Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) Photographs 1993.302

Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) photographs 1993.302

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on September 14, 2021. Description is written in: English. Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Audiovisual Collections PO Box 3630 Wilmington, Delaware 19807 [email protected] URL: http://www.hagley.org/library Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) photographs 1993.302

Table of Contents

Summary Information ...... 3 Historical Note ...... 4 Scope and Content ...... 4 Administrative Information ...... 7 Controlled Access Headings ...... 7 Collection Inventory ...... 8 Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) ...... 8 Early buildings ...... 9 PSFS Building ...... 11 Branches ...... 16 Advertising and promotion ...... 20 School Bank Program ...... 26 Thrift Poster Contests ...... 26 Employees ...... 26 Events/social activities ...... 29 Oral history ...... 30

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Summary Information

Repository: Audiovisual Collections Creator: Philadelphia Saving Fund Society Creator - pht: Dooner, Richard T. Title: Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) photographs ID: 1993.302 Date [inclusive]: 1816-1989 Physical Description: 31 Linear Feet General Physical 6908 photographic prints : b&w ; 16 x 20 in. or smaller. 24 Description: photographic prints : b&w ; 2.5 x 4 in. 25 negatives ; b&w ; 2.5 x 3 in. 21 negatives ; b&w ; 35 mm. 5 negatives ; b&w ; 2.25 x 3.25 in. 4 negatives ; b&w ; 4 x 5 in. 14 videocasettes (VHS) : 1/2 in. 4 videocasettes (Beta) : 1/2 in. 53 sound cassettes. 15 reels : 16mm. Language of the English . Material: Abstract: Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS), the nation's first mutual savings bank, was founded in 1816. In 1927 the Society commissioned Howe and Lescaze, a local architectural firm that had previously designed traditional style banks for the institution, to draw up plans for a new building to be constructed at the corner of 12th and Market Streets. This collection is composed of materials from two Philadelphia mutual savings banks which date from the first half of the nineteenth century. The collection has been divided into two series: Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) and Western Savings Fund Society (WSFS) which was merged with PSFS in 1982. A significant part of the collection consists of photographs of bank buildings represented by traditional styles and in later years by contemporary suburban sites. The American banking industry has usually conducted business in formal bank buildings. The styles of these buildings have changed with passing fashions of architectural taste. This collection provides a good visual record of these developments.

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Historical Note

Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS), the nation's first mutual savings bank, was founded in 1816. It was then incorporated in 1819. PSFS's first permanent bank was established in 1840, twenty four years after the bank organized. After somewhat frequent changes in location over the early years, a site at 306 Walnut Street opened in 1840. In 1868 the Society relocated to 7th and Walnut Streets where a new building was constructed. Later this structure was expanded. In 1927 the Society commissioned Howe and Lescaze, a local architectural firm that had previously designed traditional style banks for the institution, to draw up plans for a new building to be constructed at the corner of 12th and Market Streets. This building which is still standing has generated great interest over the years. It is considered by many a landmark skyscraper, an International style building showcasing modern architectural style. The structure was photographed after its completion by Richard T. Dooner (1878-1954) of Philadelphia who documented the new building in 1932. Dooner studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and PMSIA. He had a professional photography studio.

Continuing a philosophy initiated by Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) years earlier, architects Howe and Lescaze assumed their commission as a complete project--not just the construction and design of a building "shell." They designed the furniture, lighting, signage, and all other appointments in the PSFS building. The edifice was also one of the first office towers in the country to be air conditioned.

The school savings bank programs at PSFS began in 1923. The programs which promoted savings skills to area youth were also benevolent public relations vehicles. PSFS's widespread program in 1952, for example, served over one hundred public and private schools and enrolled over 77,000 school age depositors. In addition, school groups were invited to the PSFS main office for tours. An art contest of posters promoting thrift was started in 1950 as an outreach to high school students. The contest continued for over thirty years.

Western Savings Fund Society (WSFS) which later changed its name to Western Savings Bank (WSB) dates its establishment from 1847. After 140 years as an independent institution the bank was taken over by PSFS in 1982.

In 1985 PSFS began using the name Meritor Financial Group, but the company soon began to struggle. By 1992 Meritor was seized by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and sold off to Mellon Bank. The PSFS building was purchased by developers and renovated into the Loews Hotel. The conversion began in 1998 and opened in 2000.

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Scope and Content

This collection is composed of materials from two Philadelphia mutual savings banks which date from the first half of the nineteenth century. The collection has been divided into two series: Philadelphia - Page 4- Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) photographs 1993.302 Saving Fund Society (PSFS) and Western Savings Fund Society (WSFS). A significant part of the collection consists of photographs of bank buildings represented by traditional styles and in later years by contemporary suburban sites. The American banking industry has usually conducted business in formal bank buildings. The styles of these buildings have changed with passing fashions of architectural taste. This collection provides a good visual record of these developments.

Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) is organized into ten subseries: Early buildings; PSFS building; Branches; Advertising and promotion; School Bank Program; Thrift Poster Contests; Employees; Events/ social activities; Oral history; and Music.

Early buildings subseries includes images of the first six offices in Philadelphia. The photographs are mostly exteriors and void of people. There are some reproductions of historical paintings and engravings. The 7th and Walnut Streets office includes interiors and is the most well documented. The images date from the early 1800s through the 1960s.

PSFS building subseries consists of images of the area before and during construction in 1931. The construction photographs show the demolition of buildings and excavation. The completed structure is extensively photographed and includes both interior and exterior views. There are a series of photographs taken by Richard T. Dooner in 1932, however, these exist mainly as negatives with prints of select images. The original negatives were badly degraded and received conservation treatment in 2009. Copy negatives were made at this time and the negatives were digitized. These digital copies are online in Hagely's Digital Archives with some additional images from this subseries. There are oversize matted photographic prints which are signed by Richard T. Dooner. There is also an audio tape tour of the building with architect Norman Rice which was recorded in 1983.

Branches subseries contains photographs of city and suburban branches in the greater Philadelphia area. Most of the images show bank exteriors. The photographs of the city branches primarily date from 1924, the suburban branch photographs date from the 1960s and 1970s.

Advertising and promotion subseries consists of publicity photographs, print advertisements, posters, booklets, and signs. The photographs include community projects such as blood drives and marathons, receptions, school visits, anniversaries, awards, and exhibits. There are bank giveaways such as calendars, cash wrappers, rulers, and coin savers. There are a few radio advertisements and branch informational videos.

School Bank Program subseries is largely made up of a scrapbook of group portraits of school children during their visits to the PSFS building. The photographs are arranged alphabetically by the name of the school and dates from the 1950s.. There are few images of a bank exercise taking place at various schools in 1924 and 1959.

Thrift Poster Contests subseries contains photographs of poster entries from 1950 through 1981 (not a complete run). There are also six posters that won the contest in 1952.

Employees subseries is made up of portraits of founders, officers, presidents, board of managers, and employees. There are photographs of employees at work, including security guards. There is one audio cassette tape of dictation in 1982 by Todd Clark, chairman. A few video cassettes of meetings, announcements, and training videos. The founders, officers, and presidents portraits date from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The employee photographs date from 1920s through 1964.

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Events/social activities subseries includes photographs of PSFS Quarter Century Club Dinners from 1954 to 1985, sports team group portraits, and various social events such as picnics and outings. There are audio cassette tapes of the 1984, 1985, and 1986 shareholders meeting. There is a video of the first annual employee meeting and a retirement party.

Oral history subseries consists of audio recordings with fifteen PSFS employees. The interviews were conducted between 1981 and 1983. The interviewees discuss career paths, relationships between tellers and managers, panics of the 1930s, mortgage experience, training employees, savings banking, mechanics of bookkeeping, senior management in 1934, the PSFS building, commercial mortgages during the depression, PSFS mission and structure, the School Bank program, and marketing. Music subseries is phonographic records of classical music owned by PSFS. There is one wax cylinder.

In the Western Savings Fund Society (WSFS) has been organized into eight subseries: WSFS building; City branches; Suburban branches; Presidents and board of managers; Employees; Social activities; Advertising and promotion; and Oral history.

WSFS building subseries depicts the company's earliest banks on 1000 Walnut Street and Broad and Chestnut. A majority of the images are of the Broad and Chestnut location which includes exteriors and interiors. There are nineteenth century engravings and photographs from 1949 through the 1960s.

City branches subseries contains photographs of over twenty branches in Philadelphia. Primarily exteriors. There are two very short films of branch openings. The images mostly date from the 1950s and 1960s.

Suburban branches subseries contains photographs of exteriors of banks in the greater Philadelphia area. Most images are devoid of people and date from the 1950s and 1960s.

Presidents and board of managers contains portraits of company presidents and members of the board in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The Board of Managers' portraits are preserved on cabinet cards which are in excellent condition.

Employees subseries depicts employees at work, as well as employee individual and group portraits. Many individuals are identified in the photographs. There are a small number of images from staff members weddings. The images date from the 1940s through the 1970s.

Social activities subseries includes photographs of the Annual Dinner Dance from 1949 to 1968, the Men's Dinner and the Ladies Annual Party from 1950 to 1968. There are group portraits of the chess club, bowling team, and baseball team. Snapshots of employees at various events like baseball games, dances, and parties. There are also images from retirements, 25 year Club Dinners, and 50 Year Service Awards. These images date from the 1940s through the 1960s.

Advertising and promotion contains print advertisements, radio spots, and television commercials and public service announcements. There are images of community outreach programs, events, the school bank program, and exhibits. Temporary bank exhibits were also chronicled. Western had an extensive rotating exhibition schedule which was documented frequently. These materials date from the 1940s through the 1970s.

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Oral history subseries contains one interview with P. Blair Lee, the president of WSFS. The interview was recorded in 1982.

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Administrative Information

Publication Statement Audiovisual Collections

PO Box 3630 Wilmington, Delaware 19807 [email protected] URL: http://www.hagley.org/library

Existence and Location of Copies View select items online in Hagely's Digital Archives.

Access Restrictions This collection is open for research.

Negatives, slides, and film material is housed in cold storage and must reacclimate prior to viewing (Boxes 42-46 and Film Cans 1-13). Please contact the Audiovisual Collections and Digital Initiatives Department at least 48 hours in advance of research visit.

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Controlled Access Headings

• Bank buildings • Skyscrapers • Banks and banking • Bank employees • Construction projects • Advertisements • Oral histories • Western Saving Fund Society of Philadelphia - Page 7- Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) photographs 1993.302 • PSFS Building (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Collection Inventory

Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) Scope and Contents

Thrift Poster Contests subseries contains photographs of poster entries from 1950 through 1981 (not a complete run). There are also six posters that won the contest in 1952.

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Early buildings Scope and Contents

Title/Description Instances The First Savings Bank, Scotland, 1810 box 47 folder 1

12th and Market Streets, historic paintings, 19481952 box 1 folder 1 Scope and Contents

By H.B. McIntire. Painting as it looked in 1841.

Broad and Chestnut Streets, historic views box 1 folder 2 Scope and Contents

By H.B. McIntire.

Broad and Chestnut Streets, historic views, 1847 box 47 folder 2

First office, 22 South 6th Street , circa 1816-1818 box 1 folder 3

First office, 22 South 6th Street , circa 1816-1818 box 44 folder 1

Second office, 5 South 6th Street , circa 1818-1821 box 1 folder 4 Scope and Contents

Southeast corner of 6th and Minor.

Second office, 5 South 6th Street , circa 1818-1821 box 44 folder 2 Scope and Contents

Southeast corner of 6th and Minor.

Third office, 2 Decatur Street, circa 1821-1826 box 1 folder 5

Third office, 2 Decatur Street, circa 1821-1826 box 44 folder 3

Fourth office, Third and Walnut Streets, circa 1826-1827 box 1 folder 6

Fourth office, Third and Walnut Streets, circa 1826-1827 box 44 folder 4

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Fourth office, Third and Walnut Streets box 31 folder 1

Fourth office, Third and Walnut Streets printing plates box 36

Fifth office, 66 Walnut Street, circa 1827-1839 box 1 folder 7

Fifth office, 66 Walnut Street, circa 1827-1839 box 44 folder 5

Sixth office, 68 Walnut Street, circa 1840-18691904 box 1 folder 8 Scope and Contents

This was the 1st bank built by PSFS. Architect was Thomas U. Walter. Street numbering changed and this location is now 306 Walnut.

Sixth office, 68 Walnut Street, circa 1840-18691904 box 44 folder 6 Scope and Contents

This was the 1st bank built by PSFS. Architect was Thomas U. Walter. Street numbering changed and this location is now 306 Walnut.

7th and Walnut Streets, building onsite before office built box 1 folder 9

7th and Walnut Streets, building onsite before office built box 44 folder 7

7th and Walnut Streets, exteriors, circa 1868-18981925 box 1 folder 10 Scope and Contents

Architect, Addison Hutton and Frank Furness.

7th and Walnut Streets, exteriors, circa 1925 box 44 folder 8 Scope and Contents

Architect, Addison Hutton and Frank Furness.

7th and Walnut Streets, exteriors box 31 folder 2-3

7th and Walnut Streets, exteriors, 18691940 box 47 folder 3

7th and Walnut Streets, sketches of exterior, 1928undated box 1 folder 11

7th and Walnut Streets, building, circa 1920s box 1 folder 12

7th and Walnut Streets, construction of vault room and box 1 folder 13-16 completed room, 1930-1931 Scope and Contents

Architects Howe and Lescaze.

7th and Walnut Streets, interiors, circa box 1 folder 17 19001924-192619301962-1968

7th and Walnut Streets, interiors, circa 1900 box 44 folder 9

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7th and Walnut branch, accounting department and tellers' cages box 51 folder 2

7th and Walnut Streets, 100th Anniversary, 1969 box 1 folder 18

712-714-716-718 Walnut Street properties, 1937-1960 box 1 folder 19 Scope and Contents

Includes 207-221 South 8th Streets.

712-714-716 Walnut Street, elevation box 51 folder 1

PSFS 11th and Market Streets box 1 folder 20 Scope and Contents

Originally Market Street National Bank.

PSFS Building Scope and Contents

Title/Description Instances Adjacent structures , 1931 box 2 folder 1 Scope and Contents

Before demolition of site.

Adjacent structures and demolition, 1931 box 2 folder 2

Excavation and construction, 1931 box 2 folder 3-5

Construction, 1931 box 2 folder 6-8

Demolition of buildings to create space for garage, 1931 box 2 folder 9-12

In completed state, 1931 box 2 folder 13

Banking floor box 3 folder 1

Banking floor, 1932 box 44 folder 10

Banking floor, 1932 box 3 folder 2

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Scope and Contents

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Banking floor, 1932 box 47 folder 4 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Banking floor, 1949 box 47 folder 5 Scope and Content

Photographs by Fogg.

Bank managers desk, 1932 box 47 folder 6 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Escalators and stairways box 3 folder 3

Escalators and stairways box 44 folder 11

Escalators, elevators, and lobbies, 1932 box 47 folder 7 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Staircases, 1932 box 48 folder 3 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Safe Deposit Department, 1932 box 3 folder 4

Safe Deposit Department, 1932 box 44 folder 12

Safe Deposit Department, 1932 box 48 folder 1-2 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Board room and finance room box 3 folder 5

Board room and finance room box 44 folder 13

Roof Equipment box 3 folder 6 Scope and Contents

Including: radio antenna, flag, and PSFS sign.

Roof Equipment box 44 folder 14 - Page 12- Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) photographs 1993.302

12th Street lobby and mezzanine box 3 folder 7

12th Street lobby and mezzanine box 44 folder 15

First mezzanine, 1932 box 48 folder 6 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Private office spaces box 3 folder 8

Private office spaces box 44 folder 16

Private office spaces, 1932 box 48 folder 5 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Washrooms and plumbing box 3 folder 4

Washrooms and plumbing box 44 folder 17

Women's lounge area, 1932 box 47 folder 6 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Open office space box 3 folder 10 Scope and Contents

Personnel, Mortgage, and School Banking Departments.

Open office space box 44 folder 18

Solarium and observation tower box 3 folder 11

Solarium and observation tower box 44 folder 19

Observation tower, 1932 box 48 folder 4 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

33rd floor box 3 folder 12

33rd floor box 44 folder 20

Executive Row box 3 folder 13 Scope and Contents

Includes officers dining room.

Executive Row box 44 folder 21

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Public spaces box 3 folder 14 Scope and Contents

Includes elevators, halls, vestibules, and barbershop.

Public spaces box 44 folder 22 Scope and Contents

Includes: elevators, halls, vestibules, and barbershop.

Mechanical rooms and systems box 3 folder 15

Mechanical rooms and systems box 44 folder 23

Mechanical rooms and systems, 1932 box 48 folder 7 Scope and Content

Photographs by Richard T. Dooner.

Interiors, by Richard T. Dooner, 1932 box 4 folder 1-17 Scope and Contents

Includes: office, corner office, typical office, finance room, washstand and shower (Engineer's department), building viewed from Delaware River, typical men's washroom, PSFS sign viewed from tower, observation tower, air conditioning equipment, basement elevator lobby, stairwell, 12th Street lobby and 1st floor elevators, and cooling water pumps.

Interiors, negatives by Richard T. Dooner, original envelopes, box 38 1932

Interiors, negatives by Richard T. Dooner, originals, 1932 box 39-41

Interiors, negatives by Richard T. Dooner, copy negatives, 1932 box 42-43

Exterior views box 5 folder 1

Exterior views box 44 folder 24

Exterior views box 31 folder 4

Exterior views drawer A-48

Exterior, copperplate engraving, 1932 box 48 folder 8 Scope and Content

By Earle Horter.

Exterior, etchings from copperplate drawer A-48

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Scope and Content

Reprinted from Earle Horter original plate by Naomi Limont in 1982.

Street level views box 5 folder 2

Street level views box 44 folder 25

From a distance and aerial views box 5 folder 3

From a distance and aerial views box 44 folder 26

Views of Philadelphia from building box 5 folder 4

Views of Philadelphia from building box 44 folder 27

Illuminated at night box 5 folder 5

Decorative appointments box 5 folder 6 Scope and Contents

Includes: lighting, signage, water fountains, and clocks.

Decorative appointments box 44 folder 28

Howe and Lescaze designed furniture box 5 folder 6

Howe and Lescaze designed furniture box 44 folder 29

Howe and Lescaze designed drawings, 1931-1933 box 5 folder 8 Scope and Content

Includes: stool (barber shop); board room details; vent & light unit; PSFS wall sign; section thru wood floor; bracing, endorsement desk; roof sign model; rugs and carpets; typical office fixture; bank room clockface; plate and glass holder for sterilizer in barber shop; Rattan layout, 32nd Floor; subway sign; cabinet for board room; tables, dining hall; addition cabinet, dining hall; detail, window mullion; color schedule for walls, floors, blinds, and doors of President's office and restrooms.

Howe and Lescaze designed drawings, 1931-1933 box 44 folder 30 Scope and Content

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window mullion; color schedule for walls, floors, blinds, and doors of President's office and restrooms.

Sketches, models, and rendering box 5 folder 6

Sketches, models, and rendering box 44 folder 31

Sketch of building exterior, 1940 box 51 folder 3 Scope and Content

By L.L. Malkus.

Building plaques box 5 folder 10

Christmas decorations, 1950s box 5 folder 11

Temporary exhibits in 12th and Market Street lobby box 5 folder 12

Temporary exhibits in 12th and Market Street lobby box 44 folder 32

African-American and Italian-American exhibit box 5 folder 13-14

"New Buildings for the New Age," NY Times Magazine, 1931 box 51 folder 4 October 25

Tour of PSFS Building with architect Norman Rice, 1983 box 25

Branches Scope and Contents

Title/Description Instances Branches album, circa 1968 box 50 folder 1-4 Scope and Content

Includes: Bond Shopping Center, Cheltenham Center, Doylestown, Horsham, Knights Road, Levittown, MacDade, Manoa, Newtown Square, Oak Lane, Paoli, Pottstown, Progress Plaza, Seventh and Market Streets, and Southampton.

8 South 12th Street, construction, 1927 box 6 folder 1 Scope and Contents

Temporary branch office

8 South 12th Street box 6 folder 2

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Scope and Contents

Temporary branch.

North Branch, 11th Street and Lehigh Avenue, construction, box 6 folder 3-4 1923-1924

North Branch, 11th Street and Lehigh Avenue, exteriors, 1924 box 6 folder 5

North Branch, 11th Street and Lehigh Avenue, interiors box 6 folder 6

North Branch, 11th Street and Lehigh avenue printing plate box 36

Cottman and Castor Branch box 6 folder 7

30th Street Station Branch box 6 folder 8

Construction of 1234 Market Street building and demolition of box 6 folder 9 older buildings, 1972-1974

1234 Market Street building, 1978 box 31 folder 5

24th and Vare, Navy Yard, Abington, Quakertown, Whitman box 6 folder 10 Plaza, Port Richmond

Allentown box 6 folder 11 Scope and Contents

Mountainville.

Ardmore, 1963-1966 box 6 folder 12

Brookhaven box 6 folder 13 Scope and Contents

Grants Plaza Shopping Center.

Brookwood box 6 folder 14

Cheltenham and Oak Lawn box 6 folder 15

Clifton Heights box 7 folder 1

Horsham box 7 folder 2 Scope and Contents

Village Mall.

Jenkintown, 1965-1966 box 7 folder 3

King of Prussia, 1962-1963 box 7 folder 4

Lansdale, 1968 box 7 folder 5

Levittown, circa 1955-1956 box 31 folder 5

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Scope and Content

Aerials.

Manoa, 19571963-1966 box 7 folder 6 Scope and Contents

Havertown.

Media-Lima box 7 folder 7

Norristown, 1961-1962 box 7 folder 8 Scope and Contents

Logan Square Shopping Center, Johnson Highway and Markley Street.

Paoli, 1974 box 7 folder 9

Pottstown, 1967-1969 box 7 folder 10

Roxborough box 7 folder 11

Shillington Shopping Center box 7 folder 12 Scope and Contents

Reading.

Southampton, 1963-1965 box 7 folder 13

Upper Darby box 7 folder 14 Scope and Contents

Bond Shopping Center Office.

Wayne, 1963-1964 box 7 folder 15

West Goshen box 7 folder 16

Whitehall Mall box 7 folder 17 Scope and Contents

Allentown.

Willow Grove box 7 folder 18

Logan Branch, Broad and Ruscomb Streets, construction, box 8 folder 1-3 1925-1926 Scope and Content

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

Logan Branch, Broad and Ruscomb Streets, exteriors box 8 folder 4

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Scope and Content

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

Logan Branch, Broad and Ruscomb Streets, interiors box 8 folder 5 Scope and Content

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

Logan Branch, Broad and Ruscomb Streets, exteriors and box 44 folder 33 interiors Scope and Content

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

South Branch, Broad and McKean Streets, circa 1924 box 8 folder 6

South Branch, Broad and McKean Streets, circa 1924 box 44 folder 34

South Branch, Broad and McKean Streets printing plate box 36

West Branch, 15 South 52nd Street, construction, 1925 box 8 folder 7 Scope and Content

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

West Branch, 15 South 52nd Street, construction of addition, box 8 folder 8 1937 Scope and Contents

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

West Branch, 15 South 52nd Street, construction of addition, box 44 folder 35 1937 Scope and Contents

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

West Branch, 15 South 52nd Street, exteriors box 8 folder 9 Scope and Contents

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

West Branch, 15 South 52nd Street, exteriors box 14 folder 1

West Branch, 15 South 52nd Street, interiors box 8 folder 10 Scope and Contents

Photographs by William R. Hellerman & D. Sargent Bell.

West Branch, 15 South 52nd Street printing plates box 36

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Market Street East, 7th and Market box 8 folder 11

Penn Center Branch box 8 folder 12

Mayfair Branch, original building, 3541 Ryan Avenue, circa box 8 folder 13 1940s

Mayfair Branch, construction of new building, 1948-1949 box 8 folder 14

Mayfair Branch, new building opened, circa 1949-1950s box 8 folder 15 Scope and Contents

Includes: mural by John Kucera and later restoration.

Mayfair Branch, new building opened, circa 1949-1950s box 44 folder 36

Athena Building Scope and Content

Caption: "Kochenperger [?] Property, Loan $50,000/5 Years at 4 1/2%"

Early maps, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania box 31 folder 7

The City of Philadelphia, 1875 drawer A-48 Scope and Content

Published by Currier and Ives.

Advertising and promotion Scope and Contents

Title/Description Instances Publicity photographs, circa 1950s-1960s box 9 folder 1

Publicity photographs box 49 folder 4 Scope and Content

Includes: Hands pointing to signs with PSFS locations; Boy making deposit at bank; and Woman customer at Officer's desk.

Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh and PSFS Representatives

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Scope and Content

The occasion of an award given to PSFS for serving $100 million in Pennsylvania student loans.

Advertisements in high school newspapers scrapbook, box 31 folder 10-13 1930-1951

Gray and Rogers scrapbook, 1952 box 31 folder 14 Scope and Content

PSFS's ad agency scrapbook pages of ads, promotional pieces, and brochures.

Print advertisements and posters, circa 1950s box 9 folder 2

Print advertisements and posters, circa 1950s box 45 folder 1

Print advertisements, circa 1950s box 49 folder 1 Scope and Content

Includes: one about saving for a TV set and one with an image of a wife presented with sterling set.

Print advertisements, 1950s1976 drawer A-48 Scope and Content

Bus advertisements: 12 Million Dollars in interest paid last year; and 14th Amendment Rosa Parks, PSFS Bicentennial project.

War bond advertisements, 1945 box 49 folder 2 Scope and Content

Includes: American flag flies from German submarine surrendered off Cape May, New Jersey; German P.O.W.s near Remagen Bridge; Japanese P.O.W. on Iwo Jima; President Franklin Roosevelt's burial; USS Franklin on fire off Japan; and Fairchild "Packet" ("Flying Boxcar").

Exhibits and displays box 9 folder 3

World of Difference exhibit story outline box 9 folder 4

World of Difference exhibit panels box 52-53 Scope and Contents

Includes display items and explanatory text.

World of Difference sign box 51 folder 10

Television commercials box 9 folder 5

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Scope and Contents

Production stills.

Community projects, circa 1980s box 9 folder 6 Scope and Contents

Includes: Junior Achievement, blood drives, and marathons.

Community projects box 51 folder 11 Scope and Content

Memorial to Unknown Soldiers of the Continental Army, Washington Square Park, Philadelphia.

Citations and awards, circa 1980s box 9 folder 7

Community involvement with children box 9 folder 8 Scope and Contents

Includes: playground programs, and school bank program with visits to PSFS.

Community involvement with children box 45 folder 2 Scope and Contents

Includes: playground programs, and school bank program with visits to PSFS.

Community involvement with children, 1924 box 31 folder 8 Scope and Content

Playground Thrift Pageant, Manayunk playground, Philadelphia.

Community involvement with children, 1924 box 51 folder 12 Scope and Content

Playground Thrift Pageant, Manayunk playground, Philadelphia.

Reception for Dr. Charles Wesley, 1966 box 9 folder 9 Scope and Contents

Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Washington, DC.

Reception for Dr. Charles Wesley, 1966 box 45 folder 3

150th Anniversary events, 1966 box 9 folder 10 - Page 22- Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) photographs 1993.302

Scope and Contents

Includes: Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy concert at Academy of Music.

150th Anniversary, Philadelphia Inquirer Supplement, 1966 box 31 folder 15

PSFS Plaza dedication box 45 folder 4

Financial landmarks box 9 folder 11 Scope and Contents

Includes: holder of oldest active account, mortgage payoffs, billion dollar in assets, and first commercial checking account customer.

Net deposits 1901-1981 drawer HOR OS6

IBM computer systems and Wang dictaphone, 1960-1980 box 9 folder 12

The Depictor, circa 1930s box 31 folder 16 Scope and Content

Promotional piece for Edward Stern and Co., Inc., Philadelphia, fine printers. Includes 1 page showing PSFS building.

Bank counter top display, 1986 box 31 folder 16 Scope and Content

"Service is why more people bank at PSFS."

Bank sign drawer A-48 Scope and Content

"US Government Prohibits Hoarding" in 4 languages: Italian, English, Hebrew, (Polish ?).

Bank signs, 1930s-1940s1960sundated box 51 folder 5-9 Scope and Content

Includes: National Bank Holidays, Christmas Club, Philadelphia Clearing House Association, U.S. Baby Bonds, Bank Money Orders Service, and Safe Deposit Boxes.

Calendars, cash wrappers, and rulers, 1957-1982 box 9 folder 13

Notepad box 28

Banquet programs, 1920-1966 box 10 folder 1

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Scope and Contents box 10 folder 2

Includes: withdrawel slips, deposit slips, and money order application.

Coin savers box 10 folder 3

Ledgers and account books box 10 folder 4 Scope and Contents

Includes: passbook covers; account books; ledgers; and Condy Raquet's gravestone, Hood Cemetery.

Ledgers and account books box 45 folder 5 Scope and Contents

Includes: passbook covers; account books; ledgers; and Condy Raquet's gravestone, Hood Cemetery.

Ledgers and account books box 14 folder 2

Insurance policies on bank vault work, 1899 box 51 folder 5

Postcards/greeting cards box 10 folder 5

Employee handbook, 1945 box 10 folder 6

A Few Facts about Your Savings Bank, 19451951 box 10 folder 7

A Scientist is Honored: the Story of John Bartram High School, box 10 folder 8 1947

Banking Offices and Hours box 10 folder 9

How Mutual Savings Banks differ from Savings & Loan box 10 folder 10 Associations, 1954

The Story of Your Savings Bank...And the Helpful Services It box 10 folder 11 Offers, 1961

Catalogue of Opportunities, 1966 box 10 folder 12 Scope and Contents

Describes bank services and accounts.

Family Guide to Financial Security, 1972 box 10 folder 13

Watch Out for "The Sting!", 1975 box 10 folder 14 Scope and Contents

Information for consumers about avoiding fraud.

The PSFS Building, circa 1981 box 10 folder 15

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History of money and banking, 1979 box 10 folder 16

Last will and testament blank form box 10 folder 17

Mortgage Loan Monthly Payment Calculator, 1950 box 10 folder 18

Notices and announcements box 10 folder 19

Vacation club coupon books, 1987 box 10 folder 20

Vacation club sign, 1971 box 49 folder 3

Inter-County Hospitalization Plan, 1981 box 25 Scope and Contents

Health insurance providers' radio advertisement.

Switch to PSFS: Service is Why box 29 Scope and Contents

Includes: "Mr. Hammer" "Care of People."

Switch to PSFS: Service is Why box 29 Scope and Contents

PSFS in Branch Video Presentation.

The PSFS Homebuyer's Mortgage: Product Information box 29

Direct Line, IRA box 29 Scope and Contents

PSFS in Branch Video Presentation. Animation.

Homeowner loans, IRA, and Checking Act I box 29 Scope and Contents

PSFS in Branch Video Presentation. Animation.

Act One - Telephone Bill Payment box 29

Guaranteed Better Checking box 29

Great Loan Sale, 1968 box 29 Scope and Contents

Consumer Lending.

Money for College, 1989 box 29

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Scope and Contents

How to meet the rising cost of higher education.

School Bank Program Scope and Contents

School Bank Program subseries is largely made up of a scrapbook of group portraits of school children during their visits to the PSFS building. The photographs are arranged alphabetically by the name of the school and dates from the 1950s. There are few images of a bank exercise taking place at various schools in 1924 and 1959.

Title/Description Instances Visits of school children to PSFS Building scrapbook, 1950s box 11 folder 1-8 Scope and Contents

Arranged alphabetically by the name of the school.

Visit of William Penn High School students, 1924 box 51 folder 12

Saint Edmonds School, Philadelphia, 1959 box 32 folder 7

Widener Memorial School for Handicapped Children, 1959 box 32 folder 8

Unidentified boys school, 1924 box 32 folder 9

PSFS film shipping boxes box 30 Scope and Content

"The School Bank" is printed on the boxes.

Thrift Poster Contests Scope and Contents

Thrift Poster Contests subseries contains photographs of poster entries from 1950 through 1981 (not a complete run). There are also six posters that won the contest in 1952.

Title/Description Instances Thrift Poster Contest, 1950-195619651970-1981 box 12 folder 1-11

Winners of Thrift Poster Contest , 1952 box 51 folder 13

Employees Scope and Contents

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videos. The founders, officers, and presidents portraits date from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The employee photographs date from 1920s through 1964.

Title/Description Instances Founders and officers box 12 folder 12 Scope and Contents

Includes: Condy Raquet, George Greiner, John Keating, Richard Peters, Jr., and William Purves.

Founders and officers box 45 folder 6 Scope and Content

Includes: Condy Raquet, and Richard Peters Jr.

Founders and officers box 32 folder 1-3 Scope and Content

These are copy work done by Charles Sheeler, the American artist, when he had a photography business in Philadelphia. The portraits are enclosed in jackets with silver paper. Several are embossed with "Charles Sheeler Photographer." Includes founders: Andrew Bayard, Thomas Hale, Richard Peters, Condy Raquet, and Clement C. Biddle. And Treasurers: George Greiner and George Billington.

Founder, Condy Raquet drawer A-48

Officers and Board of Managers box 12 folder 13

Officers and Board of Managers box 45 folder 7

Board Meetings and Chairman's Meeting presentations, box 45 folder 8-9 1979-1981 Scope and Content

Includes: "P.O.S." presentation, Business Plan presentation, David Melnicoff's presentation, Distribution Strategy presentation, and Chairman's Meeting presentation.

Presidents box 12 folder 14 Scope and Contents

Includes: Andrew Bayard, 1816-1832; Thomas Hale, 1832-1833; John Lowber,1833-1834; Clement C. Biddle, 1834-1855; John R. Neff, 1855; Lewis Waln, 1855-1863; Caleb Cope, 1864-1888; and Pemberton S. Hutchinson, 1883-1903.

Presidents box 45 folder 10

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Scope and Content

Includes: Andrew Bayard, 1816-1832; Thomas Hale, 1832-1833; John Lowber,1833-1834; Clement C. Biddle, 1834-1855; and Caleb Cope, 1864-1888.

Presidents box 32 folder 4-5 Scope and Content

These are copy work done by Charles Sheeler, the American artist, when he had a photography business in Philadelphia. The portraits are enclosed in jackets with silver paper. Several are embossed with "Charles Sheeler Photographer." Includes Presidents: John C. Lowber, John R. Neff, Lewis Waln, Caleb Cope, and Pemberton S. Hutchinson.

Presidents box 12 folder 15 Scope and Contents

Incldues: G. Colesberry Purves, 1903-1923; Stacy B. Lloyd, 1934-1941; Isaac Roberts, 1941-1949; R. Stewart Rauch, Jr., 1949-197?; M. Todd Cooke, 197?-198? (then, Chairman); Leonard T. Ebert, 198?-198?

Presidents box 45 folder 11 Scope and Content

Includes: Isaac Roberts, 1941-1949, and R. Stewart Rauch, Jr., 1949-197?;

Presidents box 49 folder 5 Scope and Content

G. Colesberry Purves.

Employees at work box 12 folder 16

Employees at work, 1924 box 45 folder 12 Scope and Content

School Department balcony.

Employees at work box 49 folder 5 Scope and Content

Includes: Press shop and restaurant staff group portraits with articles.

Female employees box 13 folder 1

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Scope and Contents

Head shots.

Male employees box 13 folder 2 Scope and Contents

Head shots.

Male employees, circa 1900 box 49 folder 6 Scope and Content

Group portrait, individuals identified.

Unidentified employees box 32 folder 6

Guards, 1922-1964 box 13 folder 3

Original dictation by Todd Clarke, Chairman, PSFS, 1982 box 25 Scope and Contents

Letter sent to former WSB employees at the time of the takeover.

Branch Training box 29

Hammer 401(k) announcement, 1987 October box 29 Scope and Contents

Philadelphia version.

PSFS Stock Conversion Message box 29

PSFS Reorganization meetings, 1985 box 29

Unidentified man, 1899 box 51 folder 3 Scope and Content

By E.F. Bonsall.

Events/social activities Scope and Contents

Title/Description Instances PSFS Quarter Century Club Dinner, 1954-1978 box 13 folder 4

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PSFS Quarter Century Club Dinner, 1980-1985 box 13 folder 5

Sports teams box 13 folder 6

Sports teams, 192919391941 box 49 folder 7 Scope and Content

Includes baseball team, and bowling league banquets.

Social events for employees, 1909-1980 box 13 folder 7

Social events for employees, 1946 box 49 folder 8 Scope and Content

Annual employee picnic group portrait.

Photos used in "OnLine" box 13 folder 8 Scope and Contents

PSFS internal newsletter.

PSFS Shareholders Meeting, 1984 box 25

PSFS Shareholders Meeting, 1985 box 25

PSFS-Meritor Annual Shareholders Meeting, 1986 box 25 Scope and Contents

Lead by Fred Hammer, Chairman. Including Question and Answer period.

First Annual Employee Meeting, 1987 April 8 box 29

Dave Campbell/Ken Thomas Retirement Dinner, 1987 January box 29 20

PSFS Winners box 29 Scope and Contents

Mike Acabucci.

100th PSFS Anniversary Dinner group portrait, 1916 box 51 folder 14 Scope and Content

Individuals identified.

Oral history Scope and Contents

senior management in 1934, the PSFS building, commercial mortgages during the depression, PSFS mission and structure, the School Bank program, and marketing.

Title/Description Instances Wilbur D. Badders, 1981 box 24 Scope and Content

Badders worked for PSFS for forty-four years, for all but the first of those years in the Banking Department. This interview reflects that experience with especial emphasis on branch banking in South and West offices. There are two thrusts to his conversation: 1) "career path" and problems for employees in the Banking Department at the main office and several branches and 2) the relationship that the "men in the fields" (i.e. tellers and managers) had wi th the neighborhoods in which they were located. Precise information is given on the work of a clerk/teller and a number of personal stories are recounted.

William Bates, 1983 box 24

Joseph J. Braceland, 1982 box 24 Scope and Content

Braceland came to PSFS after several years' experience in commercial banks and left PSFS to continue to pursue a career in the mortgage field. At the time of this interview, he was Chairman of Mid-City Federal Savings & Loan. The interview recounts his experience in the panics of the early 1930's in other banks; his development of the mortgage business at PSFS (1930's-1959); his education at the Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers; and nis positions in various professional organizations. The solid information is continually accented with personal asides about the people or institutions surrounding the events.

George R. Bunting, 1981 box 24 Scope and Content

Bunting's primary area of responsibility during his forty- five years with PSFS was in the Mortgage Department, most of the time in the Appraisal Unit; the bulk of this interview covers this experience: the tracking of an untrained employee into such an area; the training available and exploited; the work of the unit; the criteria applied by, the internal functioning within and structural relationship to both department and unit within the Bank. For the four years prior to his appointment to the Mortgage area, Bunting was in Banking at the main office (7th Street) and North Office. He provides a number of stories of people and events within the bank in those years,

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including a discussion of the mechanics of banking and the seniority system.

Anthony C. Chicone, 1983 box 24 Scope and Content

Chicone's career in banking was exercised in three different banks before he became a PSFS pensioner. During the years 1920-1929 he worked at the Starr Savings Bank; he was Secretary when this institution was merged into the First Penny Savings Bank John Wanamaker Founder. He worked in banking at the First Penny until it was acquired by The Western Saving Fund Society of Philadelphia in 1931. He started working for Western in banking, but soon came to be associated with Miss Mary Reeves in the school bank, industrial savings, advertising and public relations areas. This interview first covers the Starr years; here Chicone describes savings banking as it existed throughout the nineteenth century and was still practiced in the 1920's in small institutions. It then follows his life and career in banking to touch briefly on his experience with the First Penny, The body of the second half of the interview focuses on his experience with "business development" predominantly through the school bank and public relations. Some of this section relates to toe use and function of the NAMSB.

Walter A. Cook, 1981 box 24 Scope and Content

Cook was employed by PSFS predominantly in the Banking Department; during these years he advanced from bookkeeper/relief (teller) to Vice President of Banking Operations. This interview contains a great deal of personal memory and commentary and a smaller amount of specific information. The information that is of the greatest value are an in depth discussion of the mechanics of bookkeeping, banking during his earliest years with the Bank and the slow process of devising and implementing alterations and improvements to the cumbersome hand banking system that had been essentially unchanged for fifty years.

Donaldson Creswell, 1981 box 24 Scope and Content

Cresswell, trained as an attorney, was hired by PSFS late in 1934 as Assistant to the President (then Stacy B. Lloyd); James M. Willcox was at that time presiding as Chairman of the Board. Cresswell's role as assistant included acting as liaison with the Bank's counsel, learning the various aspects of the Bank's business that he might be able to assist the President in any and all areas and overseeing the management of the PSFS Building. In

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subsequent years as a senior officer and member of the Board of Managers he was responsible for the (securities) investments. This interview discusses senior management in 1934, the PSFS Building, mortgages (especially commercial) during the Depression, and changes in laws and practices concerning investment powers for savings banks from the late 1940's through 1965.

Frederick R. Drayton, 1983 box 24 Scope and Content

Drayton was an active trustee of PSFS for thirty years ana a trustee emeritus for twelve years more. His tenure spanned perhaps the most critical period in banking history: from recovery from the Depression to the extensive deregulation of the 1980's. The interview is very sparse on the nature and extent of specific structural changes of the period. It is nonetheless a valuable interview for its discussion of the development of PSFS' mission and identity and the concomitant changes in composition and role of the Board of Managers/Trustees/ Directors.

Stanley T. Haller, Jr., 1981 box 24 Scope and Content

This interview was taped shortly before Haller's retirement in 1981 as Senior Vice President, Staff Services Division. During his long tenure at PSFS, Haller worked in a number of areas: Banking, Mortgage, Personnel and Public Relations. This interview covers his experience in each area: banking as a "boy"; mortgage as PSFS branched into out-of-state mortgages, Public Relations as it first became acceptable and perhaps necessary to promote a bank; and Personnel during the years of the development of specialized professional departments, complex benefits packages, and government involvement in tax deductions and oversight of hiring practices. Included herein are personal reminiscences about bank events - notably open houses and annual dinners.

Arvey J. Ibbotson, 1981 box 24 Scope and Content

Ibbotson worked for PSFS for forty-five years in the Mortgage Department; his tenure there spanned the Crash, Depression, post war boom with VAs and FHAs, and the expansion of lending areas to include the developing states of the south and west. All of these developments are discussed in the interview as fact and with some personal reflection and commentary. Ibbotson also offers some of his thoughts on the contemporary (1981) state of the

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mortgage industry. The interview contains few personal reminiscences and/or anecdotes.

Peter O. Manzi, 1982 box 24 Scope and Content

Manzi worked in the PSFS Banking Department for forty- five years - the first fifteen years largely in the main office and the years after WW II in the branches as the manager or his assistant. The branches in which he served are distinctive because they were the first suburban ones. Manzi's discussion is interesting on this expansion of PSFS' business (in both Banking and Mortgage) and in depositor base. He

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