Did you know that the Powel House is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the United States? It is located at 244 South 3rd Street. The Powel House stands as a testament to Philadelphia’s rich history. It shows the lives of its prominent citizens.
The Powel House was built in 1765. Merchant Charles Stedman commissioned it. However, Stedman faced financial difficulties. Samuel Powel purchased the house in 1769.
Samuel Powel was a significant figure. He was the last mayor of Philadelphia under British rule. He became the city’s first mayor after independence. People called him the “Patriot Mayor”.
Samuel and Elizabeth Powel lavishly redecorated the Powel House. They transformed it into one of the most ornate homes in the colonies. The Rococo plastered ceilings are attributed to James Clow. Hercules Courtnay and Martin Jugiez are credited with the architectural woodwork.
The Powel House became a hub for notable figures. George and Martha Washington were frequent guests. Other visitors included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and the Marquis de Lafayette. The Powels were known for their hospitality and gatherings.
Philadelphia served as the temporary national capital from 1790 to 1800. President Washington occupied a house on Market Street. He added a Bow Window to enlarge the State Dining Room. This may have inspired the Powels to add a half-turret to their house. The half-turret addition was later demolished in the mid-19th century.
Samuel Powel died in the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. His wife Elizabeth sold the house in 1798 to William Bingham. The Marquis de Lafayette gifted the Powels a set of china. It is now on display in the Powel House.
In the early 20th century, the Powel House served as a warehouse. It was used for storing horse hair and bristles. By 1930, the Powel House was slated for demolition.
Frances Wister saved the Powel House. She formed the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks. Wister raised funds to purchase the property in 1931. The Society restored the house to its former glory. It opened the Powel House as a museum. It interprets the daily lives of wealthy Philadelphians during the American Revolution.
Today, the Powel House showcases its decorative arts collection. It features portraits of the Powels and Willings. Its formal walled garden is typical of Colonial Philadelphia. The Powel House boasts a beautiful entryway. It has a ballroom with bas-relief plasterwork and mahogany wainscoting.
Some claim the Powel House is haunted. They say the ghost of Peggy Shippen roams within its walls. Peggy Shippen was Elizabeth Powel’s second cousin and wife of Benedict Arnold.
The Powel House garden was used in the 1986 miniseries George Washington II. It served as a stand-in for the President’s House garden. In an alternate history novel, the Powel House becomes the executive mansion.
The Powel House stands as a reminder of Philadelphia’s past. It reflects the elegance and significance of its time. Its survival is a testament to the dedication of those who preserved it.