Historic Philly Mansion Gets Attention
CBS 3 Philly recently highlighted a gem of Philadelphia architecture. The piece focused on Laurel Hill Mansion in Fairmount Park. The house is beautiful and would be considered a treasure under any circumstances, but what makes it particularly special is the fact that its architect was a woman – something that was virtually unheard-of in the 18th century. Rebecca Rawle built the house in 1767.
Laurel Hill Mansion, seen here in all its glory, is notable for having been built by a woman in the 18th century.
Laurel Hill Mansion is set on the Schuylkill River on a high bluff overlooking the water. The view of the river from the back porch is “not to be missed,” as per the Mansion’s website. The house is a two-story Georgian brick structure “with a symmetrically placed entry and a gallery of windows on the first and second floors.” A single-story wing was added to the south side of the home in the late 18th/early 19th century, and an octagonal two-story wing was added shortly after that. Portraits of former occupants adorn the walls of the house, which is decorated in the style popular at the time of it construction.
The house is lovingly tended by Women for Greater Philadelphia, a volunteer group that was founded during the bicentennial. Despite the name, men are allowed in the group as well. Alma Jacobs, chairperson of the board of Women for Greater Philadelphia, says that the group is passionate about the preservation of the Mansion. “When money is short and something is needed, you do what you have to do,” she told CBS. “We waited ten years for the house to be painted, and when we saw that it wasn’t getting painted, then we raised the funds to make it happen.” Today, members of the group wear period-appropriate costumes to help set the scene of what life was like in the 1700s and at other points through the house’s history.
Annual events are held at the Mansion that serve as fundraisers to keep the doors open. They include a Spring Tea, summertime concerts held by candlelight, and Yuletide tours.
