The Appleton Collection includes more than 2,000 glass photographic negatives, taken in Media, Pennsylvania and vicinity from 1888 to 1909. Media Historic Archives received the collection in 1988, but until 2018 most of these pictures had never been seen by the public.
Illustrated advertising flyer for H. C. Johnson Water Cycle is included in Volume 26-2 of the Streeper Collection: "The latest Cycling novelty now in the market is the Johnson Water Cycle, which no doubt will become quite popular with all lovers of good, safe boating. This Water Cycle is not built on the catamaran style, but by its construction is perfectly safe, will not capsize, and can be propelled at the rate of from six to ten miles an hour without any undue exertion. This pace can be maintained for hours, as desired. Ladies and Children can use these boats with perfect safety. Boats are built to carry from one to ten people. Write for prices. H. C. JOHNSON, Manufacturer and Patentee, Media, Penna." According to an August 12, 1899 Chester Times article, and the 1892 Media Map, Hillary C. Johnson lived at the northwest corner of State St. and Monroe St. in Media, which is where this photography was likely taken. According to the 1897 Media Directory, Johnson also ran a grocery store at the same corner. He is likely the man in the hat, while it is likely that his wife and children are in the boat.
Photographed from 1855 "Map of Media", location found on this map. Also called Nelling & Sons Grocery and Dry Goods Store. Black and Nelling both owned property at the northeast corner of State St. and Veterans Sq.
Showing display of two Post products, Postum and Grape-Nuts. Sign above the display reads: "Some can, some cannot drink coffee. If each week your ailment grows worse, stop coffee. Use Postum. There's a reason. Postum Coffee. It makes red blood. The Road to Well-Ville. Grape-Nuts. Postum."
