Glen Foerd on the Delaware facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Glen Foerd
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5001 Grant Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 17.8 acres (7.2 ha) |
| Built | 1850 |
| Architect | McAuley & Co. |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002320 |
| Added to NRHP | November 20, 1979 |
Glen Foerd is a beautiful old mansion and estate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It sits right by the Delaware River, close to where the Poquessing Creek flows into it. This historic place is in the Torresdale neighborhood.
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Glen Foerd: A Historic Estate
Glen Foerd is a special place that has a long and interesting history. It started as a summer home and has changed owners several times. Today, it is a museum and a public park for everyone to enjoy.
The First Owner: Charles Macalester
Glen Foerd was first built around 1850. It was originally called Glengarry. The first owner was Charles Macalester, Jr.. He was a very successful businessman and banker. This means he made a lot of money through his businesses and by managing money for others.
Charles Macalester was also a trusted helper to George Peabody. Mr. Peabody was a famous person who gave a lot of money to help others, especially for education. Macalester also knew many U.S. Presidents. These included Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, James K. Polk, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and Abraham Lincoln.
New Owners and Changes
In 1893, a new owner bought the estate. This was Robert H. Foerderer, who was a U.S. congressman and an industrialist. An industrialist is someone who owns or manages large businesses, often factories. Robert Foerderer gave the estate its current name, Glen Foerd.
He made the house much bigger in 1903. The new parts were built in the Edwardian Classical Revival style. This style uses ideas from old Greek and Roman buildings.
Glen Foerd Today
In 1971, the estate was given to the Lutheran Church of America. Later, in 1985, two groups took over the property. These were the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation and the Fairmount Park Commission.
Today, Glen Foerd is a historic house museum. This means you can visit the mansion to learn about its past. The beautiful grounds around the house are also a public park. People can visit the park and enjoy the outdoors.
Glen Foerd was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This list includes important historical places in the United States.
In 2024, Glen Foerd was featured on a popular TV show. It was the finish line for the finale of The Amazing Race Season 36.
See also
