Why did William Coleman choose this spot for his summer retreat? Woodford Mansion stands before you a testament to Philadelphia’s opulent past. It is one of the earliest grand colonial homes. Imagine wealthy Philadelphians escaping the city’s summer heat. They sought refuge in elegant country homes like Woodford along the Schuylkill River.
Built around 1756 Woodford began as a modest 1 1/2-story summer residence. William Coleman, a prosperous merchant and Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice, was its first owner. He was also a close friend of Benjamin Franklin.
After Coleman’s death in 1769 Woodford changed hands. Alexander Barclay, a Quaker and Customs Comptroller, acquired the property. Sadly he passed away just two years later. David Franks, Barclay’s brother-in-law then bought Woodford.
Franks significantly expanded Woodford in 1772. He added a second story and a kitchen wing. This nearly brought the house to its present size.
But here is a twist. David Franks was a staunch loyalist. In 1778 he was arrested and ordered to leave Philadelphia. He transferred Woodford to Thomas Paschall to settle a debt. Paschall never lived here. He rented it out until Isaac Wharton bought it in 1793.
In 1869 the city acquired Woodford. It became part of Fairmount Park. For a time Woodford served as the residence of the Park’s Chief Engineer and Supervisor. Later in 1912 it housed the Park Guard headquarters and even a traffic court.
But Woodford’s story does not end there. Restoration began in 1927. In 1930 Woodford opened as a house museum. Today Woodford remains a museum under the direction of the Naomi Wood Trust. It houses the Naomi Wood collection. You will find antique household goods Colonial furniture unique clocks and English delftware.
Woodford is more than just a building. It is a journey through time. It echoes with the stories of merchants loyalists and revolutionaries. Woodford was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967. It is a contributing property of the Fairmount Park Historic District.
As you explore Woodford consider its place in history. Think about the lives lived within these walls. Imagine the elegant gatherings the hushed conversations and the weight of decisions made during a revolutionary era. Woodford Mansion is a reminder of Philadelphia’s rich past. Its survival is a testament to its enduring appeal.