Historic Strawberry Mansion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion in 2014
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built	c. 1783–1789
Architectural style(s)	Federal with Greek Revival wings
Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
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Historic Strawberry Mansion is a beautiful old house in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It was built a long time ago, between 1783 and 1789, by a man named Judge William Lewis. When it was first built, it was called Summerville.

The Mansion's Early Days

Judge William Lewis bought the land where the mansion now stands. He built the house between 1783 and 1789. He lived there for many years until he passed away in 1819.

A few years later, in 1821, a person named Joseph Hemphill bought Strawberry Mansion. His family made some changes to the house around 1828. They added new sections, called wings, in a style known as Greek Revival. The original house was built in the Federal style.

In 1867, the city of Philadelphia bought the mansion and a lot of the land around it. They did this to help protect the city's drinking water, which came from the Schuylkill River. This area became known as East Fairmount Park.

Bringing the Mansion Back to Life

In 1926, several women's groups worked with Mayor W. Freeland Kendrick to create a big event in Philadelphia. It was called the Sesquicentennial Exposition, celebrating 150 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed.

After the event, some of these women wanted to keep working together. They decided to find a place to display many antique furniture collections. With help from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Fairmount Park Commission, they chose Strawberry Mansion.

The women's groups, called the Committee of 1926, renovated the mansion. They wanted it to be a museum and a welcoming place for visitors. Joseph Horn, who owned the famous Horn and Hardart's automat restaurants, donated money for the renovation. He had grown up in Philadelphia and played in the park as a child.

Women's societies from all over the city helped fill the rooms with amazing old furniture. The house officially reopened in 1931. The Committee of 1926 still works today to take care of this historic house museum.

The mansion was also updated again in the early 2000s to keep it in good condition.

How Strawberry Mansion Got Its Name

The mansion got its current name, Strawberry Mansion, sometime between 1846 and 1867. People believe that farmers who lived in the mansion at that time used to serve strawberries and cream to visitors. This sweet treat likely gave the house its memorable name!

Visiting Strawberry Mansion

You can visit Strawberry Mansion for tours almost all year! It is open from February to December.

• In February, tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays. You need to make an appointment to visit during this month.
• In March, the mansion is open Thursday through Saturday. On Sundays, you can visit by appointment.
• From mid-April through December, the house is open Thursday through Sunday. Tours run from 10 AM to 4 PM. Make sure to arrive before 3 PM, as the last tour starts promptly then.

See also

• List of houses in Fairmount Park
• Strawberry Mansion Bridge
• Strawberry Mansion High School
• Strawberry Mansion, Philadelphia