Hope Lodge Mather Mill

The Experience

Here is an “upstairs-downstairs” story you won’t see on PBS. When Samuel Morris built his Georgian estate in 1743, he recruited Edmund Wooley, the architect who designed Independence Hall. Sparing no expense on construction, the rooms for friends and guests were extravagant. But the servants sure got the short end of the budget. Most of the servants were squeezed into a tiny attic, while guests were given spacious rooms.

Down in the basement, the meat and dairy cellars, workspaces and kitchen where the servants spent their days still survive. Upstairs, elegant Colonial and Colonial Revival furnishings reflect the restoration efforts of the Degns, the 20th century couple who purchased the home to save it from demolition.

History

Cold, hard cash was scarce in colonial America and each colony had its own monetary system. Many transactions were handled through barter and typical of many estates, the servants at Hope Lodge were often compensated with fabric, ale, produce, livestock or other materials. It wasn’t until the Constitution was passed in 1787 that each state used the same currency.

Other Information

Open Wed – Sun, as well as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day

Insider Tip

Hope Lodge was once slated for demolition to dig a limestone quarry. The failed quarry’s test pits are still visible.

Kids’ Stuff

Kids accustomed to bedrooms equipped with computers, phones and video games find the cramped, tiny attic bedroom a shocking contrast to their own lives.