Subject: Philadelphia History

First edition of "A Biographical Sketch" by Simon Wolf, published by The Levytype Company in Philadelphia in 1897. This early work by the famous historian focuses on early Jewish Americana.

A copy of the final audit for the settlement of the M. Gratz estate, conducted 41 years after the initial documentation. Most of the family listed in the 1819 documents are deceased. The audit, prepared by Frank Etting, reveals a remaining balance of $5802.77 in the estate. The audit is dated October 5, 1860, and pertains to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Billhead from Rosengarten & Sons, Manufacturing Chemists, located at the southwest corner of 17th and Fitzwater Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Issued on May 11, 1883, by Charles H. Rutherford, representative of Rosengarten & Sons, at 26 Liberty Street, New York City. The billhead includes information about the company's history and prominent figures.

Glass bottle from the Oriental Bottling Department of Weisbrod & Hess, a Philadelphia-based business. Circa 1890s. The bottle features the text 'ORIENTAL BOTTLING DEPARTMENT'.

Handwritten citizenship document on vellum, signed by Joseph Simon Cohen, Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, for Gustavus Rentak. Dated January 26, 1844, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

One of ten bearer bonds issued by the City of Philadelphia for a Six Per Cent Loan. This particular bond, dated January 3, 1862, was issued to "Har Nevah Lodge No. 12 in trust for K. Goldberg, Joseph Cohen, R. Brunswick, S. Hamerschlay and M. Reese." The bonds feature illustrations of Philadelphia City Hall, early locomotives, a wharf, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. Each bond bears the signatures of the City Controller and Treasurer. The bonds in the collection vary in amounts from $100 to $9,000 and were issued to various Jewish organizations and individuals in Philadelphia between the 1850s and 1872.

Collection of ten interest-bearing six per cent loan bearer bonds issued by the City of Philadelphia between the 1850s and 1872. Issued to various Jewish organizations and individuals, including prominent figures such as Isaac J. Phillips, Treasurer of the United Hebrew Beneficent Society; S. M. Etting; Philip Nathans; and Henry Myer Phillips. The bonds feature illustrations of Philadelphia City Hall, early locomotives, a wharf, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and other imagery. Each bond bears the signatures of the City Controller and Treasurer. Bond denominations range from $100 to $9,000.

Collection of five handwritten letters, primarily in German with one in Yiddish, from the Loeb family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letters span the 1860s and 1870s and include correspondence between family members and others, referencing locations in Germany including Ungstein and Koblenz. Also included is a letterhead from Ludwig Loeb of Philadelphia, PA, with a handwritten list of family birthdays.

Pamphlet containing the Constitution and By-Laws of the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia. Adopted at a town meeting of Israelites on Sunday, Sivan 3, 5608 (June 4, 1848). Printed in Philadelphia by Sherman in 5608 (1848). The pamphlet, 12 pages long, was originally issued with paper covers. It includes a tipped-in page with "alterations to the Constitution on June 15, 1857," which were never formally published. The cover bears the signatures of J.M. Emanuel (1857) and A. Fonzi (1868). This is considered a unique document due to the inclusion of the unpublished 1857 alterations. The Hebrew Education Society aimed to establish schools providing religious instruction and teaching Hebrew and English to Philadelphia's Jewish community. In 1928, it merged with Gratz College.

Vellum deed documenting a property transaction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The deed, dated October 25, 1844, records the purchase of a property by Hyman Gratz for $524.00. The reverse side details the subsequent sale of the same property on May 13, 1850, for $2,900.00, signed twice by Gratz. This document offers a rare glimpse into real estate profits in 19th-century Philadelphia.

Deed for a house and lot near 7th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated May 20, 1817. The deed was signed by Simon Cohen and Abraham Myers Cohen. The property is now the site of the Atwater-Kent Museum.

Deed signed by Israel Israel, son of Michael, to Andrew Sumners Jr. dated March 28, 1801, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Israel Israel, described as having been raised as a Christian, amassed a fortune by age 21 and served as High Sheriff of Philadelphia in 1800.

Deed from Andrew Thatcher to Israel Israel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated September 18, 1802. The deed includes signatures and seals of Israel Israel, who is described as the son of Michael, raised as a Christian, having amassed a fortune at age 21, and serving as High Sheriff of Philadelphia in 1800.

Deed documenting a land purchase in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated March 16, 1770. The deed was witnessed by a Quaker and signed by Judah Muhman, whose literacy appears questionable. The document is written on Great Water Seal laid paper. The buyer of the land was Samuel Wallis. Further research is needed to confirm whether Judah Muhman was Jewish.

Indenture dated May 6, 1791, in Philadelphia, between Abigail Hamilton and Timothy Abbott and Samuel Barnes concerning land on the west side of Third Street between High and Chestnut Streets. The deed specifies the land as "the northerly moiety of a larger Lot" previously conveyed to Andrew Hamilton. Abigail Hamilton signed the deed, witnessed by David Franks and Benjamin Levy. The document highlights the post-Revolutionary reconciliation between individuals with differing loyalties during the American Revolution, as the Franks family were Loyalists, while Benjamin Levy was a supporter of the Revolution. Additional biographical information on the individuals involved is included within the record.

Deed signed by Israel Israel, son of Michael, to Paul Beck Jr. dated March 28, 1801 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Israel Israel, described as having been raised as a Christian, amassed a fortune by age 21, and served as High Sheriff of Philadelphia in 1800.

Vellum deed of sale from "The Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities" to Joshua Hartshorne. The deed is signed by Hyman Gratz as president and dated May 29, 1834 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Deed for the sale of land from Israel Jacobs to Eddy (pre-printed form for Eddy). Dated March 17, 1795. The transaction likely involved speculation in soldier payment lands in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Israel Jacobs (1741-1810) was a shopkeeper in Philadelphia, and his burial site was the Mikveh Israel Cemetery.

Deed of sale for land in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated October 8, 1794. Patrick Levy and John Levy sold land to Joseph Thomas. This deed is one of nine contiguous documents relating to the sale and transfer of land.

Deed of sale for a lot on the west side of 2nd Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Isaiah Nathans and his wife, Lydia Nathans, sold the property to John Cridland on June 25, 1819. The document suggests a potential transaction between father and son.

This deed documents the sale of land from the estate of Isaac Phillips and Joseph L. Moss to Joseph Gratz. The deed was signed by both executors on June 5, 1838, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Deed for the sale of property to Edward Etting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated November 22, 1875. The deed includes the signatures of both the seller and buyer, and details of the property transaction.

Deed of conveyance, dated May 23, 1842, documenting the transfer of property in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from Alexander W. Robertson to Henry Meyer Phillips. The deed reflects a significant property transaction involving a prominent Philadelphia Jew of the period.

This document is a deed transferring property in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from Peter Bolz to Simon S. and Yette Myers. The deed is dated May 17, 1876.

A deed transferring property, dated January 18, 1864, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The document includes the signatures of Sarah Goldsmith, Eliza Goldsmith, and Nathan Goldsmith, along with Elisha Stephan, Robert, and Jeremiah.

This deed, dated March 8, 1841, documents a property transaction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It involves Hyman Gratz, and the Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities. The deed is signed by Hyman Gratz as president of Mikveh Israel.

This collection contains estate distribution documents related to Henry Etting (1799-1876) and Miriam Gratz Etting (1807-1879). The first set pertains to Henry Etting's will, including a deposition signed by Miriam Gratz Etting on March 15, 1877. The second set, circa March 15, 1879, details the distribution of funds held in trust for Miriam Gratz Etting under her brother's will after her death. The documents specify the distribution of $37,658.27 (equivalent to approximately $956,000 in 2015), with beneficiaries including nephews Ruben and Charles Etting, and the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society.

Original glass magic lantern slide, hand-numbered #1818, by Siegmund Lubin, titled "THE SUN." Features a smiling sun with bright yellow rays. The slide bears Lubin's address, 21 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia. Lubin opened his first optical shop at 237 N. 8th Street in 1885 and moved to 21 S. 8th Street in 1890, where he began making magic lantern slides. Siegmund Lubin was a pioneer in early motion pictures and invented the first practical cineograph. Circa 1890.

An invitation to a dramatic episode titled "Esther, the Queen," produced by the Mickve Israel Literary Association. The event was to be held at the Hall of the Columbia Club, 1405 Oxford Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 18, 1908. The invitation includes ticket number 533.

Handwritten invitation signed by Dr. Herbert Friedenwald to attend a History Club meeting at his home, 915 N. 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 15 (undated, estimated 1895 based on biographical information). Judge Samuel W. Pennypacker was to be the speaker at the meeting.

This four-page letter, written circa 1848, is addressed to Mathilda Samuel Cohen in Fort Hamilton, New York, from "R.P." in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Undated, but stylistically similar to other letters in the collection addressed to Mrs. Henry Cohen from various relatives. The letter contains detailed family information. This archive provides insight into the daily life of a prominent Philadelphia Jewish family. The letter is part of an archive of six letters written to Mrs. Henry Cohen; it is of particular interest as the University of Pennsylvania holds the Cohen family archives, but is absent the early personal letters as found in this collection. Interestingly there is no mention of the Mexican-American War. Henry Cohen arrived in Philadelphia from London in 1843 and established a successful envelope manufacturing business. He married Mathilda Samuel (of the prominent Samuel family of Liverpool) in 1844. The Cohens maintained close ties with prominent London Jewish families, including the Aguilars. Both were leaders in the Philadelphia Jewish community.

A one and one-quarter page letter, written in German with a translation, from Isidor Bush in St. Louis, Missouri to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 6, 1857. Bush requests Leeser to review an article and includes personal commentary.

Two-page letter from Jesse Joseph in Montreal, Quebec, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated March 19, 1848. Joseph discusses personal matters, including a potential romantic relationship, and mentions a recent marriage within the Solomon family. The letter provides insight into the personal life of Jesse Joseph, contrasting with his public image as a lifelong bachelor.

Four-page letter from Liz Eldman (?), a relative in Liverpool, England, to Mathilda Samuel Cohen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated circa February 27, 1850. The letter contains detailed family information and is one of six letters written to Mrs. Henry Cohen from various relatives, providing insight into the family's daily life.

Four-page letter from Liz Eldman (?) in Liverpool, England, to Matilda Samuel Cohen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated January 2, 1861. The letter contains detailed family information and is one of six letters written to Mrs. Henry Cohen from various relatives. This collection offers insight into the daily life of this prominent Philadelphia Jewish family.

Two-page letter written by Mayer Sulzberger to Simon Muhr on June 22, 1880, on Mayer Sulzberger's letterhead (6th & Chestnut, Philadelphia, PA). The letter contains political commentary, specifically regarding Ulysses S. Grant's bid for a third term as President. It is one of four letters written to Muhr while he was traveling abroad.

A one-page letter, approximately 8" x 9-7/8", dated October 17, 1831, from Simeon Dreyfous in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Joseph L. Tillinghast in Providence, Rhode Island. Dreyfous discusses a legal issue involving Hyman M. Hart, suggesting that Hart's deposition be taken in New Orleans due to his impending departure.

Lithograph depicting Moss's Upholsterer store located at 127 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is possibly the earliest known image of a Jewish-owned store in the USA and may be from the earliest known use of lithography in the US. The lithograph is a leaf from a larger book.

Pastel portrait of Samuel Hays, a prominent Philadelphia merchant, created circa 1810 by James Sharples. The painting has excellent provenance, descending through the Hays family before being sold at auction and ultimately acquired by the collection in 2007. Samuel Hays (1764-1839) was a prominent merchant who served his apprenticeship under Haym Solomon. He was married to Richea Gratz in 1794 and was active in both the general and Jewish communities. James Sharples (1751/1752-1811) was an English-born artist known for his pastel portraits, who worked in various cities in England before settling in Philadelphia around 1793. This portrait is featured in Hannah London's *Portraits of Jews*. The physical item is located in Arc.MS.56, Crate 3, Tray B.

Oil on canvas portrait of Benjamin Nones (1757-1826), depicting him holding a document dated 1793 from the United States Treasury. Painted in 1795 by Nicholas Vincent Boudet (active 1793-1820). The painting is one of a pair; the other depicts Nones' wife, Miriam Marks Nones (1764-1822), and one of their children. This portrait measures 35 inches in diameter, with the outer dimensions of the frame measuring 40.75 x 41 inches. The painting descended through the Nones family. Accompanying archival materials include biographical information detailing Nones' military service during the American Revolution, his role in the Philadelphia Jewish community, and his public defense of Judaism and republican principles.

Receipt issued by the Mutual Benefit Company of Pennsylvania to Mayer Sulzberger on May 10, 1873, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The receipt documents a financial transaction.

This book contains the Rules and Regulations for the Government of Maimonides College, established in 1867, and the Charter and By-Laws of the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia (Incorporated 1849). Printed by Stein & Jones in 1868, this edition marks the founding of the first rabbinical seminary in America. The Hebrew Education Society, organized in 1848, played a key role in establishing Maimonides College and promoting Hebrew language and literature education. The book includes historical context on the society's founding and its contributions to Jewish education in Philadelphia. This copy was a gift from Rabbi Geffen. Singerman #2096.

This document pertains to the taxes owed upon the death of Simon Muhr, a prominent Philadelphia German Jewish philanthropist, merchant, manufacturer, and owner of the Muhr Building. The document details aspects of Muhr's life, including his philanthropic activities and his bequest to Jewish and other charities, including a substantial sum to the city of Philadelphia for scholarships. The date is April 4, 1895, and it includes information regarding Muhr's death on February 9, 1895. The document provides insight into the financial settlement of his estate and the distribution of his considerable wealth to various causes.

Limited edition publication commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia (1848-1898). This is number 675 of 1000 copies. Published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, likely around 1898.

A limited edition commemorative volume celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia (1848-1898). This is copy number 317 of a limited edition of 1000 copies. The volume was published sometime around 1898.

A whiskey shot glass engraved with a battleship and the American Navy. The glass is associated with I. L. Lipschutz, a Philadelphia-based business. Circa 1898.