A Victorian In Philadelphia’s Germantown - Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion

Ebenezer Maxwell, a wealthy merchant, had this home built in 1859 for his family, yet they only lived there for three years. William and Rosalie Cecilia Hunter were the next owners. When William died, Rosalie married Howard A Stevenson. The couple had one daughter, Augusta Rosalie. After the death of her mother in 1910 and her father in 1931, Augusta lived in the house until her death in January 1956. The Mansion had been in the Hunter-Stevenson family for over ninety-six years. The Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion has been painstakingly restored to show how Philadelphia’s rising middle class lived in the period from the 1860s to the 1910s.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

During the tour, the docent mentioned that indoor plumbing had been installed, but there was an issue and the family had the plumbing removed and went back to using the outhouse again.

A first glance, this looks like a dried flower arrangement of some sort, but it is not. It is a hair wreath and being open-end at the top symbolized the deceased person's ascent into heaven. It sometimes was used like a Victorian family tree, with family members hair or a way to mourn the death by creating a lasting memorial.

The house features three porches and four stone chimneys.

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The entry hall with the true Victorian element of multiple patterns.

The parlor

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This is a Thomas Loud piano manufactured by Loud Brothers based in Philadelphia.

The dining room

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The children's bedroom

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The master bedroom

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The study

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The kitchen

Mason jars were invented in 1858 allowed for fruit and vegetables to be safely preserved.

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The coal stove and copper water heater in the kitchen area.

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What you should know:

• On the street parking is available.

• Admission can be purchased online or in person.

• Check website for days and hours of operation.

• Restrooms are available.

• People are friendly and informative.

Location: 200 West Tulpehocken Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144

For more information: Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion