Gazing upon Ormiston Mansion, one might hear whispers of history carried on the breeze from the Schuylkill River. Ormiston Mansion, a stately red brick structure, sits proudly within Philadelphia’s historic Fairmount Park. This grand 2+1⁄2-story house embodies the elegance of the late Georgian period. It was in 1798 that Edward Burd, a prominent Pennsylvania Supreme Court prothonotary, completed construction of his dream home. He christened it “Ormiston,” a tribute to his ancestral village near Edinburgh, Scotland. The mansion stands as a testament to his heritage.
Ormiston Mansion boasts many original features, both inside and out. A wide wooden porch graces the front, while a smaller one offers a tranquil view of the Schuylkill River from the rear. Inside, fireplaces adorned with marble mantles and a traditional Scottish bake oven evoke the warmth and spirit of 18th-century life. The cedar shake roof, punctuated by Federal-style dormers and a widow’s walk, adds to the mansion’s unique charm. Six large, shuttered windows line each side of the house, with five more gracing the front, allowing sunlight to illuminate the spacious interior. On the first floor, a grand drawing room stretches the entire width of the house, perfect for entertaining. A cozy kitchen and an adjacent dining room, complete with a large door leading to the rear porch, complete the main living area.
In 1869, the city of Philadelphia acquired Ormiston Mansion and its surrounding 45 acres from Burd’s heirs, incorporating it into the expanding Fairmount Park. Over the years, the mansion served various purposes, housing park employees and providing a meeting space for the Fairmount Park Art Association. Today, the Royal Heritage Society of the Delaware Valley meticulously preserves and maintains Ormiston Mansion for the city. They ensure that this architectural gem continues to stand as a symbol of Philadelphia’s rich history. They also host events that open the doors of Ormiston Mansion to the public, offering a glimpse into its past. Ormiston Mansion is not just a historical landmark; it is a living testament to Philadelphia’s enduring connection to its past. It is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and is part of the Fairmount Park Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. As you stand before Ormiston Mansion, remember Edward Burd’s words from 1789: “I have built myself a good house at Schuylkill…and call it Ormiston.” His legacy lives on in the enduring beauty of this remarkable mansion.