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{{Infobox Park
{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Strawberry Mansion
| name = Strawberry Mansion
| image =
| type = Neighborhood
| image_caption = Strawberry Mansion overlooking the Schuylkill River
| location = North Philadelphia
| type = Historic house museum / Park grounds
| zip_codes = 19121, 19132
| location = Fairmount Park (East)
| named_for = Historic Strawberry Mansion in Fairmount Park
| coordinates = 39.9920,-75.1780
| boundaries = Roughly 29th Street to 33rd Street, Lehigh to Diamond
| area = Part of East Fairmount Park
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Brewerytown]], [[Allegheny West]], [[Fairmount Park]]
| established = c. 1789 (house); park acquisition 1867
| major_streets = Ridge Avenue, 33rd Street, Diamond Street
| operated_by = Committee of 1926 / Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| transit = SEPTA bus routes
| features = Federal/Greek Revival mansion, period furnishings, grounds
| notable_landmarks = Strawberry Mansion (historic house), Fairmount Park access
| hours = Check website for tour schedule
| transit = SEPTA bus 32; drive recommended
| website = https://www.historicstrawberrymansion.org
}}
}}


'''Strawberry Mansion''' is a historic house museum in [[Fairmount Park|East Fairmount Park]], notable as the largest of the park's colonial mansions and one of the finest examples of Federal and Greek Revival architecture in Philadelphia. The house takes its name from the strawberries and cream once served at a dairy on the grounds, and the surrounding Strawberry Mansion neighborhood is named for the estate.<ref name="strawberry">{{cite web |url=https://www.historicstrawberrymansion.org |title=Historic Strawberry Mansion |publisher=Committee of 1926 |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
'''Strawberry Mansion''' is a neighborhood in [[North Philadelphia]] named for the historic Strawberry Mansion house in adjacent [[Fairmount Park]]. The neighborhood has a rich history but has faced significant economic challenges in recent decades, including poverty, crime, and disinvestment. Community organizations work to preserve the neighborhood's heritage and improve conditions for residents.
 
The mansion offers a window into 18th and 19th-century life along the Schuylkill River.


== History ==
== History ==


=== Early History ===
=== The Mansion ===
The neighborhood takes its name from '''Strawberry Mansion''', an 18th-century house in Fairmount Park that once served as a restaurant famous for its strawberries and cream.


The original house dates to '''c. 1789''':
=== Historic Character ===
* Built by Judge William Lewis
Strawberry Mansion developed as a middle-class neighborhood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with elegant Victorian homes and a stable community.
* Federal-style central section
* Overlooking Schuylkill River
* Originally called "Summerville"


=== Expansions ===
=== Decline ===
Like much of North Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion experienced severe decline in the late 20th century:
* Population loss
* Property abandonment
* Economic disinvestment
* Crime increases


The house grew over time:
== Character ==
* '''1820s:''' Greek Revival wings added by Judge Joseph Hemphill
* Significantly enlarged the house
* Added fashionable Greek Revival details
* Created current grand appearance


=== The Strawberry Name ===
=== Architecture ===
* Victorian rowhouses (many deteriorated)
* Some larger historic homes
* Vacant lots
* Mixed conditions


The estate became '''Strawberry Mansion''' in the 1840s:
=== Community ===
* Mrs. Grimes operated a dairy
Despite challenges, the neighborhood maintains:
* Served strawberries and cream to visitors
* Active community organizations
* Name stuck to house and neighborhood
* Long-term residents
* Popular destination for Philadelphians
* Preservation efforts
* Hope for revitalization


=== Park Acquisition ===
== Fairmount Park Access ==


* '''1867:''' City acquired property for Fairmount Park
Strawberry Mansion borders Fairmount Park:
* Preserved as part of watershed protection
* Access to park trails
* Used for various purposes over years
* Strawberry Mansion house (in park)
* Restored as house museum
* Natural areas
* Recreation opportunities


== Architecture ==
== Challenges ==


=== Federal Section ===
* Poverty
* Property vacancies
* Crime
* Limited commercial services
* Disinvestment


The '''central portion''' (c. 1789):
== Revitalization Efforts ==
* Three-story Federal design
* Symmetrical facade
* Original entrance
* Period proportions


=== Greek Revival Wings ===
Community organizations work on:
* Housing rehabilitation
* Youth programs
* Economic development
* Crime reduction


The '''side wings''' (1820s):
== Getting There ==
* Fashionable Greek Revival style
* Ionic columns
* Expanded living space
* Grand entertaining rooms


=== Interior ===
* '''SEPTA bus routes:''' 15, 32
* No subway access (requires bus)


'''Period furnishings:'''
{{FAQ
* Antique furniture collection
| q1 = Why is it called Strawberry Mansion?
* Decorative arts
| a1 = The neighborhood is named for Strawberry Mansion, an 18th-century house in adjacent Fairmount Park that once served as a restaurant famous for its strawberries and cream. The historic house still stands in the park.
* Some original pieces
| q2 = What is Strawberry Mansion like today?
* Reflects multiple eras
| a2 = Strawberry Mansion has faced significant economic challenges including poverty, crime, and property abandonment. However, the neighborhood maintains active community organizations working on preservation, housing rehabilitation, and youth programs.
 
| q3 = Can you visit Strawberry Mansion (the house)?
== Features ==
| a3 = Yes, the historic Strawberry Mansion house is located in Fairmount Park and can be visited. The neighborhood also provides access to park trails and recreation areas.
 
}}
=== House Tours ===
 
* Guided tours available
* Period room displays
* Architectural interpretation
* Decorative arts collection
 
=== Grounds ===
 
'''Estate landscape:'''
* Overlooking Schuylkill River
* Mature trees
* Walking paths
* Picnic areas nearby
 
=== Views ===
 
* River views from mansion
* East Fairmount Park vistas
* Historic landscape setting
 
== Visiting ==
 
=== Hours ===
 
* Tours by appointment or scheduled hours
* Check website for current schedule
* Grounds accessible during park hours
 
=== Admission ===
 
* Small admission fee for house tour
* Grounds free
 
=== Getting There ===
 
'''Location:''' 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, East Fairmount Park
 
'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 32 to Strawberry Mansion Drive
* Long walk from any rail station
 
'''By Car:'''
* Drive into East Fairmount Park
* Free parking near mansion
 
=== Tips ===
 
* Call ahead to confirm tour availability
* The grounds are pleasant for a picnic
* Combine with other Fairmount Park mansions
* Smith Memorial Playground is nearby
 
== The Neighborhood ==
 
'''Strawberry Mansion''' neighborhood:
* Named for the estate
* North Philadelphia neighborhood
* Historic rowhouse architecture
* Working-class community
 
== Nearby ==
 
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Surrounding park
* '''[[Smith Memorial Playground]]''' — Nearby
* '''[[Woodford Mansion]]''' — Another park mansion
* '''[[Laurel Hill Cemetery]]''' — Across the river
* '''[[Kelly Drive]]''' — River road


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Brewerytown]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Fairmount Park Mansions]]
* [[North Philadelphia]]
* [[Lemon Hill]]
* [[Woodford Mansion]]
* [[Mount Pleasant]]
 
== References ==
<references />
 
== External Links ==
 
* [https://www.historicstrawberrymansion.org Historic Strawberry Mansion]
* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Strawberry Mansion Philadelphia - Historic Fairmount Park House Museum
|title=Strawberry Mansion Philadelphia - Historic North Philadelphia Neighborhood
|description=Guide to Strawberry Mansion, the largest historic mansion in Fairmount Park. Federal and Greek Revival architecture, period furnishings, and Schuylkill River views.
|description=Guide to Strawberry Mansion, North Philadelphia neighborhood named for the historic Fairmount Park mansion, facing challenges while preserving community.
|keywords=Strawberry Mansion Philadelphia, Fairmount Park mansions, Philadelphia historic houses, Federal architecture Philadelphia, Greek Revival Philadelphia
|keywords=Strawberry Mansion Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia neighborhoods
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}


[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:North Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Architecture]]
[[Category:Museums]]

Revision as of 20:28, 30 December 2025

Strawberry Mansion
TypeNeighborhood
LocationNorth Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)19121, 19132
Named forHistoric Strawberry Mansion in Fairmount Park
BoundariesRoughly 29th Street to 33rd Street, Lehigh to Diamond
AdjacentBrewerytown, Allegheny West, Fairmount Park
Major streetsRidge Avenue, 33rd Street, Diamond Street
TransitSEPTA bus routes
LandmarksStrawberry Mansion (historic house), Fairmount Park access

Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood in North Philadelphia named for the historic Strawberry Mansion house in adjacent Fairmount Park. The neighborhood has a rich history but has faced significant economic challenges in recent decades, including poverty, crime, and disinvestment. Community organizations work to preserve the neighborhood's heritage and improve conditions for residents.

History

The Mansion

The neighborhood takes its name from Strawberry Mansion, an 18th-century house in Fairmount Park that once served as a restaurant famous for its strawberries and cream.

Historic Character

Strawberry Mansion developed as a middle-class neighborhood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with elegant Victorian homes and a stable community.

Decline

Like much of North Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion experienced severe decline in the late 20th century:

  • Population loss
  • Property abandonment
  • Economic disinvestment
  • Crime increases

Character

Architecture

  • Victorian rowhouses (many deteriorated)
  • Some larger historic homes
  • Vacant lots
  • Mixed conditions

Community

Despite challenges, the neighborhood maintains:

  • Active community organizations
  • Long-term residents
  • Preservation efforts
  • Hope for revitalization

Fairmount Park Access

Strawberry Mansion borders Fairmount Park:

  • Access to park trails
  • Strawberry Mansion house (in park)
  • Natural areas
  • Recreation opportunities

Challenges

  • Poverty
  • Property vacancies
  • Crime
  • Limited commercial services
  • Disinvestment

Revitalization Efforts

Community organizations work on:

  • Housing rehabilitation
  • Youth programs
  • Economic development
  • Crime reduction

Getting There

  • SEPTA bus routes: 15, 32
  • No subway access (requires bus)

Template:FAQ

See Also

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