The mid 1850s chromolithograph featured in this Ben's Lens is entitled A View of Point Airy opposite South Street and depicts a resort located at the southern end of Windmill Island in the Delaware River. During the summer, boats left every few minutes from the wharf immediately above South Street and brought leisure seekers to enjoy a well- stocked bar and cool breezes. Considered an impediment to shipping, Windmill Island and the neighboring Smith Island were removed from the river in 1897.

The scene was correctly identified by Steve Lynch.

 

Sarah J. Weatherwax
Curator of Prints and Photographs