Item Info
Item No: pdcf00086
Title: Mercantile Branch
Additional Title: Interior view of the Mercantile Library, 1869
Historic Street Address:
10 S. 10th Street
Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Print and Picture Collection
Notes:
The Mercantile Library, originally a subscription library founded in 1820, was relocated in 1869 to this much larger building at 10 S. 10th Street. This building was previously a market and railroad depot, built in 1845, designed by William L. Johnston. This photograph shows the cavernous interior, adapted for library use in 1869.
In 1944, the Mercantile Library became the Mercantile Branch of the Free Library. In 1953, the branch moved to a new building around the corner at 1021 Chestnut Street, after this building was demolished.
The Mercantile Branch served the Center City population, until it permanently closed in 1989.
Creation Year: 1869
Geocode Latitude: Geocode Longitude:-75.157106
Geocode Latitude:39.951006
Creator Name: Wenderoth, Taylor & Brown - Photographer