ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank those in my inner sanctum who assisted me in this nerve-wracking process of compiling history. First, my mother, Sue Webster, for being the best teacher anyone could ask for and for tolerating me during this stressful project. Then my father, Ed Webster (RIP), for my love of history, photography and the unknown. A big thanks goes to Dave Brown for his generosity, which proved essential in making this book. I am also very grateful for the kind assistance of the following, without whom this book would not be possible: Susan Anderson and Giema Tsakuginow at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cynthia Buffington at Philadelphia Rare Books and Manuscripts, Hannah Cassilly at The History Press, Clete Graham at the Wanamaker Building and Bruce Lafferty at the Athenaeum. Thanks and shouts go to Alison Bennington, Gary Heller, Bill Montgomery, Josh Morris, Luke Papa, Ed Stradling, the whole DesolateExile crew and everyone else I’ve hung out with in the “abandonlands.”

Note: All photographs in this book are property of the author except where otherwise noted. Thanks to the Athenaeum of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art for their participating images.