Various Newspaper Articles From the Past
Philadelphia County Pennsylvania

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1748
The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, PA
May 5, 1748

Whereas Thomas Bourne came over into America from Great-Britain, about the year 1670, and, as it was supposed, resided some time in Pennsylvania, and was possessed of a considerable estate and effects, and died without returning to England; If any person can give account of the said Thomas Bourne, and where he died, or with whom he left his effects, they are desired to acquaint Benjamin and Samuel Shoemaker, of Philadelphia, and they shall be suitably rewarded.

1754
The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, PA
October 17, 1754

Monday last the General Assemby of this Province met here, when Isaac Norris, Esq; was unanimously chosen Speaker for the ensuing Year.
We have Advice, the the Twightwees lately sent some of their Headmen to the Lower Shawana Town, on the River, Ohio, with the following Message, viz:
Brethren, the Shawaness

"You know that the French have invaded our Country on all Sides; --Why do you sit so still? --- Will you be Slaves to the French, and suffer them to be Masters of all the Land and all the Game? --- Rise up, take the Hatchet, and follow our Example. We kill’d not long ago, Fifty Frenchmen, all Warriors, in one Day. Five other Nations have join’d us; and if you, and your Grandfathers, the Delaware, will but stir, the French will soon be forced to fly." To which the Shawanees answer’d

Brethren, the Twightwees, "We are surpriz’d at your Request. The Six United Nations have desir’d us to sit still, and not mind the French; and that we must keep our Ears and Eyes towards the Six United Nations; and so do our Grandfathers the Delawares. We desire you would spare us and leave oru Twon before the French here of you, and come and kill you here, and plunge us into the War, before the Six United Nations begin it." Upon which, it is said, the Twightwees accordingly left the Shawana Town much disgusted.

We hear that Tanschirsson, otherwise called the Half King, one of the principal Chiefs of the Indian Nations settled on the Ohio, died at Harris’s Ferry, on Susquehanna, the fourth instant, after having been some Time indisposed.

From Cumberland County there is Advice that some time last month an Indian, named Israel, one of the Six Nations, kill’d an Indian Trader at the House of one Anthony Thomson, near the Foot of the Tuscarora Valley, and then made his escape.

1802
The Adams Centinal, Gettysburg, PA
August 18, 1802

The yellow fever still rages in the city and liberties of Philadelphia, but not with much violence. By the reports of the Board of Health from the 6th to the 11th of August, both days included, the deaths by this disease, are from the City Hospital 9 - On the 6th inst., 14 remain sick in the Hospital; during the following week, 16 persons were admitted - on the 11th 12 remained in the Hospital. During the above period the deaths, by all diseases in the city and liberties, were 21 adults and 42 children.

1803
The Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
October 5 1803

Philadelphia

The number of deaths, all of diseases, in the different burial grounds of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, from the 16th to the 26th of September were - grown persons 123, children 44 - Total 167.

1805
The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
September 11 1805

The Yellow Fever is now raging in Philadelphia. By we understand that it is chiefly confined to the southern liberties.

1806
The Sprig of Liberty, Gettysburg, PA
January 2, 1806

In the US Gaz., has appeared an account of Philadelphia, which, tho' it gives not the present population, assists to explain the great additions to the buildings in that city. At the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia was thought to contain 6,000 houses and 40,000 persons. In 1802 were added 464 new buildings, and the next year 885, and in 1804, 273. Above a third of these buildings were framed in wood, the rest were in brick. They have exported 400,000 barrels of flour in a year. A person is yet living whose mother arrived when there were but three houses in Philadelphia. In a late account of the Schuylkill bridge, near the city, we are assured, that the top of the rock on which part of this bridge rests, is above 41 feet below the common high sides, and that 800,000 feet of lumber, board measure, were employed in it. The bridge is 556 feet in length, and the whole feet of the work 1300 feet - the Middle-arch is 194 upon the chard. The toll for the first year, 1799, was 5000 dollars. The present toll on an average is 13,600 dollars.

The Sprig of Liberty, Gettysburg, PA
January 23, 1806

The property of the late William Bingham of Philadelphia, which he has left to his daughter and a son, is said to amount to a million of dollars.

The Centinel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
May 21 1806, Page 2

Philadelphia, May 14
Dreadful Fire

The Masonic Hall, in Philadelphia, was destroyed by fire on the night of the 9th inst.

The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA
August 11, 1819

Philadelphia, Aug 1
State Prison Conspiracy

An attempt was made this morning at 6 o'clock, by ten convicts to escape from the State prison. They first seized one of the keepers, inside, and took from him his pistol, which they threw over the prison wall - they offered no further violence to that keeper than this. Then they proceeded with a large piece of timber, 18 inches in circumference, and two feet long, and endeavored to force open the prison door by striking against the lock. The outside keeper immediately appeared at the door, and fired his pistol at one of them, which passed near him but did not hit him. They then left the front door and proceeded to the sewer, which runs under the prison yard, and attempted to break through in that direction, when they were seized and safely lodged in the cells. Kelly, who was tried and acquitted on the charge of murdering Garret, but convicted of burglary, was the ringleader in the conspiracy, which was thus promtly defeated by the energy and firmness of the keepers. Having received our information from one of the keepers, this concise account may be relied on as substantially correct.

1821
Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
July 4 1821

Philadelphia, June 25

A gang of desperate robbers at this time infest our city. Seven of them were brought before the Mayor on Saturday morning and committed. At their lodgings, goods to be a considerable amount were found, and are now at the Mayor's office, where persons who have lost may had better apply.

Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
August 8 1821

We have with great pleasure seen it announced in the Philadelphia papers (says the New York Journal) that the extensive dam across the Schuylkill at Fairmount, 2 miles above the city, is now completed, with the exception of a little filling in. This Dam, we understand, raises the water 9 ½ feet above the common level, and gives one of the most extensive water powers in the U.S., which is, essentially, to be appropriated to the raising of the water from the Schuylkill, into a Reservoir 100 feet high, and sufficiently large to contain10,000,000 of gallons; from which it is conducted in large cast iron pipes, and distributed throughout the city to the different Families, who pay a water tax of 5 dollars annually.

This Dam has been raised at an expense of upwards of150,000 dollars, and is one in a vast chain by which the Schuylkill is to be rendered navigable 100 miles into the interior of the State, and ultimately, connected by a Cross-canal with the Susquehenna, to command the produce of that river.

Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
October 10, 1821

Philadelphia Oct 3

Messrs. Strickland and Baldwin, the engineers, left this city yesterday morning, with several others engaged in the work, to commence operations on the Union Canal, which is to unite the waters of the Susquehanna and the Schuylkill. - Amer. Sen.

1822
Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
July 22 1822 Page 3

Albany, N.Y. July 2
A gentleman of this city lately visted the venerable Charles Thomson, secretary of the continental congress in the revolutionary war, at his seat, 12 miles from Philadelphia , on the old Lancaster road. Mr. Thomson has reached the advanced age of ninety-three, enjoys tolerable bodily health, and walks with apparent ease and pleasure to himself. His sight is so good as to enable him to read without spectacles, but he hears with difficulty. His mind is evidently in decay; it is the ruins of superior intellect. Far from being puerile, it still bears the impress of greatness, and a familiarity with the best ancient and modern authors. He dwells with peculiar interest on the scenes of the revolutionary war, and relates, with great precision, many anecdotes of its prominent characters.
On being asked what caused such implicit faith to be put in the documents signed by him, he answered “It was well known that he had resolved, in despite of consequences, never to put his official signature to any account, for the accuracy of which he could not vouch as a man of honor,” and so well was this understood, that when Mr. T. was adopted by the Six Nations of Indians, they emphatically named him “the man of truth.”

Gettysburg Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
October 9, 1822 Page 4

Pennsylvania Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb.
The parents and friends of the Deaf and Dumb throughout the Union are respectfully informed that an additional number of pupils will be received until the first of December next, into the Philadelphia Asylum, under the tuition of Mr. David G. Seixes. Applications for admission or further information, post paid, and addressed to either of the Subscribers, will meet with immediate attention.
The directors believe, that owing to the superior qualifications of their principal teacher, and to his judicious distribution of the pupils into small classes (not to exceed twelve in each) this institution affords peculiar advantages for the instruction of this bereaved portion of society. The terms are: 160 dollars a year, for boarding, washing, & C. and tuition.
Those however, whose circumstances will not admit of their paying that sum, will be received on such terms as may be agreed upon.
Dr. Richard Povall, No. 115 South Ninth street
Washington Jackson , No. 75 South Eighth street
Dr. William Price, No. 36 North Ninth street
John Swift, Esq. No. 107 South Tenth street
Dr. N. Co. Nancrede, Corner of Fifth and Powel streets,
Committee

Gettysburg Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
November 20 1822 Page 1

From the American Daily Advertiser

Great Dams
That over the River Schuykill, near Philadelphia, has an overfall of 1204 feet long, and is 1600 feet in length, from shore to shore; a part of the channel which it crosses is 36 feet in depth at high water, and the greatest volume of water that has at any one time passed the overfall, has been in depth on the top of it nine feet, and in velocity computed to be at the rate of 12 miles an hour.
This dam is 150 feet broad at its base, and 12 feet wide on the top, formed of solid stone and gravel – the whole height of it 56 feet, of which 44 feet under water and 12 feet above the top of the over-fall; it is coated with a stone wall three feet thick, from the water’s edge on its upper side, proceeding on an angle of 45 degrees to the top ot it, then continued horizontally 12 feet, until it meets a perpendicular solid stone wall on the lower side, firmly laid in mortar, and 6 feet in thickness, thus compactly securing the whole work.
The purposes for which this great dam was constructed, are for the Schuykill Canal Navigation, and for forming one of the greatest water powers known in the world, both of which objects it has effectually accomplished.
That styled the “great dam” over the Hudson near Fort Edward , is 900 feet in length, and 30 feet high, constructed of timber, after the manner called comb-work.

Gettysburg Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
November 20 1822 Page 4

Newspaper Establishment

Mr. J. Sanderson of Philadelphia , has become the proprietor and editor of the Philadelphia Aurora. Mr. Wilson, the previous purchaser, having been unable to dispose of his establishment in Ohio -- Nat. Intel.

The Lycoming Gazette, Williamsport, PA
December 4, 1822

Street Robbers

On Wednesday evening last about 9 o'clock, a gentleman on his way to his residence near the Arsenal, was attacked by two ruffians at the corner of __??__ 11th street, very severly beat and robbed of his watch, money, coat, waistcoat, hat, &c. And on Thursday evening about 8 o'clock, a person walking down South street, between Eighth and Ninth Streets, received two severe blows on the head, which instantly deprived him of recollection. Previous to being knocked down, he perused two persons, one on each side of the way, in conversation, whom he believes to be colored people , and that they were the perpetrators of the violence. The also stripped him of his coat, and rifled his pockets of what little they contained.  -- Phil. Gaz.

Gettysburg Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
December 18, 1822 Page 4

Robbery

On Tuesday the 3d inst. A gentleman on horseback, when within about a mile of widow Moore ’s tavern, nine miles from New Hope , was accosted by a man, apparently lame, who begged for a ride. It being very cold, the gentleman in the act of alighting from his horse, was seized by the throat, thrown down and his pocket book carried off, containing upwards of 500 dollars, principally of the United States Bank. A reward of one hundred dollars is offered. – Philad. Gaz.

1823
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
Dec. 9, 1823

Important Trial

The highly interesting trial of the commonwealth against Richard Allen and thirty-three others, which has occupied the court of Nisi Prius, held before Judge Duncan, during the last seven or eight days, terminated this morning with a verdict of “Guilty” against all the defendents. The charges in the indictment were for a conspiracy to excite a riot, and to take forcible possession of Wesley Church, in Lombard street, on the 11th of August, 1823: a riot with an assault and battery upon the preacher in charge of Wesley Church, Simon Murray; and an assault and battery upon the preacher in charge of Wesley Church, Simon Murray: and an assault and battery only upon Simon Murray and William Perkins. Very great ability and industry in developing and in refuting the imputed conspiracy were displayed on both sides by the counsel concerned: we understand that Judge Duncan distinctly pronounced the law to be in favor of the prosecution, while he commented upon the facts with a clearness and impartiality that left no room for doubt in the minds of the jury.

The cause of the commonwealth was sustained by David P. Brown, G. M. Dallas and Charles J. Ingersoll, Esquires; and that of the defendants by Daniel J. Desmond, Bloomfield M’Ilvaine and Samuel Levy, Esquires.

The arguments in this case, are said to have involved much nice learning, on the practice and discipline of African Methodist Episcopal churches, one of whose bishop was first among the defendants; and to have touched upon, it not settled many points which in this age of religious controversy, are important to the peace and good order of congregations and communities. Frank. Gaz.

1824
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
March 31 1824 Page 3

Philadelphia, March 26
Summary Justice

Yesterday morning, between 11 and 12 o’clock Michael Wumer and John Reading were brought before the Mayor by tow of the city watchmen, charged with having robbed three country wagons, standing in High street near Twelfth street . From tow of the wagons they each stole a great coat, and from the other a barrel of butter and two of eggs. They were committed by the Mayor for trial. The grand jury being in session, an application was made to the Deputy Attorney General, Charles S. Coxe, to the grand jury. He complied with the request; the witnesses were examined, the bills returned into Court, the defendants tried by the petit jury and found guilty. The Court, a few minutes before one o’clock, sentenced them each to undergo a servitude of four years at hard labor, making the space less than two hours from the time of their hearing before the Mayor until the sentences of the Court. – Amer. Sent

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
April 28 1824

Small Pox

It appears by the report of Doctors Mitchell and Ball to the Managers of the Philadelphia Alms House, that of 153 persons placed under their care, having the small pox, but 25 were known to have been previously vaccinated. These 25 all recovered, while of those who had neither been vaccinated nor had the small pox, 70 out of 110 died. Four persons died of the small pox who had had it before, two of whom had it vaccination, and two by (?). So it would seem that to have been vaccinated is a better security …?.... have had the small pox ….?.... orally or by inoculation.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
May 26 1824

Philadelphia, May 13
Incendiaries

The Mayor was on Tuesday much occupied investigating the conduct of Thomas Cole, Dennis M’Carty and John M. Henry, charged with having set fire to the State House, during the December session of the Mayor’s court. Henry has been permitted to turn State’s evidence, and has given much important information. J. M. Henry and John Carr, were indicted at the December session, for having cheated a countryman out of six hogs. The night the Jury were out in that case, a pane of glass was broken in one of the windows of the Mayor’s court, on the south side, the window opened, and the chairs, & c. being piled against the east side of the courtroom, they were all set on fire near midnight. Happily the flames were soon extinguished. The jury convicted Henry and Carr, who both absconded. Henry was subsequently arrested at Lancaster , as a fugitive from justice, and the Mayor, Alderman Carpenter, found on him a loaded pistol. It now appears it was intended by the above villains, to way-lay and murder the late Mayor, for what they were pleased to consider harshness towards them in the discharge of his official duties. It is also in evidence from Henry, that the gang, with which he was connected, had, from revengeful feelings, twice went at night for the purpose of setting fire to the property of Mayor Wharton, but were scared off, without accomplishing their object, by the barking of a dog. – Demo. Press.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
June 2 1824

Philadelphia, May 26

Thomas Cale, Dennis M’Carty and John Carr, were convicted within the last week, before the Court of Oyer and Terminer, of setting fire to the State House, and of conspiring to assassinate the Mayor. The only evidence of their guilt was the testimony of John M. Henry, an accomplice who has lately been sentenced to the state prison. Mr. Wharton deposed that Cole was a bad character. They were brought up yesterday and sentenced by Judge Hallowell, to twelve years imprisonment, nine years being for the arson, and three for the conspiracy. Cole appeared much affected and protested that he was innocent. – Colum. Obser.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
July 14, 1824

Philadelphia, June 29

The house of Mr. John Morton, in Front street, below Walnut, was struck by lightning yesterday morning. The shock was so violent that it tore the conductor from the wall. It then descended to the kitchen, and set fire to a towel, but did no further damage. – Amer. Sent.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
August 11 1824

The Flood

On Thursday evening the 29th ult, the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding country was visited with an uncommon quantity of Rain – it commenced with light showers about 9 o’clock, and from that time there were some intermissions until half after 11, when the rain re-commenced, and continued, with thunder and lightning, for the period of three hours, to pour down such powerful torrents of water as to deluge all the low lands in the City and the neighboring districts. In these situations many cellars were filled, in some of which Sugars and other perishable articles were destroyed, and other Goods were damaged. The embanked meadows on the borders of the Delaware and Schuylkill were much injured, and some of the Cattle were drowned. Two Bridges between Holmesburg and Frankford, and the Floating Bridge at Gray’s Ferry on Schuylkill , were carried away. The Bridge at the Flat Rock on Schuylkill, and Poole ’s Bridge in Front-street, were considerably damaged, and several Mill-dams, and Bridges across turnpike and other roads were either carried away or considerably injured. A large quantity of lumber and driftwood was carried down the stream from the borders of the Schuylkill , and a man, who was endeavoring to collect a portion of it, was unfortunately drowned below Fair Mount Dam. The loss in the County of Philadelphia , and to individuals, must be considerable.

It appears by the Rain Guage kept at the Health Office, that the quantity of water which fell during the night was four and a quarter inches. The quantity which had fallen during the preceding twenty-nine days, viz. from 1st to 29th of July, both days inclusive, was only two inches and ninety-eight-hundredths of an inch. – Daily Adv.

The water rose in Cohocksink Creek , four feet higher than is recollected by the oldest inhabitants in the neighborhood. It was nine inches deep on the lower floor of a house occupied by a Mr. White, and his family was apprised of the circumstance by the neighbors early this morning, having rested in confidence, of their being secure from the flood. The house is an ancient one, having been built before the war of the Revolution, and during the conflict was fired by the English; it was afterwards repaired, as many others in the vicinity of our city have been, which were burnt by order of the British.

We measured the height of the water mark left on the wall in the lower room of Messrs. Craige & Co.’s cotton factory, and found it four feet above the floor. The machinery was nearly covered with it, and about 40 bales of cotton goods were damaged; the dye-house belonging to the factory was inundated, and most of the dye-stuffs were destroyed; much of the fencing along the creek was swept away.

A family residing in a small brick house near Beaver and Third streets, were taken from the window of their bed chamber at about 2 o’clock on Friday morning, at which time the fresh was at its height.

All the tanneries, and other manufactories along the creek, sustained damage, some of them we apprehend to a large amount. In George-street, near Third, we saw a large stone, with its shaft attached, (such as are used for grinding bark) which had been removed a considerable distance from the house in which it was erected. We made frequent enquiry, and were gratified at not receiving any account of personal injury. A valuable dog, which was chained in one of the tan-yards, was relieved on Friday morning by a man who entered the water up to his breast to save him; the poor animal had been buffeting the flood during the night, and was nearly exhausted. – City Reg.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
September 15, 1824

Philadelphia, Sept 2
Foot-Race

On Tuesday afternoon, a foot race was run, in the vicinity of this city, by John Runner ( a butcher, of Spring Garden ), and John D. Lawrence, of New York , for four hundred dollars. The distance 150 yards. The ground on which they ran was prepared for the purpose, and was in excellent order. For the first 35 years they were lapped; at 50 years Runner was one foot ahead; at 75 yards, two feet; at 100 years, four and a half feet; and on coming out ten feet. Runner performed the race in thirteen seconds. – Amer. Sent.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
September 15, 1824

Philadelphia, Sept 8
A very serious Riot took place about 10 o’clock yesterday forenoon, near the County Court-House , Sixth and Chesnut Street . A Negro was brought before Judge Levy on a charge of being a runaway slave. The Judge remanded the prisoner to Jail. In the custody of the Deputy Sheriff and some of the Sheriff’s officers, he was on his way to Arch-street Prison, when, near the Theatre, about 150 negroes, some armed with large cord wood clubs, set on the Sheriff’s officers to effect a rescue. They beat back the officers, who, however, held on to their prisoner. So great was the noise and clamor that the Mayor’s Court was emptied and adjourned. The Magistrates, Constables, and all the officers of the Court, promptly went to the assistance of the Sheriff’s officers, who returned with their prisoner to the Court House. Seven of the ringleaders of the blacks were arrested, and , with the slave, have been committed to prison. – Dem. Press.

1825
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
May 18 1825

Philadelphia, May 10

Fire - Yesterday afternoon, about 2 o'clock, a fire originated in the Co?mb Manufactory of Mr. Thaddeus Williams, situated in Third between Brown street and Poplar Lane, in the Northern Liberties, and before its progress could be arrested, 4 two-story brick houses, and 11 or 12 frame buildings occupied as dwellings and work-shops were totally destroyed, and four brick houses partially burnt.

The principal sufferers are Thadeus Williams, George Kensell, widow Benner, widow Sailender and widow Showaker. There are other persons who met with considerable losses, but we could not ascertain the particulars.

We learn with regret, that three persons fell from a roof - one of whom expired during the afternoon and the other two were severely injured. -- Amer. Sent.

1885
The New York Times (New York, New York)
March 28 1885

"DEATH OF A MUSEUM FREAK"-Philadelphia, March 27

1887
The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
8 June, 1887

"ELECTRICITY IS NOT SAFE"

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
8 June, 1887, pg2

THE NEW GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Description of the Magnificent Theatre to be Opened on North Broad Street.

An Idea of what the new Grand Opera House at Broad street and Montgomery avenue, now in course erection, will be like can be obtained from the description furnished by the architect.

The lot front on the southwest corner of Broad Street is 1406 1/2 feet, and on Montgomery Avenue it stretches back 238 feet. The main entrance on Broad street is a portal fifty feet wide by forty depth and height, leading into a broad lobby, with wide staircases on either side ending at the balconies. Level with the entrance, and right and left, are suites of apartments which can be used as offices, or for any other purpose desired by a ball or entertainment committee.

Passing these the great space of the theatre will be reached, a sea of parquet chairs, on an inclined plane, leading to the stage, and accommodating 1100 persons. Each seat is to be a broad, deep arm chair, 3 1/2 feet from back to back, giving not only full room to stretch the limbs at ease, but also sufficient space to walk between each row of chairs without disturbing the occupants. Forming a horseshoe round the parquet comes the parquet circle, which will seat 900, exclusive of the two stage boxes on either side, which will contain twelve chairs.  The balcony above will contain 1500 seats, also ending in a pair of boxes for the use of private theatre parties of a dozen or more guests.

Dividing the stage from the auditorium and joining with an iron curtain are fire walls of twenty-seven inches in thickness.  The width across the curtain from fire wall to fire wall is 11? feet—the widest stage in the world—and the depth back is fifty-eight feet.  Two stories of dressing rooms are being built at the rear of the wings.  The stage exits, right and left, in case of fire are wide enough to drive a chariot with three horses abreast, and the whole of the Montgomery avenue side of the theatre is broken up into ground-reaching windows and wide doorways.  Indeed, the whole of one length of the new grand opera house is a vast exit when necessary.  When the theatre is leased for a ball the dancing flooring across the parquet will be 83x150 feet clear of the columns supporting the balcony.  Several applications for the autumn and winter are being considered.

Mr. W. H. MORTON is to be lessee and manager, assisted by Mr. C. M. SOUTHWELL, recently of McCaull's Opera House. The finest comic operatic companies are being engaged for the summer and winter seasons, and the list of artists will include several of the singers who gained so much popularity at McCaull's Opera House.  The stage company will include a chorus of seventy voices. The orchestra will number thirty five instruments. It is at present arranged that Prince Methusalem is to be the opening opera.

THE BERNHARDT FAREWELL.

Tickets for sittings are now on sale at the Chestnnt Street Opera House for Madame Sara BERNHARDT's two performances of Theodora next Monday and Tuesday evenings.

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
8 June, 1887, pg2

GRADUATES IN ELOCUTION,

Fourteenth Commencement of the National School of Elocution and Oratory.

An audience seldom equaled in size and character in this city witnessed the fourteenth annual commencement exercises of the National School of Elocution and Oratory in the Academy of Music last evening. Thirty-eight students, thirty ladies and eight gentlemen, who had completed their course of study at the institution, received their diplomas.  The graduates were seated upon the stage with the faculty, while their friends filled the parquet and the first two galleries to overflowing.

Rev. Dr. George K MORRIS opened the exercises with prayer, after which Rev. Dr. A. J. F. BEHRENDS, of New York, delivered the commencement oration.   His theme was: "The Place of the Imagination in the Art of Expression." Two oratorical exercises followed, Miss THELPS speaking on 'The Modern Sphinx," referring to the liquor traffic, and Mr. TYNDALL'S subject being "Eloquence In Nature"  Miss REIS recited "The Night Watch," Miss ALEXANDER a scene from Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Miss GERAID recited "Jimmy Hay." All the speakers reflected the training that had been bestowed upon them, and they were frequently interrupted with applause. Handsome floral pieces and bouquets were presented to the speakers and to the graduates when they received their diplomas. The graduating class consisted of the following:

Graduates in Elocution--Minnie E. BAER, Camp Hill, Pa.; Margaret BAKER, Des Moines, Iowa; Sadie B. BARBER, Lewisburg. Pa.; Clifton K. BECHTEl, Philadelphia; Belle D. BROOKS, Philadelphia; Mrs. Helen L. CARPENTER, Oneonta, N. Y; M. Adeline CRAWFORD, Philadelphia; Mary E. CULVERT, Carlisle,Pa; E.Myrtle DRUM, Mt. Carmel, Pa.; Mrs. Ada E. GAULD, Woodstock, Canada; M. Bertha HARPER, Collinswood, Canada; Susan G. HAYDOCK, Philadelphia; Joseph A. HUDSON, Philadelphia; Laura G. KIBB?E, Highlands, N. C.; Anna LO??A?I, Columbus, Ohio; E. Craig PAXON, New Athens, Ohio; M. Lizzie RIDGE, Bensalem, Pa; Carrie L. ?AGE, Rochester, N. Y; Sallie A. SMITH, Salem, N.J.; D.C. STUNKARD, Well's Tannery, Pa ; Emily H. WEST, West Ches ter, Pa,; Lide S. WETMORE, Salem, Ohio; Martha WHITSON.A?glen, Pa.

Admitted to the Degree of BE.--Jessie ALEXANDER, Toronto, Canada; M. Agnes BRODIE, Caledonia. N. Y; Richard CHAMBERS, Philadelphia; Fannie F. CUNNINGHAM, Fairfleld, Pa.; Rosalind FORSTER, Pittsburg, Pa.; Fannie S. GRIMES, R?ta?, Pa.;Rebecca L LEIBENSPERGER, Br???gsville, Pa.; ?. PHILLIPS, Collegeville, Pa; Lillian R. REIS, Pittsburg, Pa.; Mary C. REMS, Macungie, Pa; Florence WLLLIAMS, Schellsburg, Pa.

Graduates in oratory admitted to the Degree of B. O.—Rev.
 Joseph Stinson BROMLEY, Philadelphia; Ada M. MARINER, Bushnell, Ill.; Lillian Sophia PHELPS, St. Catherine's, Ont, Canada; Edwin Theodore TYNDALL, London, Ont, Canada.

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
8 June, 1887, pg2

HEALTH OF THE CITY.

New Regulations and Other Protective Measures Before the Health Board

New rules are being formulated by the Health Board Committee, consisting of Messrs. DAVIS, FORD and ALLISON, they have not yet been promulgated, but it is known that the intention is to improve the service by making the regulations much more strict than they have ever been before. Under the new code which is to be submitted, the hours during which the office will be kept open are to be extended to 4 o'clock. Employees of the department will be expected to confine themselves religiously to its duties, and as one or two vessels have recently passed up the river, and been sent back to quarantine it is believed that the committee will, If possible, submit suggestions for improvement in that direction if necessary.  Another of the dally meetings of the board was held yesterday.

A communication came in from the Lazaretto Physician in reference to the practical nurse which he had been informed the city proposed to supply to be on duty and in readiness at all times. He urged that the nurse be sent down at once in view of the condition of things in the yellow fever regions to the South. The matter was referred to the Lazaretto Committee.

Medical Inspector TAYLOR submitted a report in reference to the sanitary condition of the public school house at Nineteenth and Reed streets, recommending that the Sectional Board furnish the janitors of the building with disinfectants and the suggestion was ordered to be carried out. Complaints about the condition of Wingohocking creek were referred to Councils, with a request that drainage construction be made to abate the annoyance from it.  A declaration that Nos, 504 and 506 Beach street were nuisances owing to the state of their cellars, which came in from the Second district committee, was adopted, and an order issued for the remedy of the same within ten days from the date of notice.

1890
The Altanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
January 7, 1890

'LA GRIPPE' PROSTRATES PHILADELPHIA POLICEMEN

1893
Daily Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, Pennsylvania)
April 25 1893

Punished For Killing Her Son (Davis)
- Mrs. Targgert Sentenced to Four Years and a Half
Contributed by Nancy P

Old Liberty Bell on the Car
By United Press

Philadelphia, April 24: The liberty bell was transferred this afternoon from Independence Hall on the car on which it will be transported to Chicago. No event since the bi-Centennial in 1887 has created such widepread interest and enthusiasm as the transfer. The streets throughout which the procession passed were crowded by thousands, who cheered and waved hankerchiefs as though the historic relic was a thing of life.

1903
The Evening Herald, Bellingham, WA,
October 12, 1903
donated by our Host Marla Snow

“Easy” Warden is Fired
The warden of the Eastern penitentiary of Pennsylvania has just lost his job. All there was the matter with his administration was that a still was run by the prisoners, a counterfeiting plant was in full operation, 6,000 cigars had been stolen, and a plot for the release of all the prisoners came within an ace of being successful. They must be getting particular back in Pennsylvania. -Tacoma Ledger.

1908
Evening Telegraph,
May 9, 1908
donated by our Host Sara Hemp

BEAR LOOSE IN MOUNT AIRY

Bruin, Teased by Boys, Broke Leash and is at Large

Perhaps his name was Pietro, no one knows and apparently no one cares.  Anyway the man was an Italian, and he was going up Germantown avenue with his dancing bear, and all went well until Mt. Airy avenue was reached. Here a crowd of boys spied the man and his bear, which was a black bear and perfectly harmless, unless aroused. The boys were mischievous and began to pelt the foreigner and his bear, but they did not reckon rightly, for when a missile lodged behind the ear of Mr. Bruin he snorted, and with a mighty tug he freed himself from his owner’s grasp.  The boys saw the shaggy animal make his escape, and speedily the preceded to do likewise as expeditiously as possible. Over fences and in and about every street went the lads, with the bear in hot pursuit. The tormenters did escape all right and when the bear saw this he started on a rampage, with his owner in hot pursuit. He first confined his uninvited visits to the vicinity of Mt. Airy and Germantown avenues, and after he had frightened the residents of this section of Chestnut Hill and given them the fright of their lives, he wended his way toward Mt. Pleasant avenue, stopping here and there to drop in on a family who, on the approach of the shaggy visitor, fled precipitately.  About this time the telephone bells in the police stations at Germantown and Chestnut Hill began to ring.  “Oh, please send someone to my home quick, there is a bear going to kill us,” was the way the house sergeants got it and under the circumstances they did the best they could by sending a detail to look up Mr. Bruin. However, this did not stop the telephone bell from jingling, and it fell to thr lot of the dog watch to quiet the alarm of those who sought refuge in appealing to the police.  The police detail went forth looking for the shaggy bear that had created so much disturbance and caused the residents of Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy to flee from their homes at the approach of the animal. The last seen of the bluecoats they were dodging in and about Chestnut Hill avenue looking for the bear that is somewhere in that vicinity but just where is not known at least not to the police or to Pietro, who is searching high and lowlands out Germantown avenue looking for his dancing bear, and vowing vengeance on the boys that started the racket.

1922
The Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, New York; Friday 06 Jan 1922
donated by our New York State Host Melissa Rodriguez

FORMER AMERICAN IS REPORTED BANDIT VICTIM
Mexico City, Jan. 6 - A former Philadelphian and an American citizen, Y. Dostello was today reported to have been killed and mutilated by bandits at his ranch, 18 miles from the capital on Wednesday evening. James Pelley, his partner, was assisted by Mexican employees to escape.
The American embassy here is stated to have taken action in the matter and troops are pursuing the bandits, who were driven from Dostello’s ranch after a fight.

1923
Time Magazine, Saturday, Apr. 21, 1923
Donated by Kim Torp

Died. Arthur Chambers, 75, former lightweight champion of the world, at Philadelphia. In 1879 at Chippewa Falls, Canada, he fought the longest bout on record, 136 rounds. The fight was under the old .London rules whereby a knockdown counted as a round. When the late Marquis of Queensbury decided to formulate rules to elevate the sport, he consulted Chambers and their joint efforts resulted in the regulations under which boxing contests are now held.

1988
SPECIAL TO THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 18, 1988
Philadelphia Journal; Reunion of Clan Marks A Heritage of 300 Years
By WILLIAM K. STEVENS
Submitted by Kimmer

Rittenhouse Reunion.

Franklin’s Arrival in Philadelphia

In Franklin’s own narrative of his tedious journey from New York to Philadelphia, after having unadvisedly left his place of apprenticeship with his brother in Boston, in October, 1723, he writes: "I have been the more particular in this description of my journey, and shall be so of my first entry into that city, that you may in your mind compute such unlikely beginnings with the figure I have since made there. I was in my working dress, my best clothes coming around by sea. I was dirty from my being so long in the boat. My pockets were stuffed cut with shirts and stockings, and I knew no one, nor where to look for lodging. Fatigued with walking, rowing, and the want of sleep, I was very hungry; and my whole stock of cash consisted in a single dollar, and about a shilling in copper coin, which I gave to the boatman for my passage. At first they refused it, on account of my having rowed, but I insisted on their taking it. Man is sometimes more generous when he has little money than when he has plenty; perhaps to prevent his being thought to have but little."

"I walked towards the top of the street, gazing about till near Market street, where I met a boy with bread. I had often made a meal of dry bread and, inquiring where he had bought it, I went immediately to the baker’s he directed me to. I asked fro biscuits, meaning such as we had at Boston – that sort, it seems, was not made in Philadelphia. I then asked for a three-penny loaf, and was told, they had none. Not knowing the different prices, nor the names of the different sorts of bread, I told him to give me three-penny worth of any sort. He gave me accordingly three great puffy rolls. I was surprised at the quantity, but took it, and, having no room in my pockets, walked off with a roll under each arm, and eating the other. Thus I went up Market street as far as Fourth street, passing by the door of Mr. Read, my future wife’s father; when she, standing at the door, saw me, and thought I made, as I certainly did, a most awkward, ridiculous appearance. Then I turned and went down Chestnut street and part of Walnut street, eating my roll all the way, and, coming round, found myself again at Market street wharf, near the boat I came in, to which I went for a draught of the river water, and, being filled with one of my rolls, gave the other two to a woman and her child, that came down the river in the boat with us, and were waiting to go farther.

"Thus refreshed, I walked again up the street, which, by this time, had many clean-dressed people in it, who were all walking the same way. I joined them, and thereby was lead into the great meeting-house of the Quakers, near the market. I sat down among them, and, after looking around awhile and hearing nothing said, being very drowsy through labor and want of rest the preceding night, I fell fast asleep, and continued so till the meeting broke up, when some one was kind enough to rouse me. This, therefore, was the first house I was in, or slept in, in Philadelphia."

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