The history of Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row is both wide and deep.Dotty Brown, an avid rower and former editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer, immersed herself in boathouse archives to provide a comprehensive history of rowing in Philadelphia. She takes readers behind the scenes to recount the era when rowing was the spectator sport of its time—and the subject of Thomas Eakins’ early artwork—through the heyday of the famed Kelly dynasty, and the fight for women to get the right to row. (Yes, it really was a fight, and it took generations to win.)
With more than 160 photographs, a third of them in full color, Boathouse Row chronicles the “waves of change” as various groups of different races, classes, and genders fought for access to water and the sport. Chapters also discuss the architectural one-upmanship that defined Boathouse Row after Frank Furness designed the stunning and eclectic Undine Barge Club, and the regattas that continue to take place today on the Schuylkill River, including the forgotten forces that propelled high school rowing.
Beautifully written and illustrated, Boathouse Row will be a keepsake for rowers and spectators alike.
Reviews (17)
Fine Art Fine History Fine Book
For decades I have bike commuted from east Falls to Center City via the Kelly Drive bike path. Twice a day for 40 years I have ridden past the Row. Dotty Brown has captured the essence of this remarkable place. She has done it thru the lives of those who have made it famous. And what a roll call of Americans and Philadelphians. Thomas Eakins- this was his home and his place and he covered himself in glory with his work on the place.. And the women who struggled to find a place to row and became world class rowers-- Earnestine Bayer and Joanne Iverson- and who can forget the Kelly family of East falls in whose backyard I played as a child.- "Kelly For Brick". To add in there are many reproductions of photos, landscape views, and maps. If you love rowing, If you love landscapes, if you love fine art, If you love Fairmount Park,, and if you love American history- this is a book for you.
Former Rower Approved
As a former rower and supporter of rowing as a "total workout" and sport, I am pleased with the broad content and historical references. My grandfather rowed with the team from Penn at Henley in 1901 so I'm hooked. I'm also a member of the Philadelphia Skating Club that built the first "boathouse" in 1861.
A coffee table must have for any Philly college rower.
Great Book - Gave it to my dad for Fathers day. A coffee table must have for any Philly college rower.
Great history and photos!
Comprehensive history of Philly's boathouse row. Many photos. Recommend for any rower. My husband rows at the Malta boathouse and enjoyed it very much.
Philadelphias Boat House Row a National treasure
Special book written about rowing in Philadelphia and its World famous rowing venue Boat House Row
Five Stars
Great book if you're a rower and/or from Philadelphia!
Five Stars
Great book. Thanks
Philadelphia Rowing !
It is a wonderful book. It brought back great memories from my rowing days during the late 1960' s and early 1970's. Thom Gray
Perfect gift for a rower
Perfect gift for a rower or crew coach.
Five Stars
Interesting and informative
Fine Art Fine History Fine Book
For decades I have bike commuted from east Falls to Center City via the Kelly Drive bike path. Twice a day for 40 years I have ridden past the Row. Dotty Brown has captured the essence of this remarkable place. She has done it thru the lives of those who have made it famous. And what a roll call of Americans and Philadelphians. Thomas Eakins- this was his home and his place and he covered himself in glory with his work on the place.. And the women who struggled to find a place to row and became world class rowers-- Earnestine Bayer and Joanne Iverson- and who can forget the Kelly family of East falls in whose backyard I played as a child.- "Kelly For Brick". To add in there are many reproductions of photos, landscape views, and maps. If you love rowing, If you love landscapes, if you love fine art, If you love Fairmount Park,, and if you love American history- this is a book for you.
Former Rower Approved
As a former rower and supporter of rowing as a "total workout" and sport, I am pleased with the broad content and historical references. My grandfather rowed with the team from Penn at Henley in 1901 so I'm hooked. I'm also a member of the Philadelphia Skating Club that built the first "boathouse" in 1861.
A coffee table must have for any Philly college rower.
Great Book - Gave it to my dad for Fathers day. A coffee table must have for any Philly college rower.
Great history and photos!
Comprehensive history of Philly's boathouse row. Many photos. Recommend for any rower. My husband rows at the Malta boathouse and enjoyed it very much.
Philadelphias Boat House Row a National treasure
Special book written about rowing in Philadelphia and its World famous rowing venue Boat House Row
Five Stars
Great book if you're a rower and/or from Philadelphia!
Five Stars
Great book. Thanks
