A geography of Pennsylvania : containing an account of the history, geographical features, soil, climate, geology, botany, zoology, population, education, government, finances, productions, trade, railroads, canals &c. of the state : with a separate description of each county, and questions for the convenience of teachers : to which is appended, a travellers' guide, or table of distances on the principal rail road, canal and stage routes in the state, Part 42

Author: Trego, Charles B., 1794-1874; Marian S. Carson Collection (Library of Congress) DLC
Publication date: 1843
Publisher: Philadelphia : Edward C. Biddle
Number of Pages: 430


USA > Pennsylvania > A geography of Pennsylvania : containing an account of the history, geographical features, soil, climate, geology, botany, zoology, population, education, government, finances, productions, trade, railroads, canals &c. of the state : with a separate description of each county, and questions for the convenience of teachers : to which is appended, a travellers' guide, or table of distances on the principal rail road, canal and stage routes in the state > Part 42


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51


A pupil must be twelve years of age, and must have attended one of the grammar schools at least one year before he can be a candidate for admis- sion into the high school; and most of those who have been admitted have passed through a regular course in the primary, secondary and grammar schools. The average time passed in the other public schools by the can- didates admitted to the high school in and since 1840, is within a small fraction of two years. The examinations for admission are semi-annual, in January and July ; the names of the candidates being unknown to the examining professors, and every opportunity for partiality or favouritism being rigidly excluded, while the qualifications of the pupil are most tho- roughly tested. One of the great advantages resulting from the high school is its reaction upon the grammar schools, the teachers.of which feel that the character of their respective schools is in some measure involved in the success or rejection of the candidates sent from them. Every exer- tion is therefore made to prepare them previously, and from the time of his reception into the grammar school the pupil is trained with a view to his being found, at the proper time, duly qualified to pass the requisite exami- nation for admission into the high school.


The total expenses of the high school for 1842 were, for tuition $12,175 ; furniture $125; supplies $1,927; and real estate $1,891. Including the last item, which was for a permanent improvement and cannot again occur, the average cost for each pupil is about $47; while in the schools of Boston the cost of instruction for each pupil in the same branches is $61. Of a class of 27 pupils in the high school, graduating in July 1842, seven were intended for mechanical occupations, eight for commerce, eleven as teach- ers, and one for a profession.


It is in contemplation to organize a branch of the high school for the in- struction of females, and a school for female teachers ; but as yet no defini- tive determination has been adopted in relation to the subject.


In addition to the opportunities afforded for instruction by the public schools, there are in Philadelphia numerous academies, seminaries and private schools, in which are taught not only the higher branches of an English education, but the ancient and modern languages, mathematics, and most of the arts, sciences and accomplishments which form part of a liberal and finished education.


By the will of the late Stephen Girard, two millions of dollars were be- queathed for the purpose of erecting a permanent college with suitable out-


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buildings, sufficiently spacious for the residence and accommodation of at least three hundred scholars, the requisite teachers, &c. This college was intended by the founder for the reception of " poor white male orphan children," who by the terms of the will are to be instructed in certain branches of a sound practical education, and fed, clothed and lodged in a plain and decent manner. On arriving at an age between fourteen and eighteen years, they are to be bound out to suitable occupations, such as agriculture, navigation, arts, mechanical trades and manufactures, as their respective capacities, acquirements and inclinations may render expedient and proper. The buildings for this institution not being completed, no scholars have yet been received.


The University of Pennsylvania, established in 1751 as an academy and charitable school, was chartered and endowed in 1753, erected into a col- lege in 1755, and into a university in 1779. This institution comprises three departments,-the academical, the collegiate, and the medical. In the collegiate department the usual college course of four years' instruction is given in such branches of study as are common in the principal universi- ties of the United States, and the usual degrees conferred. The medical school connected with this university is the most ancient and flourishing in the country, the number of students being generally from four to five hundred. There is an extensive anatomical museum and cabinet of natu- ral history, excellent chemical and philosophical apparatus, with a library of 2000 volumes attached to the university. Three charity schools, two male and one female, are supported by the funds of the institution. The university buildings are in Ninth street, between Market and Chestnut, and consist of two handsome edifices, each 85 feet front by 112 deep, sur- rounded by an open area which is separated from the street by a neat and substantial iron railing.


Jefferson Medical College, established in 1825, and afterwards chartered by the legislature, is a flourishing institution, having generally about two hundred students. Its hall in Tenth street, between Chestnut and Walnut, has ample accommodations for lecturing and demonstrating in medicine, surgery and anatomy; with a museum of specimens and preparations in the various branches of science connected with medical studies.


Pennsylvania Medical College is a branch of the Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, instituted in 1839, with power to confer degrees. It is lo- cated in Filbert street above Twelfth, and considering its recent establish- ment and the opportunities afforded to medical students by other institu- tions, its lectures have been well attended.


The Philadelphia Medical Institute, the College of Pharmacy, the Medical Society, and the College of Physicians, are all respectable and useful institutions for the promotion of medical science.


Literature, science, and the arts .- There are numerous institutions and associations for the promotion of literature, science and the arts, the effici- ency of whose labours is beneficially felt and justly appreciated.


The Philadelphia library, founded in 1731 by Dr. Franklin, contains upwards of 30.000 volumes, embracing works on almost every branch of general knowledge. To this has been added the Loganian library, for- merly belonging to the late Dr. Logan, composed of about 11,000 volumes of rare and valuable books, chiefly classical. These collections are kept in different rooms of the same building, and are in fact one library, which at certain hours is free to every respectable person.


The Athenæum, incorporated in 1815, contains, besides the current pe- riodical journals, a library consisting of several thousand volumes. The rooms are open every day except Sunday, and strangers are admitted gra- tuitously for one month, on introduction by a member.


The Mercantile library was established in 1822, for the purpose of diffus- ing mercantile knowledge, and has a collection of about eight thousand vo- lumes, relating to subjects of commerce and its kindred pursuits. Popular


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lectures are delivered under the auspices of this institution, on commerce, commercial law, the arts, sciences and general literature.


The Apprentices' library was instituted in 1819, by voluntary contri- butions from citizens, and contains about 14,000 volumes, chiefly adapt- ed to the taste and capacity of young persons, for whose use it was estab- lished. It is open for all boys and girls who give a sufficient guaranty for the careful use and proper return of the books, and about 1300 young people avail themselves of its benefits.


The American Philosophical Society is the oldest association of the kind in this country, having been formed by the union of two associations for the advancement of useful knowledge, both founded principally by Dr. Franklin, one in 1728, and the other in 1743. This society has always been held in high consideration on account of the interest of its proceed- ings, the respectability of its character for learning and science, and the number of eminent men, both in this country and in Europe, whose names are found on the list of its members. Its presidents have been Benjamin Franklin, David Rittenhouse, Thomas Jefferson, Caspar Wistar, Robert Patterson, William Tilghman, and Peter Stephen Duponceau. Its library consists of near 15,000 volumes of valuable and rare books, many of which have been presented by foreign governments and learned societies. In addition to the library there is a collection of minerals and fossils, ancient relics, and many other curious and interesting objects. Strangers are ad- mitted to the hall when introduced by a member. The society issues, for the use of its members, monthly bulletins of its transactions, which are afterwards embodied and published in a larger and more durable form.


The Franklin Institute, incorporated in 1824, has for its object " the pro- motion and encouragement of manufactures and the mechanic and use- ful arts, by the establishment of popular lectures on the sciences connected with them ; by the formation of a cabinet of models and minerals, and a library ; by offering premiums on all subjects deemed worthy of encourage- ment; by examining all new inventions submitted to them, and by such other means as they may deem expedient." The number of members is upwards of 2000, each of whom pays an annual contribution of three dol- lars, or by the payment of twenty-five dollars becomes a life member. Regular courses of lectures are delivered upon chemistry, mechanics, na- tural philosophy, arts and manufactures and other practical and scientific subjects. Conversation meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, at which specimens of new inventions and other objects of interest are exhibited, explained and discussed. Attached to the institute is a read- ing room and library, containing most of the periodical publications of the day, together with about 3000 volumes of books in the various departments of science and literature. There are also extensive and interesting cabi- nets of models, minerals, geological specimens, and specimens illustrative of the arts and manufactures. Exhibitions of the products of American industry are held annually under the direction of the Institute, which pre- sent a pleasing and instructive view of the skill and proficiency attained by our manufacturers and mechanics in a vast variety of branches, and never fail to gratify and instruct immense crowds of visiters. A Journal is published monthly by the Institute, containing an account of recent inventions, im- provements and discoveries in science and the arts, with much other useful matter on subjects connected with the objects of the institution.


The Academy of Natural Sciences occupies a new and spacious building recently erected for its use in Broad street, between Chestnut and Walnut. It has a library of about 9000 volumes of valuable books, and an extensive collection of specimens in the various departments of natural science. Its transactions are published under the title of the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences. The hall is open to visiters on the afternoon of every Saturday.


The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, in Chestnut street above Tenth, was founded in 1805, and contains an extensive collection of paint-


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ings, statues and other works of art, always open to students and exhibited to visiters.


The Artists' Fund Society, though it has been in existence but a few years, has been conducted with so much zeal and industry as to have as- sumed a prominent place among institutions of this kind. Its hall is in Chestnut street, in front of the Academy of Fine Arts, and is designed for the exhibition of the productions of its members and others, with a view to provide a fund for the support of decayed artists. It forms an attractive place of resort for artists and amateurs, and affords a tolerably correct idea of the state of the fine arts among us.


The Philadelphia Museum, founded more than half a century since by the late C. W. Peale, now an incorporated institution, was formerly exhi- bited in the upper rooms of the State house, then removed to the Arcade, and finally, in 1839, to the building which it now occupies at the corner of Ninth and George streets. This spacious edifice is 238 feet in length, 70 in breadth, and two stories high. The upper story contains the mu- seum, and having been constructed expressly for its reception, is admirably arranged for the favourable exhibition of the extensive suite of specimens and objects of curiosity which it contains. The saloon of the first floor, 163 feet in length and 70 in width, was formerly occupied by the Chinese Museum ; but since the removal of that collection to Europe, this spacious hall is devoted to temporary exhibitions, public meetings, &c.


Besides those which we have mentioned, there are many other institu- tions and associations for literary and scientific purposes, of which our limits forbid a particular account. Most of them have their libraries and reading rooms, and in many of them lectures are delivered on subjects connected with the objects of the association. The combined influence of these institutions is apparent upon the general character of the commu- nity, by promoting the interests of learning, science and morality, and cul- tivating a taste for mental improvement and the pure pleasures arising from literary and scientific pursuits. Many of our young men, whose evenings would probably be otherwise spent in places of amusement and dissipation, find a nobler pleasure and a higher enjoyment in passing their leisure hours in the halls or lecture rooms of some of our numerous institutions for men- tal culture and intellectual gratification.


Such, imperfectly as we have sketched it, is Philadelphia, than which perhaps no city in the world possesses more that contributes physically to the comforts of life; while for the merchant, the manufacturer, the mechanic, the artist, the man of letters or of science, the philanthropist or the Christian, there is presented a field of action in which his labours will be justly appreciated, if not in all cases suitably rewarded. The rapid increase and extension of the city within the last twenty or thirty years would seem to indi- cate that the manufactures, trade and commerce of Philadelphia will keep pace with the general progress of improvement, and with the developement of the agricultural and mineral resources of the State; promising in time to realize the prediction said to have been uttered by Stephen Girard, that " Germantown and Frankford will be absorbed by the city."


Besides the city and its suburbs, Philadelphia county contains numerous other flourishing towns and villages, of which we shall briefly notice some of the most considerable and important.


Frankford, an incorporated borough in Oxford township, five miles north-east from the city, contains upwards of 2000 inhabi- tants, and is a thriving and busy place, being situated in the midst


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of a populous, fertile and well cultivated country, and having in its vicinity a number of extensive manufacturing establishments.


Germantown, six miles north-north-west from Philadelphia, is an ancient place, having been founded in 1684, and incorporated as a borough in 1689. The town consists chiefly of but one street, or rather a close line of buildings extending on each side of the turnpike for a distance of three or four miles. It contains a num- ber of churches, a bank, several academies, and has, together with the township, a population of 5482. Some important branches of manufacturing industry are carried on in this place and its imme- diate neighbourhood. It has communication with the city almost every hour in the day, by means of rail road and stages. This place is celebrated as having been the theatre of a sanguinary con- test during the revolutionary war (Oct. 4, 1777) between detach- ments of the British and American armies, in which considerable loss was suffered on both sides.


Manayunk is on the east side of Schuylkill, about eight miles above the city. This flourishing manufacturing town has sprung up from the creation of the water power afforded by the dam and improvements of the Schuylkill navigation. In 1819 the place where the town now stands was mostly covered with trees and bushes : it now contains upwards of five hundred dwellings, and twenty-five or thirty flour and paper mills, cotton factories, and


View near Manayunk.


other extensive and valuable manufacturing establishments .- The Schuylkill canal and Norristown rail road both pass through the town, affording constant intercourse with the city : it is also connected by a Macadamized road with the Ridge turnpike.


29


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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.


Here are two bridges across the Schuylkill, one of which is at Flat- rock, a little above the town.


Holmesburg is on the Bristol turnpike, at Pennypack creek, about ten miles from the city ; having several mills and factories in the village and its immediate neighbourhood. The Philadelphia and Trenton rail road passes near this place.


Bridesburg, at the mouth of Frankford creek, on the Delaware, five miles above the city, is a new and flourishing village, near which is the United States' arsenal, consisting of extensive stone buildings, constructed for the preservation of arms and military stores, together with work shops, magazines, &c.


Bustleton, on Pennypack creek, eleven miles north-east from the city, is a pleasant village, containing upwards of 300 inhabitants, having an excellent turnpike road passing through it. Three miles further, on the same road, is Smithfield or Somerton, near the north-eastern limit of the county.


Sunville, commonly called Rising-sun, is at the junction of the Germantown and old York roads, three miles from the city. Nicetown, Branchtown and Milestown are villages further north- ward; the first on the Germantown, and the others on the York road.


West Philadelphia is in Blockley township, on the west side of Schuylkill, opposite the city at Market street, containing about 150 dwellings and stores, with several manufacturing establishments. Hamilton and Mantua villages are on the same side of the river, and contain many pleasant residences, a number of which are oc- cupied as summer retreats by citizens. Haddington is four miles west of the city, and has a spacious academy and several manu- facturing establishments in its vicinity.


How is Philadelphia county bounded ? Describe the face of the country and the character of the soil. To what geological class do the rocks be- long, and what varieties are mentioned ? Where is steatite or soap stone found ? Name some of the principal minerals and the places where they occur. What creeks are mentioned as flowing through this county ? What is said of the climate, and of the extremes of temperature? How is the city of Philadelphia situated, and what is its extent ? Describe the limits of the city proper. What is said of the adjoining districts ? Who owned the soil before the arrival of William Penn ? Where did Penn hold a treaty with the Indians, and what is said of the famous elm tree ? In what year was the town laid out ? Where were the first houses mostly built ? What is said of the increase of population, and from what countries did numerous immigrants arrive ? În what year was the State-house built ? What prophetic motto was inscribed on the bell cast for its first steeple, and how was it verified ? Mention some of the oldest buildings now re- maining in the city. Describe the general plan of the city and the direction of the streets. In what manner are the streets paved and drained ? De- scribe the situation and extent of the several public squares. What is said of the general style of architecture and of the materials used in building ? Mention some of the most conspicuous marble edifices in Philadelphia. Give a general description of the Girard college. Of the United States' bank. Bank of Pennsylvania. Girard bank. Merchants' exchange.


How was the city supplied with water before the erection of the Fair- mount works ? What is the capacity of the reservoirs at Fairmount, and their height above the river? Describe the manner in which water is


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raised into them, and conducted from them into the city. What is the average quantity used daily throughout the year ? What is the extent of iron water pipes laid in the city and districts? What has been the total cost of the water works, and what is the expense of the present system compared with the former ? Give a general description of the gas works. How is gas conducted from the works throughout the city and distributed to the burners ? What is said respecting the supply of provisions for the city ? How supplied with fuel? What is said of the resources, trade, &c. of Philadelphia ? Mention some of the circumstances which have contributed to its prosperity. What is the character of manufactures and mechanic arts in Philadelphia ? What can you say of her manufactures of iron? Of steam engines and machinery ? Mention some of the other principal branches of manufacturing industry. Describe the United States' navy yard. The United States' mint. How many banks are in operation, and what is the amount of their capital ? Insurance companies ? What num- ber of fire-engine and hose companies ? In what manner is the mayor of the city elected, and what powers are exercised by him ? How are the councils elected, and what are their duties ? Aldermen ? In what manner are the adjoining incorporated districts governed ? How are the county of- ficers elected ? How are the expenses of the several corporations of city and districts defrayed ? In what manner is the general county tax levied ?


Give a general description of the Eastern penitentiary. Of the cells and interior arrangements generally. Of the treatment of convicts. Describe the County prison. The Debtors' prison. House of Refuge. Philadel- phia Almshouse. What is said of the extent and interior arrangement of this building ? What is the average number of paupers maintained in the establishment? How is the institution governed ? Describe the Pennsyl- vania hospital. Insane asylum. United States' Marine hospital. Institu- tion for the Deaf and Dumb. Institution for the instruction of the Blind. What other charitable institutions can you mention ? What is said of Tem- perance associations ? How many houses for public worship are there in the city and suburbs ? The number of Sunday schools and scholars ?


In what manner is the public school district composed of the city and county divided into sections ? How are the school directors elected, and what are their duties ? How is the board of controllers chosen, and what duties do they perform ? What is the total number of schools, of scholars, and of teachers employed ? What is said of the system of instruction, as developed in the primary, secondary, grammar and high schools? De- scribe the courses of study in the high school. What are the conditions of admittance for a pupil ? What is said of academies, seminaries and private schools ? What were the objects of the Girard college as intended by its founder ? Give some account of the University of Pennsylvania, and of the medical school connected with it. Of Jefferson Medical college. Penn- sylvania Medical college. What can you say of the Philadelphia library ? Of the Athenæum ? Mercantile library ? Apprentices' library ? Ame- rican Philosophical society ? Franklin Institute ? Academy of Natural Science ? Academy of the Fine Arts ? Artists' Fund society ? Phila- delphia Museum ? What is said of literary and scientific associations, and of their general influence upon the character of the community ?


Where is Frankford situated, and what is said of it ? Germantown ? Manayunk ? Holmesburg ? Bridesburg ? Bustleton and Somerton ? Sun- ville ? Nicetown, Branchtown, and Milestown ? West Philadelphia ? What other villages are named ?


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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.


45. PIKE COUNTY.


Pike county lies north of Monroe, having the river Delaware on the east and north-east, and the county of Wayne on the west and north-west. Population 3,832.


The face of the country is uneven and hilly rather than moun- tainous, the most elevated point being called the High Knob, which is a continuation of the Pokono ridge, prolonged north-eastward from Monroe county. Along the Delaware below Milford is a narrow fertile valley, between the river and a range of slate hills which run nearly parallel with it.


These hills are the lower portion of the olive slate formation which spreads out widely over the south-eastern part of the county, containing much greenish gray sandstone in thin and nearly horizontal strata. North west of this series of rocks are the red and gray sandstones and shales of the next formation (IX) which extends over most of the remaining part of the county.


The soil is generally thin and stony : a large portion of the county is a neglected wilderness, overgrown with scrub oak and other small trees and shrubs ; in the low grounds near the streams the soil is better, and larger trees of oak, hemlock and pine are found. White pine is becoming scarce, having been, like much of the other valuable timber, cut off in former years by the lum- bermen, wherever found within reach of a stream large enough to float it away.




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