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Friends of Narberth history
Friends of Narberth History
Views of Narberth Past

Dr. Snyder residence, about 1915

Image source: Philip H. Moore, Photographer and Publisher, 6646 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia. No. 1196; collection of the Lower Merion Historical Society

Addresses in view: 300 N. Narberth Ave. (†1988)

modern view of the historical image seen from the same viewpoint

The house was built in 1908 (architect D. Knickerbacker Boyd) and torn down in October 1988. The property was redeveloped as four houses in the early 1990s.

It's difficult to date this image precisely as it shows little surrounding detail. Philip Moore published postcards actively from circa 1907 through the early 1920s, but LMHS's postcard is unused, so there's no postmark to provide a "no later than" date. Pending further evidence, it could lie anywhere between 1908 and the 1920s. But three photographs by Franklin Davenport Edmunds (1874–1948), dated 8/25/1911, can help. The first image is the almost identical view to the postcard, down to the trees, leading to the conclusion that they are roughly contemporary.

General view of the front, almost identical to the postcard. Free Library of Philadelphia
View of front and side. Free Library of Philadelphia
Detail of kitchen end of house; the Belfield/Shand house is visible behind. Free Library of Philadelphia
painting of a serious-looking older man with a mustache in a dark suit on a dark background
O. J. Snyder's portrait (detail) at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Oscar John Snyder (1866–1947) co-founded Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy (today Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine) in 1899 and served as its first president 1899–1904. In 1915 he served as a vice president of the Narberth Civic Association.