Strawberry Mansion
| Strawberry Mansion | |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic house museum / Park grounds |
| Location | Fairmount Park (East) |
| Coordinates | 39.9920,-75.1780 |
| Area | Part of East Fairmount Park |
| Established | c. 1789 (house); park acquisition 1867 |
| Operated by | Committee of 1926 / Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Federal/Greek Revival mansion, period furnishings, grounds |
| Hours | Check website for tour schedule |
| Transit | SEPTA bus 32; drive recommended |
| Website | Official Site |
Strawberry Mansion sits in East Fairmount Park as a historic house museum and one of Philadelphia's finest examples of Federal and Greek Revival architecture. It's the largest of the park's colonial mansions. The house gets its name from strawberries and cream that were once served at a dairy operating on the grounds, and the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood itself took that name from the estate.[1]
Walk through these rooms and you're stepping into 18th and 19th-century life along the Schuylkill River.
History
Early History
Around 1789, Judge William Lewis built the original house. It was Federal in style, with a central section that faced the Schuylkill River. He called it "Summerville" initially, but that name didn't stick.
Expansions
The place didn't stay the same size for long. In the 1820s, Judge Joseph Hemphill added Greek Revival wings that transformed it into something grander. Those additions significantly enlarged the structure and gave it the fashionable details that define its current appearance.
The Strawberry Name
By the 1840s, the estate had a new identity. Mrs. Grimes ran a dairy on the property and served strawberries and cream to visitors who came out from Philadelphia. The name caught on fast, sticking to both the house and the neighborhood that grew up around it.
Park Acquisition
In 1867, the city acquired the property for Fairmount Park. They were interested in watershed protection, so they preserved it as part of that mission. Over the years it served various purposes before being restored as a house museum.
Architecture
Federal Section
The central portion dates to around 1789. It's three stories of Federal design, with a symmetrical facade and an original entrance that reflects the proportions of its era.
Greek Revival Wings
Those side wings came in the 1820s. Ionic columns marked the fashionable Greek Revival style. They expanded living space considerably and created grand entertaining rooms.
Interior
The rooms display period furnishings throughout. You'll see antique furniture, decorative arts, and some pieces that actually date back to the original owners. Together they reflect multiple eras of the house's history.
Features
House Tours
Guided tours walk you through the period rooms. The staff provides architectural interpretation and highlights the decorative arts collection on display.
Grounds
The estate overlooks the Schuylkill River. Mature trees dot the landscape, walking paths crisscross the grounds, and picnic areas sit nearby if you want to stay awhile.
Views
River views from the mansion are spectacular. You get vistas across East Fairmount Park too, all within a historic landscape setting that hasn't changed dramatically in generations.
Visiting
Hours
Tours happen by appointment or during scheduled hours. Check the website for the current schedule before you go. The grounds stay accessible during regular park hours.
Admission
There's a small admission fee for the house tour. The grounds? They're free.
Getting There
Location: 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, East Fairmount Park
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus 32 stops at Strawberry Mansion Drive
- It's a long walk from any rail station
By Car:
- Drive into East Fairmount Park
- Free parking sits near the mansion
Tips
Call ahead first. You want to know that tours are actually running. The grounds work great for a picnic, and you might want to see some of the other Fairmount Park mansions while you're out there. Smith Memorial Playground isn't far away.
The Neighborhood
The Strawberry Mansion neighborhood takes its name from the estate. It's a North Philadelphia neighborhood with historic rowhouse architecture and a working-class character.
Nearby
- Fairmount Park — The surrounding park
- Smith Memorial Playground — Just down the way
- Woodford Mansion — Another historic mansion in the park
- Laurel Hill Cemetery — Across the river
- Kelly Drive — The river road
See Also
References
- ↑ "Historic Strawberry Mansion". Committee of 1926. Retrieved December 30, 2025