"An alternative, history-focused guidebook to a selection of Philadelphia's heroes and notable places"--

Philadelphia Neighborhoods, a compendium of historic views of the major residential sections of Philadelphia, presents a snapshot into the past when old neighborhoods were not so old and when currently established ones were as yet new construction. Through the medium of postcards, readers are invited back to an era before automobiles dominated the streets, before many city roads were paved, and when the local grocery store was not located in a mall. Using chapters divided into subsections that detail the various regions of North, South, Southwest, and West Philadelphia, as well as the "new" Northeast Philadelphia, the author chronicles the vibrant, diverse communities that have helped shape the city's rich history.

Establishing a community/ building an economy : beginnings to 1800 -- Community good/manufacturing city : 1800-1865 -- Industry triumphant/civic failure : 1865-1930 -- Economic decline/community turmoil : 1930-1980 -- Struggling toward the post-industrial city : 1980-2015

Philadelphia: A Railroad History describes the remarkable development of the railroad industry in Philadelphia and the intense competition that pitted the Pennsylvania Railroad against the Reading Railroad, and those two titans against the formidable Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to dominate the regional market. The book details the impact of the rail industry in the region's economy, the Philadelphia waterfront, and its port. It also highlights the key roles of the city's industrial giants during this colorful era, including Steven Girard, Matthias Baldwin, William Sellers, Franklin Gowen, John W. Garrett, George Roberts, and Edward G. Budd.