Skip to content

Subject: Philadelphia (Pa.)--Social life and customs


Carte-de-Visite Photograph of David Sulzberger Carte-de-Visite Photograph of David Sulzberger

Carte-de-visite (CDV) photograph of David Sulzberger. The photograph's reverse indicates that Sulzberger was the secretary of the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia for 34 years, an original member of the American Jewish Historical Society, and the first secretary of Dropsie College. It also notes his involvement in the manufacturing of extracts, perfumes, and essential oils. The photograph is undated, but based on biographical information, it is estimated to date from around 1890 or earlier.

Letter from I.W. Moses to Horace Moses, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1852 Letter from I.W. Moses to Horace Moses, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1852

Autograph letter written by I.W. Moses (likely Israel Moses, MD, 1821-1870) to Horace Moses on November 7, 1852, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses family matters, including instructions to lend clothing to "Becky" (likely Rebecca Gratz) for the boys, and details the location of prayer books belonging to the writer and his brother, Isaac Moses Jr. The letter is part of the Gratz collection, with some materials having ended up in Canada.

Letter from Sarah Gratz to Joseph Gratz, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Hamburg, Germany, March 20, 1810 Letter from Sarah Gratz to Joseph Gratz, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Hamburg, Germany, March 20, 1810

A three-page letter written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 20, 1810 by Sarah Gratz (1779-1817) to her brother Joseph Gratz in Hamburg, Germany. The letter provides family news, including the recovery of her ill sisters Rachael (1783-1823) and Frances (1771-1852). Sarah, as the eldest daughter living at home after the death of her mother in 1808, acts as the matriarchal head of the family. Her father was to die in 1811.

Portrait of a South Philadelphian Jew by Joseph Sachs Portrait of a South Philadelphian Jew by Joseph Sachs

Oil on canvas portrait of a South Philadelphian Jew, painted by Joseph Sachs circa 1920. The painting measures 20" x 16" and remains in its original, untouched frame. Joseph Sachs (1887-1974) was a Philadelphia Jewish artist who studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts under William Merritt Chase. His primary medium was oil paint, and his subject matter primarily consisted of portraits. Sachs is listed in *Who Was Who in American Art* by P. Falk (1985).

Western Union Envelope Addressed to Jacob Binswanger, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1885 Western Union Envelope Addressed to Jacob Binswanger, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1885

This archival item consists of a Western Union envelope addressed to J. Binswanger at 436 Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1885. The envelope's contents are not specified. The envelope is associated with Moses A. Dropsie, both individuals being noted for their activity in Jewish affairs. The envelope is part of the collection of Judaica Americana and housed at the University of Pennsylvania.