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.
Media Fire company honor guard with Patty Highfield, Miss Greater Media. Left to right: Francis (Duke) Cunningham, William Taylor, Patty Highfield, George Mills, George Keiser. Location determined from other pre-parade photographs in this series.
Colwyn Fire Company No. 1 was "led by seven firemen carrying bouquets, 26 other Colwyn men drew by ropes an ancient hose cart said to have been brought from England to Philadelphia more than a century ago." (Chester Times, June 12, 1950)
Colwyn Fire Company No. 1 was "led by seven firemen carrying bouquets, 26 other Colwyn men drew by ropes an ancient hose cart said to have been brought from England to Philadelphia more than a century ago." (Chester Times, June 12, 1950)
Colwyn Fire Company No. 1 was "led by seven firemen carrying bouquets, 26 other Colwyn men drew by ropes an ancient hose cart said to have been brought from England to Philadelphia more than a century ago." (Chester Times, June 12, 1950)
Accompanying the Glenolden Fire Company was "one of the most elaborately attired outfits in the parade, the Fire Fighters string band, composed of Philadelphia firemen, led by Battalion Chief George E. Duffy. The men had uniforms of light blue, covered with glittering spangles, with huge capes bordered with plumes. In the cape of the chief were 300 plumes. Glenolden had one truck in line." (Chester Times, June 12, 1950)
Accompanying the Glenolden Fire Company was "one of the most elaborately attired outfits in the parade, the Fire Fighters string band, composed of Philadelphia firemen, led by Battalion Chief George E. Duffy. The men had uniforms of light blue, covered with glittering spangles, with huge capes bordered with plumes. In the cape of the chief were 300 plumes. Glenolden had one truck in line." (Chester Times, June 12, 1950)
Booth of the First National Bank of Media, with a display of violins and firearms. According to a newspaper report, the bank turned its space over to Capt. John G. W. Dillin, "well-known collector of violins and old rifles. His book, The Kentucky Rifle, is on display, as well as more recent booklet on Rabies: Past and Present. Dillin was a well known resident of Media for many years, but recently removed to 325 Abbey ter., Drexel Hill." (Chester Times, June 6, 1950, page 17)
Booth of the Media News, a local weekly paper. “A small Washington hand [printing] press, used 100 years ago by Minshall Painter, is displayed by Media News. It was borrowed from Tyler Arboretum Museum.” (Chester Times, June 6, 1950, page 17)
Booth for Girard-Miller Coal Co., showcasing the automatic "blue coal" burner, and a jar of pea coal "with blanks for guesses on the total number of pieces in the jar. A savings bond will go to the persons coming closest to the actual total.” (Chester Times, June 6, 1950, page 17)
Booth for Girard-Miller Coal Co., showcasing the automatic "blue coal" burner, and a jar of pea coal "with blanks for guesses on the total number of pieces in the jar. A savings bond will go to the persons coming closest to the actual total.” (Chester Times, June 6, 1950, page 17)
