In March 1850, the Borough of Media was officially incorporated by a Special Act of Assembly. This collection is a portrait of the borough as it exists in 2025. To that end, we’re collecting photographs of every building in the borough.
Architecture is interesting, it's part of what makes Media such a distinctive place. Photos that show family members, business owners, organization staffs, volunteers and members, clergy and congregations are also included to provide a fuller portrait of Media in 2025.
John and Merril Dutton have owned their home since June 1979. Built in 1868, The Dutton House is a three-story wood framed home. When it was built it had only two rooms on the first and second floors and one room on the third floor. The kitchen was added later. This house was originally for tenants who worked on the local farm. Its exterior appearance is similar to the farmhouse located on 2nd and Edgmont Streets.
In 1999, the Duttons added a two-story stand-alone structure that included a 2/1/2 garage and art studio. In 2015 the kitchen and dining rooms were merged into one large, expanded kitchen. Over more than 45 years they have painted the exterior of the house and maintained its original beauty and charm.
In 2008 the Media Historical Society awarded a bronze plaque to The Dutton House as part of their annual awards banquet, April 16, 2008. The plaque reads: Media Historical Society, Historic Treasure, 1868 The First Structure was Built.
Current photographs of the historic Gifford-Risley House, renovated to serve as a Bed & Breakfast by the owners, Zelko and Monika Rehoric. Multiple angles give a full picture of the classic gothic-style architecture, while the rooms inside have been renovated to reflect the time period in which the house was erected. Each bedroom is fitted with different Victorian stylings from Renaissance Revival, to Empire, to the Arts & Crafts movement, Queen Victoria, and more. Above the fireplace in the Study, you will find a portrait of Dr. Samuel Risley, whose once owned the home.
During the Media Porchfest 2025, 24 West Street was one of 30 venues around town that featured music taking place simultaneously as the Great Media Garage Sale. The Past Blasters played from 1 - 4 in the afternoon following an earlier set by Lily Rowan. Here is how The Past Blasters described themselves on their Facebook account: "The Past Blasters features Chris Farrell, (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Sage (bass) and Dawn Beck (keyboard). we play the music of our generation - the soft rock of the 60s and 70s - a musical era that will never grow old."
Three Potato Four is a gift shop that sells a curated selection of new and vintage goods. The storefront opened Fall of 2022 by Media residents and husband and wife team Stu Eli and Janet Morales.
From https://beardsleyjewelers.com: "Founded by David Held in 1973, our shop has been creating handcrafted, artisan jewelery for some of the most discriminating clients of the greater Philadelphia area. In 2004, W. F. Beardsley joined with David Held and has been continuing his tradition of fine artisan jewelery for over two decades."
