Picture this a grand grey stone house nestled in West Fairmount Park. This is Cedar Grove. A testament to Philadelphia’s rich history it stands as a silent observer of time.
Built in 1748 by Elizabeth Coates Paschall a widow with three children Cedar Grove began as a modest summer retreat. Imagine Paschall a shrewd businesswoman who inherited her husband’s dry goods business. She sought peace and quiet near her father’s farm in Frankford. The house was not always here in Fairmount Park. It originally stood four miles from the city.
Over generations the house grew. Sarah Paschall a granddaughter doubled its size adding more rooms and a third floor. A wraparound porch was later added. Various architectural styles such as Baroque Rococo and Federal are blended within its walls. The house reflects the evolving tastes and lifestyles of the Paschall-Morris family.
Lydia Thompson Morris the last of the family to own Cedar Grove gifted the house and its original furniture to the city in 1926. It was a momentous decision. The house was carefully dismantled and moved to its current location. It opened to the public in 1927.
Today Cedar Grove stands as a remarkable example of Colonial Revival architecture. Inside you will find beautifully preserved period furniture. These pieces tell stories of everyday life. The kitchen features an open hearth and bake oven. A medicinal herb garden once thrived on the grounds.
Cedar Grove’s history is one of family resilience adaptation and preservation. It’s a window into the past. A journey through generations of Philadelphia life. It is a place where history unfolds before your eyes. It is a reminder that even the grandest houses have humble beginnings. They evolve with the times. They tell their own unique stories. Explore Cedar Grove. Let its story captivate you.