Architectural drawings, 1870s-1890s, 1949

Series “III. Maps, drawings, and plans” dates from circa 1850s to 1950, and documents the mining interests of the Birkinbine Engineering Company as well as plans for the company’s various mining and water works projects. This series contains both flat and rolled materials, and is arranged alphabetically by subject, and chronologically within each subject. Subjects include architectural drawings, atlases, geological survey maps, plans, scrapbooks, technical drawings, and topographical maps.

Geological survey maps are grouped by region including, Africa, Asia, Canada and Puerto Rico, Europe, South America, and the United States. Similarly, maps are organized by region both globally and domestically within the United States. They include geographical, agricultural, climate, and iron ore resource atlases.

Maps depicting global areas are grouped by country or region, such as Canada, Mexico, and South America. Within the United States, maps are also grouped by region including, Mid-Atlantic states, Northeastern states, Southeastern states, and Western states. Some states are particularly well-represented including, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Furthermore, some cities are well documented, Philadelphia in particular.

Topographical maps locate deposits of raw minerals such as iron ore and coal used for company projects within the United States. These topographical maps survey specific states, cities, and the country as a whole.

Plans contain blueprints of geographical regions that serve as sites for mining and water works operations, such as Ambler water works. Many plans outline city water works grids, especially in Philadelphia.

Similarly, architectural drawings are blueprints for specific buildings, towers, and infrastructures located on industrial sites. These include factories, water towers, warehouses, and plants for mining and water works operations.

Technical drawings include blueprints for various machine parts and technology involved during the Birkinbine Engineering Company’s projects. A subset of these drawings feature water works subjects, especially for the many Philadelphia projects, such as diagrams for valves and pipes.