Historic Houses of Philadelphia : A Tour of the Region's Museum Homes

by Roger W. Moss, Tom Crane (Photographer)

With 160 color photographs that invite the reader to step over the threshold, Historic Houses of Philadelphia brings the region's most impressive museum homes to life. The only comprehensive readers' tour of the nation's richest array of historic residences open to the public, the book is complete with maps, touring information, and historical notes on fifty distinctive homes.

Entries on each home begin by listing name, date of construction, architect, and location, followed by a description placing the house in its architectural, historical, social, and cultural context. Readers learn about the style of the house, who built it and why, what major events were connected with the home, and what outstanding characteristics and furnishings make it remarkable.

A Barra Foundation Book

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this after learning that Roger Moss, while working for the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, developed the historic paint palette colors for Sherwin Williams, which prompted me to seek out some of his books. It is a thoughtfully laid out and photographed book that groups the houses by location and has itinerary suggestions for visiting them. I was charmed that it had each house's telephone number for opening days and times. Oh, how the Internet has changed things!

I enjoyed glimpsing Moss's personality, as well: "In 1902 the Colonial Revival struck Waynesborough in the person of the architect Thomas Mellon Rogers (1857-1928). . . . Rogers, his drafting tools still stained from a 'restoration' of Independence Hall, descended on Waynesborough to 'improve' its Colonial aspects. Dormer windows were tricked out with elaborate pediments (now removed); fanciful chimney breasts, window sash, shutters, and chimney caps were installed; and the interior was scrubbed clean of much physical evidence that might have assisted later, more thoughtful and knowledgeable restorers who have since attempted to correct his romantic errors." (p. 211)

Also, his description of the alterations done to Wyck ring oh so true: "Haines wryly remarked, when reproached by his wife over the extent of the alterations, 'Thee very well knows few if any [persons] ever begin a career of vice! or commence the repair of an old building! that stop exactly at the point they intended.'" (p. 134)

[Justinian]

2008-09 - Historic Houses of Philadelphia: A Tour of the Region's Museum Homes. Roger W. Moss is the Author and Tom Crane took the photos. The book was published in 1998 and is 240 pages in length.

I checked this book out of the library on the recommendation of the guide instructor at Waynesborough National Historic Site. The book is large and full of glossy photos and supporting text. The book covers 48 homes built in the 17th through the very early 20th century. The bulk, 80%, of the homes was built in the 18th century. There are about two to three pages devoted to each house. The book covers villas, country estates, and town houses.

The houses are grouped by region for easier touring. In fact the author makes suggestion to that effect on how best to tour them. Each region is introduced by a history of that region, its styles, peculiarities and a quick overview of the houses and why they were selected as well as some that were not. These brief introductions do provide an interesting orientation to the area and to the subject matter. Though these houses are all located in or around Philadelphia they are not homogenous. There was great variety in the styles of both architecture and interior design. Some of this depended on the ethnic background of the builders (German and English styles dominate but are not exclusive). Even though some designers and builders slavishly followed English design books local influences especially as regards materials and furnishings shine through. The author also points out how and when the terrain was allowed to influence the designs as well.

Each house typically has an exterior photograph and two or three interior photos as well. Some of them have floor plans provided. The history of each house is traced as well as notable reasons for the inclusion of the house in this book. The author has gone to great lengths to put each building into a local and historical context. Where controversy seeps in the author acknowledges this and explains the controversy with out taking sides. In many cases this serves to place the building in context. This is especially noted when discussing the reconstruction of Pennsbury and the issues about historical presentation via research or interpretation (i.e. colonial design and style versus colonial revival design and style.) In essence it comes down to history as reality juxtaposed with history as memory. Included is also a brief biography of the most important residents of each building.

Included in the appendix of the book are explanations with line drawings of various styles and terms. The bibliography comes in two sections. The first section lists resource specific to each house and the second section is generic era and location references.

The book is more than just a large glossy coffee table book. It is also more than just a big boring architectural reference book. It is good starting point for understanding the life and times of people in Philadelphia and for visiting these important sites which serve as windows on the past.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing was dry, but the photography was beautiful and it was a great introduction to many house museums in the area I'd never heard of.