| The beautiful colonial mansion is known today as Strawberry Mansion,was built in 1788-1789 by an eminent Philadelphia lawyer Judge William Lewis on the east bank of the Schuykill River. Called 'Summerville' and built in the Federal Style, the original house was sold in 1819 to Judge Joseph Hemphill. He was responsible for the addition of the two large Greek revival wings which flank the opriginal structure. After its 1871 purhcase by the City of Philadelphia, the house became the site of an important steamboat landing. With its "magnificent perspective of the river and the surrounding country," it soon became a popular restaurant featuring strawberries and cream on the menu- thus it was renamed "Strawberry Mansion". Today the structure is used for tours and special events. Within the confines of Fairmount Park you will also find pools, tennis courts, gardens, ballparks, playgrounds and much more. One of the most beautiful unsung treasures is the miles-long Forbidden Drive, which sprouts various other hiking trails. For naturalists and bikers, the eight-mile looped path behind the Art Museum along Kelly and West River Drives, joined by the Falls Bridge, is one of the best places for a leisurely stroll or a good workout. During the fall, the season's stunning colors make for a perfect photo op at every turn. |
