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.
The focus of this series is on Tancreed's, at the southeast corner of State and Plum streets, a building that had formerly housed Media's original post office. Several images also capture other buildings on the south side of State Street from Plum to Jackson streets.
The focus of this series is on Tancreed's, at the southeast corner of State and Plum streets, a building that had formerly housed Media's original post office. Several images also capture other buildings on the south side of State Street from Plum to Jackson streets.
The focus of this series is on Tancreed's, at the southeast corner of State and Plum streets, a building that had formerly housed Media's original post office. Several images also capture other buildings on the south side of State Street from Plum to Jackson streets.
The focus of this series is on Tancreed's, at the southeast corner of State and Plum streets, a building that had formerly housed Media's original post office. Several images also capture other buildings on the south side of State Street from Plum to Jackson streets.
The focus of this series is on Tancreed's, at the southeast corner of State and Plum streets, a building that had formerly housed Media's original post office. Several images also capture other buildings on the south side of State Street from Plum to Jackson streets.
Includes view of graveyard. Handwritten on reverse: St. David's Episcopal Church, Radnor, Del. Co., Pa., showing the tomb of General. Anthony Wayne in the centre and the tomb of H. Jones Brooke at left end of church. Photographed by Dr. Dickeson, 1899
Gift of Diane Fields Funk. Left to right: Philip Fisher, Joseph Eachus, Leroy Collins, Miller Young, Ray Tricker, Walter Bosler, Frank Sweeny, Harry Sweeny, Homer Evans, [Thomas] Franklin Fields [Sr.]. Fields was the grandfather of the donor.
Looking west on State Street from east of Plum Street, at south side of the street. View includes Plumstead Inn and other buildings. Scan made from 4 x 5 inch negative
This is probably an original print from a 35 mm slide. Frank Lees caption: All the buildings in this photograph were soon after torn down as part of Media's Urban Redevelopment Plan. The old Economy Market is on the corner, next is Kaiser Taxi, an insurance office, and the home of the late Dr. Jack. The trolley waits at the end of the line.
Frank Lees caption: "The row of old homes on the left were built by H. Jones Brooke about 18960 and have been completely restored. This is part of Media's historic district." Copy of original photo; source not noted
