7201 N. Randolph Dr., 215/235-1776
http://www.fairmountpark.org/LaurelHill.asp [1]
HOURS: Wed.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. July–mid-Dec.,
Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Apr.–June
COST: $5 adult, $3 senior, $2 child 6–12, and free under 6
Laurel Hill Mansion was built by Rebecca Rawle around 1767, after she lost her first husband. During the Revolutionary War the house was seized from her and her second husband, Philadelphia Mayor Samuel Shoemaker, because they were considered British sympathizers. It was later returned to the family and occupied by Rebecca’s son William Rawle, who became a noted lawyer and founded the Philadelphia Bar Association.
The elegant Georgian structure was augmented with wings on the southern and northern sides, and its position on a bluff overlooking the Schuylkill River makes it particularly notable.
Links:
[1] http://www.fairmountpark.org/LaurelHill.asp