Papers filed for construction and repair of bridges. The types of petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions include: petitions for bridge construction and repair, petitions for inspections, and petitions for bridge funds. Other types of items include: specifications, proposals, and contracts for bridge construction and repair; bridge blueprints and plans; correspondence; bills for materials; and bridge condition reports. Many papers show date; court term and case number; names of petitioners, viewers, inspectors, and contractors; costs and fees; location of bridge; and name or number of bridge. The order and report of viewers documents are of particular interest as they usually include a copy of the original petition; the order and names of viewers to inspect the site; the public announcement for the viewers meeting; the report and recommendation of viewers, often with a drawing of the site and surrounding area; and the court decision.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Papers filed for construction and repair of bridges. The types of petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions include: petitions for bridge construction and repair, petitions for inspections, and petitions for bridge funds. Other types of items include: specifications, proposals, and contracts for bridge construction and repair; bridge blueprints and plans; correspondence; bills for materials; and bridge condition reports. Many papers show date; court term and case number; names of petitioners, viewers, inspectors, and contractors; costs and fees; location of bridge; and name or number of bridge. The order and report of viewers documents are of particular interest as they usually include a copy of the original petition; the order and names of viewers to inspect the site; the public announcement for the viewers meeting; the report and recommendation of viewers, often with a drawing of the site and surrounding area; and the court decision.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Pencil sketch on paper, showing Rock Ford and some out-buildings. The house is two stories, frame construction on a stone foundation, with a peaked roof and two chimneys. It has a pedimented front door and a large side porch (apparently the porch extended to three sides of the house, although this is not visible in the drawing). A fence is running across the lower right section of the drawing.
The following information is written in the upper right corner: '"Rockford"/on Conestoga--/Lanc. Co. Pa--/Residence of/Gen' Ed Hand/he died here/Oct. 21. 1882.'
Rockford was the country seat of General Edward Hand. It overlooks the Conestoga River slightly south of Lancaster. It was most likely completed in the early 1790s.
J.W.W. Loose, The Heritage of Lancaster, pp.74-75.
Height (cm)
10.16
Height (ft)
0.3333333333
Height (in)
4
Width (cm)
16.8275
Width (ft)
0.5520833333
Width (in)
6.625
Dimension Details
Hinged within a window mat..
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2017-06-28
Condition Notes
The edges of the paper are slightly browned, and the entire paper shows vertical buckling. There is a stain on the upper edge near the right corner, and a 1/4" tear about one inch from the upper right corner. The remains of a previous backing are still attached to the corners on the reverse.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.12
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Papers filed for construction and repair of bridges. The types of petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions include: petitions for bridge construction and repair, petitions for inspections, and petitions for bridge funds.
Little Britain Twp. and West Nottingham Twp., Chester County
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0545 I005
Box Number
008
Additional Notes
Court term: January 1834.
1. Location: At Pipoloe's Ford, near William Griest's, on public highway from Lancaster City to Elkton, Maryland, and on road from Strasburg to Port Deposit, Maryland.
2. Location: Near Carter's Mill.
Document types: Petition for appointment of viewers.
Order and report of viewers.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Little Britain Twp. and West Nottingham Twp., Chester County
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0550 I001
Box Number
008
Additional Notes
Court term: April 1838.
Location: On public highway from Lancaster City to Elkton, Maryland, near Greist's Ford, and also on public road from Strasburg to Port Deposit, Maryland.
Document types: Petition for appointment of viewers.
Order and report of viewers.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
