Henry Charles Lea (1825-1909) was a prominent Philadelphia intellectual and historian writing books on medieval history and The Inquisition. He was involved in and recognized as a preeminent historian and philanthropist by the American Philosophical Society, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pennsylvania. Lea was also a businessman buying and improving stores along 7th and Sansom Sts. from 1865-1895. The importance of these buildings is that they were built between 1800-1802 and became the stereotypical "Philadelphia row home" copied by other east coast cities. As architects Lea used the firm of Collins and Autenrieth, John Crump (1827-1892), and Rudolph Blankenburg (1843-1918) who was mayor of Philadelphia in 1911 until 1915. Lea relied on several carpenters and builders including Michael Errickson, James H. Errickson, Yarnall and Cooper, and Kister and Orem, all of Philadelphia.

The Collection is comprised of one box containing 18 folders with various contents including single loose letters, deeds of sale and settlement, and paper-clipped series of correspondences. The Collection is mainly handwritten up to end of 19th century and from then is a combination of handwritten and carbon copy items.

The Collection is comprised mainly of correspondences between H.C. Lea and family and various contractors, architects, and attorneys. Also included are large amounts of receipts for material suppliers, payments to contractors, property taxes, and water rents for Philadelphia and Cape May properties. Legal notes are also included for sales and settlements of property. One architectural drawing exists.

Arrangement: Series folders are arranged according to property number in Philadelphia and Cape May when known. Items within folders are chronological.

Prepared by: Christopher Stanwood,15 November 1995

Individual holding records for this collection are available on the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings website.