Historic Philadelphia
An illustrated history of the city of Philadelphia, paired with the histories of companies, families and organizations that make the region great.
An illustrated history of the city of Philadelphia, paired with the histories of companies, families and organizations that make the region great.
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FOREWORD<br />
INTO THE TREES<br />
This book is not a scholarly work. Readers seeking comprehensive details, weighty analysis, or<br />
footnotes will have to look elsewhere. Its goal is to amble pleasantly through nearly four centuries<br />
of <strong>Philadelphia</strong> history, stopping here and there along the way to examine interesting people,<br />
events, buildings, and activities. It is anecdotal, episodic, possibly even erratic. Recording every<br />
worthwhile event and person would require a bookshelf, not a mere book. If some major items are<br />
ignored while trivial ones are emphasized, relax. History is more fun that way.<br />
In that spirit, the author assumes the customary responsibility for errors, and apologizes for<br />
omissions both accidental and intentional.<br />
Struthers Burt, in his 1945 book about the city, wrote: “<strong>Philadelphia</strong> is a fascinating place and<br />
one of the hardest subjects imaginable to write about. The trees are so thick, the little wandering<br />
forest byways and paths so numerous and so interesting, that it is almost impossible at times to see<br />
the forest.”<br />
Follow me into the trees.<br />
✧<br />
This 1839 Massachusetts abolitionist<br />
pamphlet first applied the name Liberty Bell<br />
to <strong>Philadelphia</strong>’s nearly forgotten State<br />
House bell, starting it on the way to being a<br />
national icon.<br />
COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION.<br />
HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA<br />
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