Treasure
Philly!
A visual
hISTORY
OF BG&E
1880s -2000
The Beury Building, 3701 N Broad St, as seen from the
3700 block of N Carlisle St. December 2023.
Photo: Grace Sweetman/ Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development.
framing history
Archival photographs of the Broad, Germantown, and Erie area capture a sense of place and time, while highlighting the neighborhood's evolution.
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This visual timeline invites reflection on how the area has changed, what has remained the same, and the power of images to reveal and conceal complex histories.
Do you have a story about the people, places, or events pictured here that you'd like to share? Please get in touch!​
1880S-1930S
The intersection of Broad Street and Germantown Avenue. 1880.
​Photo: William A. Gee.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Looking south on Broad Street from Erie Avenue. 1883.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Houses developed by Wright & Prentzel, late 19th century.
George Washington Engelhardt, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Book of Its Bourse & Co-operating Bodies (Philadelphia: Lippincott Press, 1898-99), 196.
Accessed via Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia.
Old York Road, looking north from Erie Avenue. 10/16/1912.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Looking south on Broad Street from Erie Avenue. 1/4/1916.
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Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Looking northwest from Germantown Avenue and Erie Avenue. 1/13/1919.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Northern Central Trust Co., 3650-54 North Broad Street. 12/9/1924.
Photo: Thum.
Built in 1922, this building originally housed a variety of shops and apartments. It was later the home of the Colonnade Ballroom, Casa D'Amour,
and Arcade Ballroom.
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Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
The Great Northern Theatre, 3636-52 Germantown Avenue. 3/25/1925.
Photo: Haag.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
North Broad Street and Erie Avenue. 5/18/1933. ​
Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
1940S-1950S
Looking north at the Broad, Germantown, and Erie intersection. 5/17/1940.
​Photo: Wenzel J. Hess.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Franklin Survey Company, “Franklin's Street and Business Occupancy Atlas of Philadelphia & Suburbs,” Occupancy Map 4. 1946.
Courtesy of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Map Collection. Click here to view this map in more detail.
“Fifty years ago a stranger was able to find his destination in Nicetown by telling the conductor of the horse car the name of the person he wanted to visit. That is not possible today, but some of that village atmosphere still exists.
This knack of maintaining an independent, progressive community within the shadows of the industrial colossus it has become, is a characteristic of the area...
Within sight of the tall smokestacks of the Midvale Steel Co., Budd's, Felin's, and other local plants are modest, well-kept row houses skirting tree-lined streets. On a hot summer day, with sun illuminating the factories in a white glare, these cool shady streets make for a vivid contrast.”
Rex Pollier, “Nicetown - Its Neat Homes Lie in the Shadow of Vast Heavy Industries: Big Smokestacks Tower Over Tree-Lined Streets,” Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, July 8, 1951.​ Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
Southwest corner of North Broad Street and Erie Avenue. 1950.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
North Broad Street. 1952.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
Germantown Avenue below Erie Avenue. 1952.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
Southeast corner of North Broad Street and Erie Ave. 1952.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
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Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
“Tioga today is a multitude of things. The Broad-Erie-Germantown av. intersection is the hub of one of the city’s busiest retail shopping centers. There are numerous agencies, automobile and used car showrooms and lots, and many large industries. It is a ‘college town.’ And it is still a ‘village of churches’ and of old residences with quaintly curled roof spires and towers.”
​Peter H. Binzen, “Tioga – The Once-Quiet Suburb Has Become a ‘City’ In Itself: Has Big Business Section, College, Many Churches,” Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, November 4, 1951.​ Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the bustling intersection of Broad Street and Erie Avenue. 7/20/1956.
Photo: Dominic Ligato.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
A Philadelphia Streets Department employee rests while servicemen clean the Butler Triangle. 5/10/1956.
Photo: Dominic Ligato.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
The Pansy Shop at the Broad Street Arcade, 3625 North Broad Street, and adjacent businesses. 5/14/1959.
Photo: Bender.
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Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
The Nicetown-Tioga Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia before renovations. 3720-22 North Broad Street. 12/10/1959.
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Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Bowlorama at North Broad Street and Erie Avenue. 5/14/1959.
Photo: Bender.
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Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Reverend Leon H. Sullivan and wife Grace Sullivan with children (L-R) Julie, Hope, and Howard, with George Bank (standing). 1959.
Photo: John W. Mosley.​​​
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
Southwest corner of North Broad Street and Erie Avenue. 1959.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
Interior of the Casa D’Amour Ballroom. Southwest corner of North Broad Street and Erie Avenue. 1959.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
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Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
1960S-1970S
The Strand Theater, 3601 Germantown Avenue. 8/29/1960.
​Photo: Blanck.
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Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
The newly renovated Nicetown-Tioga Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 3720-22 North Broad Street. 3/2/1961.
Photo: Widdop.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Overhead interior view of the Nicetown-Tioga Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia following extensive renovations.
1/24/1962.
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Do you have more information about
this photograph? Please get in touch!
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Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
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Parking lot at Germantown Avenue and Venango Street. Photo of sign and general view. 1/25/1962.
Photo: Widdop.
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This parking lot is located on the former site of the Strand Theater, demolished in 1961.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
"The 'Opportunities Industrialization Center' project was launched last night at a meeting before the founding formation group at the Zion Baptist Church. Speaking is the group's founder, Rev. Leon Sullivan, Pastor of the Zion Baptist Church," Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, July 29, 1963.
Photo: Mikalonis.
Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
“Opportunities Industrialization Center student Robert Fisher, age 32 works on a lathe. Also in the photograph is Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the OIC. The OIC is located at Nineteenth and and Oxford Streets in North Philadelphia,” Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, January 7, 1965.
Photo: Jack Tinney.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
“Children join adults in a neighborhood project to paint homes in the 1400 and 1500 blocks of W. Venango st. Community improvement program is sponsored by the Zion Baptist Church at Broad and Venango Sts,”
Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, June 6, 1965.
Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
Photograph of (L-R) Cecil B. Moore, C. Delores Tucker, and Ruth Harper. 1960s.
Photo: John W. Mosley.​
Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
Zion Baptist Church, Broad and Venango Streets. 11/26/1969.
Photo: Dominic Pasquarella.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
“Smoke pours from a six-alarm fire in Zion Baptist Church at Broad and Venango Sts,” Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, November 2, 1970.
Photo: Owens.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
Broad, Germantown, and Erie
commercial area. 1971.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
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Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
Broad, Germantown, and Erie
commercial area. 1971.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
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Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
Broad, Germantown, and Erie
commercial area. 1971.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
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Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
Broad, Germantown, and Erie
commercial area. 1971.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
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Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
Broad, Germantown, and Erie
commercial area. 1971.
Photo: Parker & Mullikin.
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Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
“In the fall of 1967, a 16-year old Tioga youth, Dennis Bell, was shot to death in a gang incident. The killing shocked Tioga residents into trying to end gang violence in their community.
Volunteers have since counseled Tioga youths, started a recreational program, trained some for employment and found jobs for many. A day-care center was set up to help school age and working parents, [TCYC Executive Director] Mrs. Brown said. Tioga residents eventually organized themselves into the Tioga Community Youth Council and acquired a building at 3519 N. 22nd St.”
-​ Sam W. Pressley, “Tioga Group Demonstrates How to Give Youth a Chance,” Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, May 20, 1973.​ Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
The Tioga Community Youth Council launched a sidewalk cafe and food cart operation as a youth training program in 1975.
“Leroy Riggs and his sister, Terry (both standing), learn the cafe business as they serve guests on opening day,” Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, August 26, 1975.
Photo: Jack Tinney.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
“Gaulden Mitchell talks to a group of children about the operation of food carts used by the Tioga Community Youth Council, 3519 N. 22nd Street. The carts are part of the new cafe job-training program launched yesterday by the youth council,” Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, August 26, 1975.
Photo: Jack Tinney.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
“Mrs. Margie Brown checks the work of young women in a clerical training class in the Tioga Youth Community Council at 3519 N. 22nd Street. Mrs. Virginia Bing holds her son, Terrance,” Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, May 20, 1978.
Photo: Jack Tinney.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
The Beury Building, North Broad Street. 1/11/1978.
Photo: Jon Falk.
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Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA.
1980S-1990S
President Jimmy Carter speaking at Zion Baptist Church, 3600 North Broad Street. 9/3/1980.
Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Tioga Garden. 20th and Tioga Streets. 1984.
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Longstanding community gardening and beautification efforts shape the neighborhood’s landscape and support a green future. To learn more about ongoing work led by local gardeners and community organizations in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, please click here: Nicetown-Tioga Greening Plan.
McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Looking at the Route 23 Trolley on Germantown Avenue from North Broad Street. 1986.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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Makeshift basketball hoop in an alley off North Broad Street in North Philadelphia. 1986.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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"Hands Across America," near North Broad Street and Erie Avenue in North Philadelphia. 5/25/1986.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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"Hands Across America," near North Broad Street and Erie Avenue in North Philadelphia. 5/25/1986.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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3644 North Broad Street. 1986.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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Bar-B-Qued Chicken 3642 North Broad Street. 1986.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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Zion Baptist Church at North Broad Street and West Venango Street in North Philadelphia. 1986.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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One remaining property near 3500 North Broad Street. 1986.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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Venango Street Community Garden.
Venango Street, west of Broad Street.
1970s/1980s.
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Longstanding community gardening and beautification efforts shape the neighborhood’s landscape and support a green future. To learn more about ongoing work led by local gardeners and community organizations in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, please click here: Nicetown-Tioga Greening Plan.
McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Image from Libby J. Goldstein's "Land for the People Who Work It."
Original Caption: "The gardens on Venango Street west of Broad Street have come and gone. Here Connie Hylton an optimistic neighbor breathes new life into the vacant lots there. Maybe this time things will be different."
- Green Scene, September 1993
Longstanding community gardening and beautification efforts shape the neighborhood’s landscape and support a green future. To learn more about ongoing work led by local gardeners and community organizations in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, please click here: Nicetown-Tioga Greening Plan.
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McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Grover Willis, Philadelphia Green Advisory Board Member and Community Gardener.
Venango Street Community Garden.
1994.
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Longstanding community gardening and beautification efforts shape the neighborhood’s landscape and support a green future. To learn more about ongoing work led by local gardeners and community organizations in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, please click here: Nicetown-Tioga Greening Plan.
McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
The 3700 block of North Broad Street near Germantown Avenue in North Philadelphia. 1999.
Photo: Joseph V. Labolito.
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This image is from a collection of work originally commissioned by and in the collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection. The Special Collections Research Center at Temple University also holds a collection of Labolito's images, negatives, proofs and notes. Follow @PhiladelphiaCollections on Facebook and Instagram.
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