and red roses and green foliage.

This trade card advertises Phillip J. Cohn's Fashionable Millinery, located at 5009 Main Street in Germantown, with a branch at 244 N. Second Street in Philadelphia. The business specialized in trimmed and untrimmed bonnets and hats for ladies and children, and also offered mourning goods as a specialty. The front of the card features a color illustration depicting a mother holding a baby, surrounded by four other children, one of whom is reading. The verso displays the business advertisement with "Fashionable Millinery" rendered in ornate script. **3.

This trade card, dating from circa 1885, features an illustration of a woman in a pink dress with a red floral embellishment, holding a fan, standing in an interior setting. The verso advertises S. Hirschberg's Great American Watch Depot, located at 230 North Eighth Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1860, the business promoted itself as offering the "Largest assortment of Ladies' and Gents' Gold and Silver Watches in the World." The text on the verso uses decorative Victorian-style lettering for the business name. 3.

This colorful trade card advertises S. Wertheimer, a dry goods and notions store located at 701 & 703 N. Second Street, N. E. Cor. Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia. The card features an illustration of a child bending down to smell a bush of red roses, rendered in a chromolithographic style typical of the late 19th century. The business name and address are printed below the illustration. The verso of the card is blank. 3.

This circular trade card, shaped like a tambourine, advertises Shoneman Brothers, a "Leading Trimming and Fancy Goods Establishment" located at 116, 118, 120 & 122 N. Eighth St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The front features a color lithograph titled "The Morning Prayer," depicting an elderly woman holding an infant, with another young girl standing beside her and a cat playing on the floor in a domestic interior. The reverse side explicitly states "The Lowest Prices Guaranteed" and includes details about the business. A cardboard hanger, manufactured by Wolf & Co. of 243 & 245 Arch St., Philadelphia, is attached to the top of the card.