For example, last week I was privileged to see quilts that Stenton has in its inventory. Due to their fragility, they are not usually on display. However, our curator was delivering a lecture on how quilt designs were more than likely influenced by the prevailing design aesthetics of the day, as well as by nature. The quilts are an expression of the everyday life of that time period. Not only was I able to hear her expound upon this novel idea, she also asked that I help her re-fold and store the textiles after the lecture was over. Believe me, you have never folded anything until you are required to take off your shoes and wash your hands to do so! The quilt was lain flat on the floor, on top of a sheet. We removed our shoes and bent over the quilt. We could not fold it in the traditional way because the creases on the fold lines were too deep, and continuing to fold them in the same way would damage them. Therefore, we rolled and folded, making sure to pad our folds with cylindrical pillows to decrease the likelihood of creating new creases. An activity that would normally take one person one minute to accomplish, took two people about ten minutes! However, despite the difficulty, it was worth it because I was allowed to be involved with history and I learned something new. Plus, let’s be real, there is nothing like the smell and feel of a well-used quilt.

That is the beauty of history. We, as adventurous historians, have to postulate and explore possibilities. Very rarely are detailed accounts left behind so we must pick up the slack; and the things that we do find need to be preserved for future generations. Stenton currently has an archeological project that is attempting to discover what the walls of the front garden once looked like since they were torn down long ago. This is just one of many things that are left to be discovered about the structure, history and people that compose the interpretation of Stenton.

Logan’s responsibilities in the colony grew as the years went on, even reaching the positions of mayor, Philadelphia County bench, and chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Officially, Logan retired around 1728 but he was never far from the public eye. Stenton, his country home, was completed in 1730, and he simply continued influencing society and politics from this estate. He lived out the rest of his life at Stenton, but his retirement was far from quiet. Logan’s home, where he lived with his wife Sarah and their four children, doubled as a place to welcome dignitaries from all walks of life; at times, Native Americans even camped here when meeting with the local government. A seeker of knowledge throughout his entire life, Logan spent his days doing things such as reading, performing botanical science experiments, and mentoring young and promising men such as Benjamin Franklin.

Logan was a man who helped define a colony. His pioneering efforts in governmental and social circles until his death in 1751, left an enduring mark on Philadelphia. Which is why it is so appropriate that his house still stands today, as a testament to his legacy.

This program is part of Stenton’s Lunch and Learn Series. We invite you to bring a bag lunch and join us for a colorfully illustrated talk exploring some of the motifs found in Philadelphia’s 18th-century quilts and needlework. Following discussion, a tour will feature quilts and needlework from Stenton’s collection. Admission is free. Please RSVP by calling 215-329-7312 or email programs@stenton.org.

Start Time: 12:30
Date: 2012-05-03

The Stenton Committee and The Board of Managers of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania cordially invite you to enjoy this stunning historic property and excellent company at The Annual Stenton Garden Party. This event will be held May 10, 2012, from five to seven in the evening. Tours will be held from five to six. There will be cocktails, a buffet and musical entertainment throughout the course of the event. Reservations are required to attend. Tickets are $45 per person, the proceeds of which will benefit Stenton and its Educational programs. Please call 215-329-7312 or email programs@stenton.org by the fifth of May to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!

Many who visit Stenton marvel at the curious view of an 18th century mansion sitting in a neighborhood of old factory buildings. This curious view begs the question, “How did this neighborhood develop into such an industrial area, and when did this industrial area decline?” Join us at Stenton on Friday June 8 and discover the industrial history of the neighborhoods which surround James Logan’s Stenton, including Nicetown and Lower Germantown. This program will begin with a presentation by Dr. Walter Licht on the rise and fall of Philadelphia manufacture with specific attention to the industrial corridor of Nicetown and lower Germantown. Kim Broadbent will then discuss the innovative industrial cluster of businesses that chose to locate near the Wayne Junction train station and how the railroad played a significant role in their decision to locate at Wayne Junction. The program will conclude with a tour of Wayne Mills Factory, a textile mill that has been continually operated since 1910.

Start Time: 13:30
Date: 2012-06-08

Deborah Logan had many pets throughout the years, a number that increased exponentially after the loss of her dear husband. She had several dogs and cats, a parrot, a turkey, squirrels, and various other animals. She even buried a dog that was quite dear to her. Her profound love of animals was unusual, especially for a time in which they would mostly have been viewed as a working convenience or sustenance. She dislikes when her son goes hunting even though it puts food on the table, and she is saddened when he jokingly says that her pet turkey will one day be their dinner. She says “I hope it will be ever safe from the knife. Hard must be the heart that could desire it to be killed for the gratification of the palate.”

Now, from her influence, it is as if animals know they are welcome here.

You are all welcome here as well! We are now open for tours Tuesday through Saturday, 1pm-4pm. Come stop by!

My peaceful Home! Amidst whose dark green shades
And Sylvan scenes my waning life is spent
Not without blessings and desired content,
Again the spring illumin’s thy verdant glades.
And rose crowned Flora calls th’ Aopian maids
To grace with song her revels and present
By charmed spells the the ripping blasts which bent
From Eurus or the stormy North, pervades,
Her treasures–Still tis mine among thy groves
Musing to rove, enamored of the fame
Oh Him who rear’d these walls, whose classic love
For science brightest blazed and left his name
Indelible.–by Honor too approved
And virtue, cherished by the Muse’s flame.

James Logan chose the location for Stenton because he wanted a country home. At the time, Stenton was conveniently located 5 miles outside the growing city of Philadelphia. Stenton is now surrounded by an urban setting but the plot of land that remains is an oasis of historic calm rarely seen in today’s society.

Stenton was completed in 1730 and was intended to be where James Logan could retire. However, though he may have had the intention of retirement, due largely to his highly public life he was incapable of simply disappearing. Stenton operated as a visiting place for dignitaries a place of business, and a family home.

Stenton had been owned by six generations of the Logan family until it was essentially abandoned in the late 19th Century. It is likely that part of the reason for this was due to the encroachment of the surrounding industrial neighborhood and the expansion of the train system in close proximity to the property. The Colonial Dames of America “adopted” the site at the very end of the 19th Century, and have been maintaining it since then. The official opening day for the Stenton was held in May, 1900.

This house has seen so much history, so many famous figures, and so much day to day life. We invite you to visit Stenton this spring, stroll through the Colonial Revival Garden, and see for yourself what a treasure Stenton truly is.

The NSCDA was founded in 1891 and currently has approximately 15,000 members throughout the United States. As stated in their literature, “The NSCDA has been a leader in the field of historic preservation, restoration and the interpretation of historic sites since its New York Society first undertook the preservation of the Van Cortlandt House in 1897.” Their pioneering work helps maintain 41 properties they own in their own right, 13 different museum exhibits, and they contribute aid to another 30 sites; all in all an impressive amount of work!

It is their hard work and devotion to history that make historic house visits possible. For more information, visit their website!

Come join us for family-friendly fun at Stenton House on Saturday, April 7, and celebrate a centuries old tradition that was begun right here in Pennsylvania! Learn about natural dyes made from flowers, vegetables, and animal products while dyeing eggs that are provided. Enjoy fun games and crafts too!

This event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Egg Hunts begin at 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM.We welcome all ages but the Egg Hunts are most appropriate for children ages 10 and under. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 215-329-7312 to reserve your space or email programs@stenton.org.

For more information, see our flyer.

Deborah Logan’s diary is a beautiful example of the everyday life of someone who lived during her era and had famous and influential friends. Her entries are interesting to compare to today’s society, culture, and events.

For example, on March 17th in 1823:

“A very bad fire of destructive effect occurred early this morning in which the Washington Hall and the Mansion House Hotel were consumed. A greater blaze was never seen in Philadelphia. Its light even reached out here so that our people in the farm yard below who were up before day to milk could see by it to perform their task and put out the light in the lantern. Nothing but the calmness of the night prevented a most severe destruction for the fire had got to a great height before it was discovered. The Mansion House was full of lodgers who had to rise and make their escape as they could. Happily no lives were lost.”