Edwin Forrest House facts for kids
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Edwin Forrest House
Philadelphia School of Design for Women |
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Edwin Forrest House, now Freedom Theatre
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1346 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1853–54 |
| Architect | probably Stephen Decatur Button. James H. Windrim (1880 alterations) |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001152, 93001608 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 13, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | November 4, 1993 |
The Edwin Forrest House is a special old building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is also known as the Gaul-Forrest House. This historic house was built between 1853 and 1854.
For many years, from 1880 to 1960, it was home to the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. This was one of the biggest art schools for women in the country. Today, the building is used by the Freedom Theatre. It helps young people learn about acting and theater.
The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1993. This means it is a very important place in American history.
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What is the Edwin Forrest House Like?
The Edwin Forrest House is located in Philadelphia's Yorktown area. It is on North Broad Street. The building has three main parts. There is the original house, a theater added later, and a classroom section.
How Does the House Look?
The main part of the house is three stories tall. It is made of brick with brownstone details. It shows off the Italianate style of architecture. This style was very popular when the house was built.
The windows on the first two floors have fancy decorations above them. The main door is in the middle of the front of the house. It also has a decorative top.
Who Built the Edwin Forrest House?
The original house was built for William Gaul. He was a very rich brewer. It was built between 1853 and 1854. The design was likely by Stephen D. Button. He was a well-known architect in the area.
A year after it was finished, a famous actor named Edwin Forrest bought the house. He lived there until he passed away in 1872.
What Was the House Used For?
The Edwin Forrest House has had many important uses over the years. Each use added to its rich history.
The Philadelphia School of Design for Women
In 1880, the Philadelphia School of Design for Women bought the property. They added a large section to the back of the house. This new part had art studios for the students. The school later changed its name to the Moore College of Art. It stayed in the building until 1960.
Community Center and Theater
After the art school moved out, the Philadelphia Cotillion Society bought the building. They used it as a community center until 1968. Today, the building is home to the Freedom Theatre. This group teaches people how to act and produce live plays.
Why is the Edwin Forrest House Important?
The Edwin Forrest House is important for a few reasons. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This was because of its beautiful architecture.
In 1993, it became a National Historic Landmark. This was because of its connection to the art school. It is the only building left from that important school.
Images for kids
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Edwin Forrest Mansion, after 1863 addition of theater wing (left).
