Scope and Contents From the Collection: The History Files collection contains research materials documenting parks, sites, structures, organizations, events, and individuals associated with the Fairmount Park System and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. This collection compiles materials from diverse sources over time rather than representing the records of a single office or individual. Typical materials include correspondence, deeds, leases, newspaper clippings, photocopies of published articles and book excerpts, research...

Scope and Contents Correspondence clarifying that the Tam O'Shanter sculpture group remains the property of the Franklin Institute and requesting the Fairmount Park Commission amend its 1877 resolution of acceptance to reflect that the sculptures are held in trust (1878), a 1942 report from Park Guard Superintendent William Long documenting damage caused by boys throwing stones, and correspondence documenting the sculptures' removal to storage near Horticultural Hall due to vandalism and the soft quality of...