Public-domain ebook
English3,748 downloads on Project GutenbergDownload EPUB
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #66410.
This guide is a systematic catalogue of Pennsylvania’s artistic, architectural, and historic attractions, conceived under the auspices of the State Federation of Pennsylvania Women and edited by A. Margaretta Archambault. It opens with a statement of purpose, providing tourists a chronologically arranged survey that begins with each county’s formation and proceeds through towns, artworks, and pioneer narratives. The author emphasizes verified information, contributions from local judges, clergymen, and historians, and a deliberate avoidance of “dry‑as‑dust statistics” in favor of prominent points of interest. An addendum explains that the work, completed in 1917 and delayed by wartime finances, was published in its original form, with population figures updated to the 1920 census. The extensive table of contents and illustrative entries, from colonial firsts to individual monuments, reveal a comprehensive yet concise reference for anyone seeking a statewide overview of cultural landmarks.
Written in a formal, early‑20th‑century voice, the text reflects the civic pride and scholarly rigor of its era, blending factual enumeration with a modest, almost conversational tone. Its style will appeal to readers who enjoy methodical travel guides, regional historians, and enthusiasts of American heritage who appreciate a period‑appropriate narrative that balances detail with readability. Those interested in the development of art, architecture, and early American institutions across Pennsylvania’s sixty‑seven counties will find it a valuable companion.
The opening · free to read
This Guide Book of Art, Architecture, and Historic Interests in Pennsylvania, commenced by advice of Mrs. Edward Biddle of Carlisle, and fostered by Mrs. Samuel Semple of Titusville, during their presidency of the “State Federation of Pennsylvania Women,” for the use of tourists, is arranged chronologically, beginning with the counties first formed; towns in each county follow each other in location as closely as possible. Works of good art in the state have been catalogued, together with a story of most interesting pioneer history, that each one of the sixty-seven counties should have a chapter in the book; those that have no art have the Indian trails and thrilling experiences of our first brave pathfinders.
Serious effort has been made to have all the information verified; in some instances, two or three counties have made the same claims for various historic firsts, which have here been given their proper record, through consultation with the State Historians at Harrisburg. To keep the book small, facts are scarcely more than outlined; further information about them may be obtained from the bibliography of this book.
The chapter of each county was written by a most responsible person, who lived there, judges, clergymen, historians, and a few by officers of the women’s clubs, thus giving inside knowledge that a stranger could never get. All dry-as-dust statistics are omitted, and only that which is of prominent interest is given. Authorities consulted have differed, and mistakes will occur; there will be sins of omission and commission in the work, according to the point of view of the reader; but they are few in comparison with the wealth of real information brought together within this cover.
To the many earnest helpers who have given their knowledge, time and patience in obtaining and sending these reports, warmest thanks and sincere appreciation are heartily given; all honor is due to them. We would like to give their names, but some have asked that they be withheld and it is thought best to do so with all.
A. MARGARETTA ARCHAMBAULT, Editor.
Philadelphia, June 15, 1917.
This book, finished for publication in 1917, was placed in the vaults of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, as all money was needed for our soldiers. The present committee, appointed by Mrs. Hamme, has decided to publish the work as compiled in 1917, and not delay it by trying to bring the sixty-seven counties up to date. Conditions have been so unfavorable for new construction, since the war, that little has been done. The population of towns, however, has been advanced to the 1920 statistics.
A. M. ARCHAMBAULT.
Philadelphia, June 30, 1924.
The book keeps going
Reading is free forever. Sign up and watch scenes appear while you read.
Scenes Storieta drew for other classics.
New illustrated classics
Once or twice a month: the latest books to get full character casts, scene art, and free comic editions. No account needed.
