Beneath this Tudor facade lies a story of artistry ambition and rebirth. Welcome to Oaks Cloister. This historic mansion stands as a testament to Joseph Miller Huston’s vision. He was the architect of the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
Huston built Oaks Cloister as his home and studio around 1900. It is located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Oaks Cloister is more than just a house. It is a living canvas that shows Huston’s genius.
Huston graduated from Princeton University in 1892. He founded his firm in 1895 after working with Frank Furness. Huston blended English Tudor and Swiss Chalet styles. He created an eclectic masterpiece.
Oaks Cloister is a test lab for the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s features. Huston used scaled design mock-ups and identical detailing. He ensured that his home echoed the grandeur of his most famous project. Huston lived here until his death in 1940.
But the story of Oaks Cloister does not end with Huston. The Rev. John Wilbur Gouker and Mrs. Loice Ferdinand Gouker bought the home in 1955. They preserved its history.
A video called “Oaks Cloister The Home of Capitol Architect Joseph Huston” showcased their efforts. After the Goukers sold the home it fell into disrepair. It was eventually abandoned.
The mansion seemed doomed after years of neglect. But in 2002 Dr. Russell Harris and Mr. John Casavecchia acquired the property. They saved it from demolition. The restoration took more than a decade. ONeal Studios led the efforts. Hidden treasures were unearthed and brought back to life.
Each of the 20 rooms was restored to its original beauty. The ballroom is perhaps the most dramatic example. Its ceilings and carved panels were covered in soot. Research revealed that the fireplace was imported from Caen France. It is a replica of one in the Cluny Museum in Paris. Legend says it was made for King Francis I. Napoleon Bonaparte moved it to Paris.
The ballroom also features a gilded coffered ceiling. It took 25000 sheets of gold leaf to restore. A gold mosaic tile wall-niche houses “Venus in the Waves”. George Grey Barnard created this sculpture. Huston also commissioned Barnard for sculptures at the Pennsylvania Capitol.
In the sitting room a mask from “Boar’s Hunt” is above the fireplace. Alexander Stirling Calder created the original carved wooden panel. It is now at Mercersburg Academy.
The rathskeller an underground beer hall was added after 1901.
Oaks Cloister has become a popular venue for events since its restoration in 2012. It was even used as a filming location for the movie Cold By Nature in 2009.
Oaks Cloister was placed on the Pennsylvania Register of Historic Places in 2005. In 2019 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A state historic marker stands on the property. It honors Joseph Huston and his architectural legacy.
So as you stand here take a moment to appreciate the Oaks Cloister. It is a blend of architectural styles and historical significance. It is a testament to the enduring power of art and preservation.