Read more
The history of the Main Line began in 1832 with the building of the Philadelphia and Columbia Railway, which opened the area to Philadelphia and points west for the movement of people and freight. Along that line would rise the communities of Overbrook, Merion, Narberth, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, Villanova, Radnor, St. Davids, Wayne, Strafford, Devon, Berwyn, Daylesford, and Paoli.
The images collected in Historic Photos of the Main Line combine to form a remarkable portrait of this unique array of communities. Included among many other vignettes and numerous subjects are the Devon Horse Show, visits by presidents Taft, Wilson, and Coolidge, the Autocar Company of Ardmore, the 1900 Class of Wynnewood Public School, I. A. Cleaver's General Store, Villanova University, the General Wayne Inn, Narberth's oldest house, and of course, the railroads.
In stunning black-and-white photography, this handsome book details the historical growth of the Main Line from its early days up to recent times. Spanning two centuries and nearly 200 images, the book follows the growth of this history-rich region, offering a compelling look into the past for any longtime resident of the area and every history buff of the Main Line.
About the author
Laura E. Beardsley earned a master of arts degree in public history from Rutgers University–Camden. She is the former Director of Graphics and Research Services for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Previously she worked as a park ranger and interpretative specialist at Independence National Historical Park. For the past four years, Laura has pursued a career as a freelance researcher and consultant and is also the author of Historic Photos of Philadelphia, published in 2006 by Turner Publishing Company. Beardsley lived in Philadelphia for twenty years. She now resides in the quiet suburb of Drexel Hill.
Summary
The history of the Main Line began in 1832 with the building of the Philadelphia and Columbia Railway, which opened the area to Philadelphia and points west for the movement of people and freight. Along that line would rise the communities of Overbrook, Merion, Narberth, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, Villanova, Radnor, St. Davids, Wayne, Strafford, Devon, Berwyn, Daylesford, and Paoli.
The images collected in Historic Photos of the Main Line combine to form a remarkable portrait of this unique array of communities. Included among many other vignettes and numerous subjects are the Devon Horse Show, visits by presidents Taft, Wilson, and Coolidge, the Autocar Company of Ardmore, the 1900 Class of Wynnewood Public School, I. A. Cleaver’s General Store, Villanova University, the General Wayne Inn, Narberth’s oldest house, and of course, the railroads.
In stunning black-and-white photography, this handsome book details the historical growth of the Main Line from its early days up to recent times. Spanning two centuries and nearly 200 images, the book follows the growth of this history-rich region, offering a compelling look into the past for any longtime resident of the area and every history buff of the Main Line.
