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: Raymond B. Worrall was a candy merchant in Media for many years, from his residence at 311 E. Baltimore Avenue. This photo was taken in front of what is now (1990) Weather's Dodge in Lima.
Sign reads: "Media Businessmen's Ass'n. will give to some LUCKY MOTHER this Frigidaire dishwasher. Fri. May 11th at 3:30 pm for Mother's Day." Two men flank a girl making an entry. Scan made from 4 x 5 inch negative. May 11 fell on a Friday in 1945, 1951, 1956 and 1962; the photo is probably from 1951 or 1956.
Eight photos mounted on mat board. This was probably the house of Dr. Elisha T. Kirk, an osteopath and longtime resident of Media. Stored in Misc. Photos Box 1.
Frank Lees caption: "Beatty Road approaching Crum Creek, Nether Providence Township." This is possibly the house that, in 2019, still stands at 603 Beatty Road. According to the 1909 Mueller Atlas, plate 26, Edward Martin owned more than 100 acres between Beatty and Farnum roads in Nether Providence, including properties called Valley Farm, Clover Farm, and Orchard Hill. Photo probably by Dr. William T. W. Dickeson
Also shows adjoining building on State Street. The market was demolished during Media's urban renewal project, which started in the late 1960s. The adjoining building, on State Street, was remodeled but still stands. Scan made from original negative.
