HARVARD UNIVERSITY MAR 26 1990 Frances Loeb Library AJA 1269 COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY PUBLISHED, OCTOBER, 1912 PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY PHILADELPHIA, U. S. A. MA As this book goes to press, a pageant is going forward on Belmont Field representing some of the most dramatic episodes in the course of Philadelphia's history. Excellent as it is and lively as are its presentations of historic fact, it needs but the seeing eye and a knowledge of the Colonial homes the following pages aim to impart to convince one that we live in the midst of a richly historic setting—an enduring pageant if you please so to regard it—unsurpassed for interest and beauty in any part of our country. The scarcity of historic remains and ancient buildings in so many parts of America makes it incumbent upon us to cherish and value the good things that are left to us. It is doubly incumbent upon all, whether Philadelphians or not, to regard reverently the visible links that bind us to the stirring events of our early national existence with which all Americans are concerned, the stable witnesses to the vigorous life of those sterling forebears whence we are sprung. A fuller knowledge of the places treated herein will clothe the men and women of bygone days with a living reality for us and breathe new life into an honourable past. It is matter for sincere regret that some of the noble places, such as Pennsbury or Fairhill, that have unfortunately been demolished, could not have been described, but the limits of reasonable space forbade and it was deemed better to focus attention on the houses still standing. It has been the privilege of the authors to know and enjoy, almost from infancy, many of the Colonial houses described in the ensuing pages, and the preparation of this volume has been peculiarly a labour of love. They would share their pleasure more broadly and trust that their readers may come to regard these ancient homes of worthy folk with a like affection. Great thanks are due to all who have rendered assistance by supplying information or granting access to family records and papers. The writers take this occasion to express their deep gratitude and appreciation. They likewise acknowledge their indebtedness to Thomas Allen Glenn's "Colonial Mansions" for material in the chapter on Graeme Park. They feel, too, that a special note of recognition is due the staff of the Pennsylvania Historical Society for their unfailing courtesy and helpfulness. May the readers have as much pleasure in perusal as the writers had in preparation. HAROLD DONALDSON EBERLEIN HORACE MATHER LIPPINCOTT PHILADELPHIA, October 5, 1912. |