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 is a historic house museum in 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.[1]
The mansion offers a window into 18th and 19th-century life along the Schuylkill River.
History
Early History
The original house dates to c. 1789:
- Built by Judge William Lewis
- Federal-style central section
- Overlooking Schuylkill River
- Originally called "Summerville"
Expansions
The house grew over time:
- 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
The estate became Strawberry Mansion in the 1840s:
- Mrs. Grimes operated a dairy
- Served strawberries and cream to visitors
- Name stuck to house and neighborhood
- Popular destination for Philadelphians
Park Acquisition
- 1867: City acquired property for Fairmount Park
- Preserved as part of watershed protection
- Used for various purposes over years
- Restored as house museum
Architecture
Federal Section
The central portion (c. 1789):
- Three-story Federal design
- Symmetrical facade
- Original entrance
- Period proportions
Greek Revival Wings
The side wings (1820s):
- Fashionable Greek Revival style
- Ionic columns
- Expanded living space
- Grand entertaining rooms
Interior
Period furnishings:
- Antique furniture collection
- Decorative arts
- Some original pieces
- Reflects multiple eras
Features
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
References
- ↑ "Historic Strawberry Mansion". Committee of 1926. Retrieved December 30, 2025