The I. Frank Lees Collection forms the backbone of the collections of the Media Historic Archives Commission, and is its reason for being. MHAC--an official arm of the Media, Pennsylvania government--was created to administer a collection of photographs and other material which I. Frank Lees (1919-1999), a lifelong resident, donated to the borough in 1981. The collection contains roughly 15,000 items, including the more than 1,800 photographs which are presented here. More photographs from this collection, and from other collections donated after Lees' death in 1999, will be added to this site in the future.
THANKS TO
- Chris Welc, for scanning more than 1,000 photographs in the photograph folders that Frank Lees had created. and for creating the first version of the Excel spreadsheet that became the basis of the catalog records on this site.
- Adam Levine scanned hundreds more photographs, fleshed out the photograph descriptions, and created the final metadata now attached to each image.
- Media Borough Council approved the purchase of a new computer and scanners for MHAC, and funded the creation and upkeep of this website.
Spatial Coverage
Media, Pennsylvania and vicinity, as well as other locations (including the Panama Canal Zone) related to Media people.
Frank Lees caption: "Broomall's Lake, home of the Media Swimming and Rowing Club, and now called the Broomall's Lake Country Club, is located on West Third St., in Media. The club house was built in the mid-1880s by the Broomall Family, who operated it as a private club until 1919. The club house was destroyed by fire in March of 1967, and has since been rebuilt. Broomall's Lake is formed by Broomall's Run and many springs in an abandoned quarry. This was Media's original water supply. The Media Swimming and Rowing Club was chartered February 2, 1920."
Olive and State streets. Copy of broadside, mounted on mat board. Lithograph by “Longacre & Co, 30 & 32 S. 7th St., Philada”. For color detail of lithograph, see P-01466B.
Williamson was a board member from the library's founding in 1901 until his death on August 21, 1955, at the age of 94, according to his August 22, 1955 obituary in the Chester Times.
Frank Lees caption: "This building, known as the as the Williamson House, was built in 1850 by Charles R. Williamson, one of founders of Media. Mr. Williamson operated a shoe factory here and shipped "brogans" to the soldiers during the Civil War. Mr. Williamson also operated a lumber yard near the Media Station. The house has been completely restored and is now occupied as offices. "
Frank Lees identifications, on reverse, left to right: Bill Gross, candidate for School Board; Bob Mickle, candidate for Mayor; and the following candidates for borough council: John Hoffman, Willis Glenn, Frank Hamilton, Bob Ikes, and Shelby Martin
