Photographic Documentation:

The photographs presented here are a small sampling of the photographs that are available through archival resources. Historic photographs aid in documenting the deterioration of the exterior stone. Deterioration patterns as they appear in these dated photographs can be compared to existing conditions to assess decay rates and changes in the deterioration patterns. In some cases, historic photos can also provide a record of modifications, repairs, and cleaning campaigns that have affected the condition of the exterior masonry.

	Detail from photograph of north facade of Second Bank, c. 1850-63. Philadelphia Scrapbook Collection, Library Company of Philadelphia.

The image to the right is a detail from a photograph of the north facade that dates to the mid-nineteenth century (c. 1850-63). Notice in the highlighted areas that contour patterns in the marble are already visible.

The photograph below was taken in 1942. The highlighted areas show evidence of obvious dimensional loss on the north faces of the Chestnut Street portico columns. By comparing the archive photo with current conditions, relative rates and degrees of deterioration can be surmised. Analysis shows that some areas have remained relatively stable over the last sixty years while other areas demonstrate increased rates of decay and material loss.

	Photograph of north facade of Second Bank, May 1942. INHP Archives.

Photograph of the 'Reconstruction' and cleaning of the south facade of Second Bank, May 1942. INHP Archives.

According to National Park Service records, the columns and ashlar stone of the south facade were cleaned and restored in 1942. No methodology or details of the work were indicated in the written records. The photograph to the right, however, shows the pattern of cleaning employed - starting from the base of the columns and working up.

Detailed photograph of the south face of the column at the northeast corner of the Chestnut Street facade, March 1961. INHP Archives.

Historic photographs also record specific areas and conditions of deterioration at specific moments. The photograph on the left shows evidence of severe and imminent spalling near the capital of the column at the northeast corner of the Bank.