University Archives and Records Center
University of Pennsylvania
The
Photograph Collection, 1872 - c. 1975
UPX 12
OVERVIEW
The Photograph Collection of the University of Pennsylvania Archives includes approximately 23,000 black and white photographs documenting the history of the University. This collection includes images gathered by George E. Nitzsche as Recorder of the University from 1901 to 1944. As the University's sometime "Publicity Agent," he went out of his way to gather and preserve photographs as well as manuscripts, prints and memorabilia related to University history. Other photographs in this collection had their origins in the News Bureau (from the late 1920's to 1985), Alumni organizations and the Athletic Department. Note that photographs are also found in many other University Archives collections.
Local free-lance photographers hired by the Office of the Recorder took many of the earlier images; other photographers include R. Newell and Sons, William Rau, A.P. Cline, E. Moebius, Pierce and Jones, William M. Rittase, Jules Schick and Lawrence Williams. This collection is currently being re-processed to enhance user access.
Photographs in this collection are organized in three series, each arranged alphabetically by subject:
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| The Building Series
chronicles the University's physical development from the late
1870s through the mid-1970s. It includes interior and exterior views
of architecturally significant academic, administrative and residential
buildings on campus. Some of the more prominent images include Bennett
Hall, Franklin Field, the Furness Library, Houston Hall, Logan Hall,
the Quadrangle dormitories, and Weightman Hall.
There are also images of buildings and streetscapes that no longer exist. They include nineteenth century campus views of the Almshouse, the Athletic Fields at 36th and Spruce Streets, Walnut Street, Woodland Avenue, the University Power Plant, Sergeant Hall and Beaston's Store at 3701 Spruce Street. |
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| The Groups and Events Series documents the academic and social activities on campus. It features photographs of both current and past traditional University events such as Hey Day, Ivy Day, Commencement, Bowl Fights and May Day celebrations. Other categories include dramatic events, medical societies, the Christian Association, student life, World War I and II, and the Zeloscopic Society. |
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| The Sports Series is dominated by basketball (1915-1960), crew (1884-1958) and football (1878-1950). The bulk of the earlier images are team photographs. |
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