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PENNY LOTS SPECIAL FONTHILL ANNIVERSARY EDITION
2012 Newsletter of the Bucks County Historical Society Vol. 26 Number 2 Fonthill Centennial Issue Byers’ Choice Caroler® his issue of Penny Lots house. Informing our research of Henry Mercer commemorates Fonthill’s are the notebooks and meticu- T In celebration of its centen- 100th anniversary. It was May lous records kept by Henry nial Fonthill announces the 1912 when Henry Mercer Mercer. Also included is creation of a Byers’ Choice moved into his castle creation. information on some current Caroler® depicting Henry In this newsletter, we’ll share projects indicating the ongo- Chapman Mercer along with Mercer’s own account of the ing care of the complex prop- his dog, Rollo. Byers’ Choice innovative and experimental erty as the Bucks County Ltd. of Bucks County is well construction of Fonthill, new Historical Society continues known for its Carolers which research on the workers of its stewardship of this are sold around the world. Fonthill, and Mercer’s inspira- National Historic Landmark The figurine will be for tion for components of the for future generations. sale exclusively at Fonthill Castle and Mercer Museum Shop beginning in May. The The Building of “Fonthill” at cost of the Caroler will be $70 Doylestown, Pennsylvania, for Henry Mercer and $20 for In 1908, 1909 and 1910 Rollo; they may be purchased separately. BCHS members Byers’ Choice Caroler® of Copy of a typewritten description found among the receive a 10% discount. For Henry Mercer in tweed pants and papers of Henry Chapman Mercer information contact the Mer- matching vest; he is holding a tile representative of the Moravian everal sketches and mem- cer Museum Shop at muse- Tiles he designed and produced. Soranda in my note books [email protected] Rollo is at his side wearing a show that the building of or 215-345-0210 x 130. complementary scarf. “Fonthill” was first consid- ered definitely during my visit to New England in the sum- AAA Names Fonthill a mer of 1907, and that the cheerful fronting of certain ‘Travel Gem’ houses, overlooking Commer- onthill Castle has been se- section of its winter 2012 cial Street, Boston, running N. Flected by AAA’s magazine issue. Home & Away is distrib- N. E. by 1 point East, were Henry Chapman Mercer Home & Away as one of the uted to 1.1 million household in front of the fireplace in studied for this purpose. Fonthill’s Saloon. Mercer died at “uncommon travel gems” pro- members of the American Au- …continued on page 13 Fonthill in 1930 aged 73. filed in the Travel Treasures tomobile Association.
Henry Chapman Mercer’s Fonthill, completed in 1912; photograph by Rosemary Taglialetela. Natural Beauties Being Developed by H.C. Mercer Intelligencer Newspaper, June 5, 1908 street, is being fenced in. “slicking up” process, such as Reclaiming the Old “Fisher Farm” Only a tramp over the tract is employed in bridges of this will give a full idea of the work structure. Edison, the Wizard, East of the Borough being done. There are so many suggested something of this Interesting Experiment in Erecting a Reinforced changes and such a variety of kind, but his idea of having Concrete House of Magnificent Proportions – improvements that a written giant molds has not met with a Making the Farm a Spot of Beauty description would hardly do great deal of approval. them full justice. And the work Speaking of that Mr. Mercer o quietly that the public are found in different parts of is still going on. said, “The plan of building Sknows almost nothing the tract, which is magnifi- about it Henry C. Mercer in cently located and attractively developing the great natural undulating, and all of the nat- beauties of the old “Fisher ural beauties are being Farm,” east of the County Seat reclaimed from the ravages of on Court street, some distance man. Woodland, creeks and from the borough line, and try- springs are being cleaned of ing an interesting experiment the refuse accumulated in in building a reinforced con- them for years; a large quarry crete house four stories high. has been turned into a finely It is more than the Fisher terraced nook with a spring at Farm which is being devel- the bottom; a very old house oped. It is several small is being restored and pre- adjoining properties on which served; and the whole tract, are found a number of excel- which really takes in nearly all lent springs, one of which a of the land bounded by East large one, is the beginning of street, the Lumberville Road, Fonthill under construction ca 1910. Note original farmhouse Cook’s Run. Beautiful groves Swamp Road and East Court on left being absorbed into Mercer’s own architectural design.
Concrete House houses with giant iron moulds Fonthill Recognized with Award As for the reinforced con- is not feasible, because it The Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia has an- crete house, that is an experi- would only result in plain, little nounced its 2012 Preservation Achievement Awards. The ment. “I haven’t any precedent bits of dwellings, all of the Alliance is giving an award to the Bucks County Historical for it,” said Mr. Mercer Thurs- same style of architecture. Society for its outstanding service in preserving and pro- day. “I am simply following There is a difference in con- tecting one of the region’s most significant cultural assets .... out my own ideas, and it may structing a house as we are Fonthill. The Special 100th Anniversary Recognition Award be a failure. Some of the doing it here for there is is being presented on the occasion of Fonthill’s 100th experiments I am making the greatest latitude for an anniversary. The Preservation Alliance is a non-profit would hardly be safe for an expression of individuality. organization which promotes the appreciation, protection and architect to suggest if he cared Another advantage will be the revitalization of the Philadelphia region’s historic buildings, anything for his professional cheapness in constructing an communities and landscapes. The awards are being presented reputation. In making them enduring dwelling and men at a luncheon to be held in Philadelphia in May. myself I run the whole risk.” must eventually come to this Certainly the beginning scheme if timber continues to Fonthill Castle does not suggest failure. As increase in price.” onthill, Fonthill Museum…Fonthill Castle. As part of yet, of course, the foundation Incidentally, Mr. Mercer has Fthe re-branding process for the organization, Fonthill will walls are all that have been constructed gigantic gate posts, now be marketed as ‘Fonthill Castle’ to more accurately constructed, but they are heavy patterned after a sketch made reflect the appearance and experience reflected in the house. and strong and give an impres- by him in Yucatan, and these Although known locally as ‘Fonthill’ that one word does not sion of endurance which even will be of the rough concrete describe what the site is or what one might expect. ages could hardly effect. The construction. A new joint logo has been developed combining Mercer upper part of the structure will All these things are interest- Museum and Fonthill Castle. A special centennial logo has be more difficult, for every- ing, but above all is the fact been developed to recognize this important year. Visit the web- thing, even steps, will be of that a garden spot, one of the site www.fonthillmuseum.org to learn more about special tours reinforced concrete, and an most beautiful in this part of (Intimate Henry, Building Henry’s Castle Tour) and events. interesting fact about the exte- the county, is being preserved rior will be the absence of any as a county seat. ■
2 “Henry Chapman Mercer’s Fonthill is perhaps one of the greatest of the individual American Arts and Crafts dwellings. It was totally created by an individual; and his eccentricity- and genius- is visible throughout.” –Richard Guy Wilson, Architectural Historian, University of Virginia excerpted from A&E’s America’s Castles, 1987. Mercer’s Tiles Provide Robert P. Leiby, Jr.’s Legacy ob Leiby was passionate about Henry Mercer’s museums. Inspiration Today BAfter he retired from banking, he looked for an organization to become involved with- he chose Fonthill. As a volunteer guide Tile by Sarah Gilbert, 12th grade, he enjoyed sharing the many facets included in Fonthill’s tile exhibit of Henry’s life and house with from February to March 2012. Students from Central Bucks High visitors from all over the world. School East created tiles inspired Bob also volunteered at Fonthill’s by Henry Mercer’s many tile Old-Fashioned 4th of July, at the designs. Our thanks to teacher Ann Huuki for facilitating the Mercer Museum’s Folk Fest and important project. as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bucks County Historical Society. Bob left a lasting legacy by From Frank Swain’s scrapbook creating a Charitable Remainder Plus Ultra Tile in Fonthill. April 14 – 10 [1910?] Int [Intelligencer] Trust with the Bucks County Plus Ultra, More Beyond became Mercer’s motto. isitors to Henry C. Mercer’s wonderful concrete palace on Historical Society as the benefici- VEast Court street have their attention attracted to two things ary. Mr. Leiby chose this vehicle for tax purposes. In addition, besides the house and the building operations if they make their Mr. Leiby made provisions for BCHS in his will. As Bob visits on week days. One is a large rooster which answers the pur- explained some years ago about his planned gift “If you, like me, pose of a watch dog and comes aggressively at visitors in an have received many hours of enjoyment visiting these museums attempt to intimidate them, or attacks their feet if his bold and why not create a trust with them. Even better, why not create a aggressive appearance doesn’t strike fear to their hearts. The trust and become a volunteer. Try it, I guarantee you’ll like it.” other is the intelligent horse used to pull the rope of the block We were saddened to learn of Bob’s death last Fall but his and tackle to haul up the cartoons (sic) of concrete. Time after legacy lives on. His Charitable Remainder Trust was thoughtfully time the faithful horse starts away at signal, stops when the car- unrestricted; we intend to apply a portion of the proceeds to the ton reaches its destination, backs, turns around, comes back to long term preservation of Fonthill. We think Bob would approve. its former place and gets in position for another trip, just as in- The Plus Ultra Society recognizes those who have made telligently as a human being could. The work on the palace is provisions in their estate plans. The Museums offer many planned progressing rapidly and the rough work may be completed this giving opportunities all of which can be tailored to your individ- season. The great attraction at this time is the “Columbus Room” ual needs. Please call our Development Office at 215-345-0210, as well as the beautiful and artistic tiling in the ceiling of some ext. 129 for more information. of the other of the forty or more compartments. Men and women from all over the United States have visited the house and mar- veled at its construction. Guest book quotes he following pages will include a sampling of Tvisitor comments from the early days to the present. “It has been the consensus of opinion of his friends for years that Harry C. Mercer is the only man in America who has made every abstract idea he has ever had CONCRETE.” — William J. Robinson, September 1914 Lucy, the horse who ‘Uplifted’ the concrete in the building of both Fonthill and the Mercer Museum.
3 “One must be filled with a sense of responsibility if he stops to reflect that the influence of his life, whether good or bad, will go on forever.” — James M. Willcox, November 1914
Marvelous in detail is the Unique House Attracts Many work in each room, and visi- Philadelphia Bulletin, July 29, 1911 tors from far and near come to Interesting features in New Residence look at and learn a lesson of Mr. H. C. Mercer at Doylestown, Pa. from a building which speaks ***FOLLOWS OLD WORLD PLAN*** not of the present, but of the distant past. The house in the ith suggestions of Lin- inside has already begun to Wcoln Cathedral, Haddon take on the appearance of age Hall (see article p. 5), the seat and as the visitor goes up and of the Duke of Rutland in down the narrow winding England, and a Turkish stairways, also of concrete, Mosque, the new residence and wanders in and out of the of Mr. Henry C. Mercer of passages and curious byways, Doylestown, Penna. bids fair to he is reminded of some old be, when it is completed, one Unidentified woman on original world dwelling which legend of the most interesting houses front steps of Fonthill, date has filled with strange and unknown. not only in this State, but also thrilling tales. As time goes One of 32 stairwells in Fonthill, this in the entire country. Three approached by a flight of steps one is dedicated to Rollo, Mercer’s on, the house will doubtless years ago the house was begun, on which are engraved in tiles dog, who left his pawprints in the become more interesting as and its completion is looked of various colors the text; concrete; Columbus Room. many objects of antiquity and Photo by Jack Carnell. forward to in the autumn. “Except the Lord build the instruction will be added to it. Standing in the centre of an house, they labor in vain that from the usual architectural Mr. Henry C. Mercer was expanse of eighty acres, sur- build it.” Passing in through a rules, but the wonderful dis- born in Doylestown, and is the rounded by fine old trees, large hall there is on the right play of tiles, all of which have son of Mr. and Mrs. William built upon an eminence com- a conservatory and dining- been designed by the owner R. Mercer. He was graduated manding a superb view, the room and on the left a large himself. The ceiling of one from Harvard in 1879 and at house from the outside pres- living room, a library and room, bright with vivid colors one time was curator and ents an elevated and imposing smoking room. Upstairs there of blue and yellow, pink and secretary of American and appearance. On one side of are various suites of rooms, green, depicts the whole life prehistoric archaeology in the the house is a spring from including Mr. Mercer’s studio and history of Columbus. An- University of Pennsylvania. which the place derives its and private apartments. On other in equally bright and bril- He has traveled extensively name — “Fonthill.” The house the top of the house there is a liant design shows the map of in this country and Europe is built of concrete and was large balcony and kitchen Cortez, while at the top of the on many archaeological designed by Mr. Mercer, and where meals can be served house is a large room known as expeditions, and has made every detail of the building of during hot weather. the “Room of the Winds,” also a number of interesting dis- it supervised by him. The chief feature of the decorated in appropriate and coveries. He is also the author The main entrance is house is not only its departure allegorical designs. of several books. ■
Grant Funds Assist in “It has been a real delight to see the Marketing the ‘Castle’ originality developed here at Fonthill.” Fonthill has received a $10,000 grant from — J.W. Stokes, 1912 Visit Bucks, the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau in support of the castle’s Centen- nial. Specifically, the funds will assist with pre- “May the blessing of the Master senting centennial activities and in marketing the site beyond the region. Although some visitors Builder rest on this wonderful house of from across the country experience Fonthill each year, the goal is to develop an even wider Dreams and Memories.” audience for this National Historic Landmark. — Isabel McIlhenny Nichols, Germantown, September 1912
4 “A link in the chain of memories; a day of delight; a feast of art… This modern shrine of beauty will be the rich heritage of future generations. May they treasure it with the same love for things beautiful as its originator and creator. May they come here to admire and wonder, Visitors participating in Fonthill’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ and go away to ‘think.’” Visitors today enjoy the intricacies examine tile details, here biblical of Mercer’s tile decorations, here in stories are depicted in tile. — William Rankin, May 1915 Fonthill’s Library. Haddon Hall a Design Source for Mercer Jennifer Jarret Jennifer Jarret is an Historical Architect and Fonthill volunteer uring his travels abroad in 1884, Henry Mercer visited the DEnglish countryside where in Derbyshire he saw Haddon Hall “a fortified medieval manor house dating from the 12th Century.”1 Described as “the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages.” Haddon Hall is probably the finest example of a fortified medieval manor house in existence.2 As it stands today, Haddon Hall has sections that date from the 12th century to the early 17th century and has been under the ownership of the same fam- ily since 1567.3 Consequently, Haddon Hall is largely unchanged from well before the time Mercer visited in the 1870’s or 1880’s. Because little has changed over the recent centuries, Haddon Hall provides a unique view of early English life and history, something that undoubtedly connected with Mercer’s apprecia- tion of the historical. The 14th century Banqueting Hall seems to have been of particular interest to Mercer, this space would have been the principal dwelling room for the medieval manor and would have, at the time, been home for between 40 and 50 people.4 The decorative details of the Banqueting Hall are largely intact from throughout its history. In his notes on Fonthill, Henry Mercer mentions that he was particularly interested in the paneling on the walls of the Banqueting Hall and used similar wood detailing in the Pine, Dormer and Oven Rooms.5 The geometries of the paneling in Haddon Hall and in Fonthill are unmistakably similar as is the overall tone and color of the wood. This is one of the clearest uses of precedent employed by Mercer in the design of Fonthill.
Notes: 1. Manners, Lord Edward. “Haddon Hall History.” Haddon Hall. Web. 25 Jan. 2012.
“Very gratefully thanking Dr. Mercer for a memorable day.” — Trenton Grade School Teachers Association, September 1926
6 Fonthill Workers Patrick resumed his duties at continued from page 6 the Fonthill site. He continued Ellen, had ended in tragedy. to work for Henry Mercer dur- Mary died of consumption in ing the next several years as 1888 at the age of 27, and their building commenced on the infant son passed away several new museum of the Bucks months later. County Historical Society The 1894 Bucks County across town, before eventually Directory, listing Patrick as moving back to New Jersey, deputy clerk in Orphan’s but it is at Fonthill where his Court, shows John C. Trainor name still glows on the ceiling as a “junk dealer” on Clinton in colorful tiles. Street. Subsequent directories HERE SEE THE NAMES list Patrick Trainor dwelling on OF THE MEN WHO the same street as a “junk PLANNED THIS HOUSE - dealer” (1898), “dealer” (1902) DIRECTED ITS PLAN - and finally “laborer” (1905). Fonthill workers taking a break during construction. All the concrete used EXECUTED ITS CON- to build the house was mixed by hand. His interest in buying and STRUCTION – ADORNED collecting “junk”- those ob- Mercer’s vision for a home health.” Perhaps this trip was a ITS WALLS – EMBEL- jects discarded as unwanted by LISHED ITS PAVEMENTS some but desired by others – as that is both “practical” and gift from Mercer himself, a “poetic”. generous reward for a job well – BUILT IT WITH THEIR well as his need for employ- LABOUR – AND THE ment, might explain how By the spring of 1910, with done from a grateful employer. the exterior of the structure Payroll records indicate that HORSE WHO UPLIFTED Patrick came to be hired by IT WITH ITS STRENGTH Henry Mercer. An avid collec- nearly completed, Henry Mer- while Patrick was away, his tor himself who frequented cer writes in his journal that brother John assumed the HENRY MERCER such dealers, Mercer writes in “Patrick sailed for Bermuda” duties of construction site PLANNED – PATRICK his book “The Bible in Iron” on Saturday, March 26. News- manager, and James Biglan TRAINOR DIRECTED – that Trainor had seen “deco- paper accounts show that was paid for “three days with JOHN TRAINOR EXE- rated stove plates about 1877 Patrick Trainor had been at horse.” John was now boarding CUTED – JACOB FRANK in a ‘scrap heap’ at Filmore home with “the grip”, and after with Patrick and family on the ADORNED - HERMANN [N.J.],” and the Four Horsemen having been ill for several Biglan farm. SELL EMBELLISHED – plate in the Bucks County His- days, was now “very much Returning a month later LUCY UPLIFTED torical Society was “found by improved and expected to leave “very much improved in health Henry Mercer’s handcrafted Mr. Patrick Trainor lying pic- for Bermuda on a trip for his and enthusiastic over his trip,” tiles were an integral compo- ture down as a stepping stone nent of Fonthill’s allure, so in a farmyard at Ottsville.” choosing skilled workmen for Whatever the circumstance the tile installation was para- of their first meeting, by the mount. Ceiling tiles were put early months of 1908 payroll into place during construction; records show that Patrick was those on the walls, floors, overseeing the construction of columns, fireplaces and furni- Henry Mercer’s new house, in ture were added later. The charge of a crew that included exacting work of the ceiling his brother John. It is Patrick as displays fell to George Jacob foreman who provides the Frank, a young man employed horse Lucy to assist in the at the pottery, sometimes building efforts, possibly from called Jacob or Jake. Mercer the Biglan farm or perhaps his wrote: “With devoted skill and own animal used for hauling interest, George Jacob Frank wagonloads of “junk” in the has carried out all our elabo- family business. With the rest rate designs, having not only of the men, they labor for years Detail of tile tribute to workers AND modeled but also arranged and to build Fonthill and fulfill Lucy the horse in servant’s wing of Fonthill. …continued on page 8
“What an explosion of creativity. When did he sleep?” — Mr. & Mrs. Galfano, May 2010
7 Fonthill Workers students who had studied sculp- mason working in stone and Gardner’s Fenway Court in continued from page 7 turing for several years.” Al- brick, Sell had immigrated to Boston, and many mural tiles set all the ceiling and many of though photographs do exist of America from Germany in 1893 by various new methods, be- the mural tiles at Fonthill.” his dog statue, the fate of the with his wife Augusta Wil- sides building all the kilns ever Frank’s success with this diffi- piece is unknown. helmina, their four children and constructed at the pottery.” Sell cult and challenging work George J. Frank, born in $100 in his pocket. Within a few was responsible for setting the earned him a special mention Philadelphia in 1885, had mar- years, records show the family tiled floors of Fonthill, includ- on the East Room ceiling of ried Martha Fisher in 1907 living in Doylestown - initially ing the intricate “pavement” of Fonthill, where a tiled inscrip- when he was 22 years old. At on Cottage Street and then on the Columbus Room, which tion reads “JACOB FRANK some point following the com- Linden Avenue, close to the Mercer noted took “about four POSUIT” (Latin for “put” or pletion of his work at Fonthill, present site of Fonthill. Sell had days” in February 1910. Later “placed”). they returned to Philadelphia built the first kiln for Henry that year he was busy setting Apparently, his talents were where he took a job as ship- Mercer’s studio at Aldie in 1899, tiles on the roof. not limited to tile work. An item ping clerk at a clothing factory, “… in a woodshed adjoining the Herman Sell passed away in in the local news in 1910 and eventually became foreman. Indian House, after which two 1918 at the age of 62, and is reported that “George Frank, an Frank died in 1962, and his wife larger kilns were built in a fire- buried with his wife in the employee at the Moravian Pot- the following year. They are proof shed, constructed of tin, Doylestown Cemetery. His tery of Henry C. Mercer, has both buried in the cemetery at clay and cement.” handiwork – along with that of just completed a clay model of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mercer wrote later that George Jacob Frank – is still one of Mr. Mercer’s spaniels Catholic Church, Doylestown. Sell, “though not regularly evident in the beautiful tile dis- which is said to show excep- George Jacob Frank’s coun- employed at the pottery, has plays at Fonthill, which con- tional ability. Critics who have terpart in the tile setting projects set innumerable pavements, tinue to impress and delight seen it say it would do credit to at Fonthill was Herman Sell. A particularly those at Mrs. visitors to this day. ■
Fonthill Castle Historic Window Treatments hrough a generous grant Tfrom Ye Olde Almshouse Questers, curatorial staff and volunteers had the necessary funding to choose appropriate window treatments for two rooms within Fonthill Castle. A previous grant awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) in 2008, provided funds for in-depth research and documentation of window treatments that hung during Henry Mercer’s occupancy Members of Ye Olde Almshouse Questers in front of reproduction 1912-1930. The original treat- drapes in Fonthill’s Library in 2011. The Questers Chapter ments were removed during provided funding for the project. the 1970s-1980s as a neces- blue landscape” from William foreground, a dominant cen- sary preservation response to Patton of Philadelphia, ca. tral tree, and the same vibrant their deterioration after years 1912. He installed this pattern colors of blues, yellows and of exposure to sunlight, fluc- as a window treatment in the greens. tuating temperatures and Library and as a portiere (door We are excited about the humidity. These textiles were covering) in the Breakfast possibilities of securing future carefully preserved and Room. After consultation with grants and donations to con- provided curatorial staff a rare Fonthill guide and interior tinue purchasing reproduction opportunity to have a first- designer Kathy Appel, an fabrics for window treatments hand look at the originals. appropriate reproduction was throughout the Fonthill Castle. Research and historic pho- purchased and installed. Also Please contact Collections tographs confirm that Henry woven in France, the repro- Manager, Sara Good, regard- Henry Mercer’s Original Tapestry Mercer purchased a French duction shares similar design ing funding opportunities. that hung in the Library. Due to significant light damage and its tapestry with a “cursive floral elements of Mercer’s original 215-345-0210 ext 119 or fragile condition this textile has scroll pattern [of a] very pretty – beautiful floral motifs in the [email protected] been placed in collections storage.
8 Fonthill Construction Janeen White midst the winter chill Meanwhile, he began in A of February 1908, a earnest to plan Fonthill while Doylestown newspaper noted still residing at Aldie, the that renowned resident “Henry Mercer family estate built by C. Mercer will commence as Aunt Elizabeth. It was here on soon as the weather permits, to the grounds that his pottery improve thirty-five of the operations were based, and seventy acres of land he frequent visitors to his studio recently purchased from were not uncommon. In Sep- William Thierolf, formerly the tember 1907, fifteen members Henry S. Fisher estate, which of the Franklin Institute trav- the track of the Philadelphia eled from Philadelphia to visit and Easton trolley line the “Moravian plant of Henry recently ran through. The house C. Mercer”, as well as the that is already on the tract is to Bucks County Historical Soci- be improved by the erection of ety building. Several days later, a large addition to be built of he welcomed a delegation of concrete. When completed it is the Northampton County His- claimed Mr. Mercer will have torical Society who spent a one of the finest dwellings in “profitable hour there inspect- this section of the state.” ing his large display of curios Construction began soon and his manufactory.” Yet, he after and by early March it was was already beginning to envi- reported that workmen had sion his new home and future “commenced remodeling for business site, to be located less Henry C. Mercer, the house on than a mile up the road. the Fisher farm at the end of “The house was planned at East Court Street.” When com- Sketch of West and Yellow rooms in Fonthill from Mercer’s architectural ‘Aldie’ … by me in the winter pleted, it was predicted, the notebook. There are no blueprints of any of Mercer’s buildings; they were of 1907,” he would later write, new owner would enjoy “an up sketched out by him and constructed under his direction. “room by room, entirely from to date residence containing all the interior, the exterior not the modern improvements.” Mercer, who had been com- James, Esq. a real estate agent, being considered until all the The previous year, 1907, missioned to provide the tiles has made an important real es- rooms had been imagined and had been a momentous one for for the Capitol building, would tate deal by purchasing the sketched, after which blocks of him. Dedication of the Elkins eventually testify at these hear- house and 20 acres of land of clay representing the rooms Building, new home for the ings and himself be cleared of William Thierolf, 8 acres of were piled on a table, set “Tools of the Nation Maker” any wrongdoing. Louis Fonash, and a house together and modeled into a collection of the Bucks County During the summer of 1907, and 20 acres of Benedict general outline. After a good Historical Society, took place Mercer traveled to New York Bestler. The properties are in many changes in the profile of in May. Mercer did not attend, and Massachusetts, later writ- Doylestown township just over tower, roofs, etc., a plaster of as he was “taken suddenly and ing that this was when he first the borough line. There is con- Paris model was made to scale, seriously ill”; within a few seriously considered the idea siderable speculation as to the and used till the building was days, however, he was reported of building Fonthill. His recent purpose of Mr. James’ pur- completed.” to be “considerably improved inheritance from Aunt Eliza- chase, but he is reticent relative By March 1908, with a crew although still confined to his beth and profits from his tile to the deal.” By September, sev- already in place and the ground bed.” Around this same time, commissions would make it eral additional tracts had been sufficiently thawed, Mercer’s an investigation was taking possible. Soon, the plans were bought, for a total of nearly 70 plan began to take shape. In the place concerning alleged cor- set in motion with the acquisi- acres, costing $12,200. Doylestown Daily Intelli- ruption during the construction tion of property near the edge Mercer described the site gencer, it was reported that of the Pennsylvania State of town. for his future home in a letter “mechanics will start Monday Capitol at Harrisburg. Henry It was reported that “Wynne to Frank Swain, his assistant. …continued on page 10
“My house will be modeled after this building.” — Trent Battye, Feb. 2010
9 Fonthill Construction umented in local news reports. continued from page 9 December 10, 1909: “Elmer to remodel the old house on the Barnes, whose ornamental Fisher farm, on East Court ironwork has attracted much Street, in the township.” attention from art connoisseurs The house and outbuildings all over the country, is at of the Thierolf tract were to present making an attractive form the central core of his weather vane for Henry C. new home. With his keen Mercer’s new concrete palace. interest in the past and passion It represents a kneeling Indian for preservation, it is not sur- making fire.” prising that Mercer decided to January 14, 1910: “Rufe utilize the old homestead in Brothers are putting an eleva- creating his new abode. As tor in Henry C. Mercer’s new construction began that spring, house”. it was noted that “Henry C. February 11: “Henry C. Sign posted by Mercer in response to damage created by vandals at Mercer will make an effort to Fonthill while the house was under construction. Mercer is having some very have some of the oldest build- old stove plates reproduced at ings in Doylestown preserved “When we started this A local newspaper’s Nov - the foundry …for use in fire- from demolition as historic building an expert on concrete ember 1st edition held stories places in Mr. Mercer’s new landmarks. An old stone house buildings laughed at the theory of festive celebrations in home.” on A. F Weisel’s farm and the advanced, but since he has seen Doylestown the previous March 6: “Rufe Brothers oldest house in Doylestown on the progress we have made and evening as “Spooks Roamed have been awarded the contract the Werner property on North the success met with, there is a Abroad on Mystic Halloween”. to install the steam heating Main Street will be kept in change in his attitude.” More than two hundred peo- plant in Henry C. Mercer’s new repair by Mr. Mercer by con- By December, construction ple, it was claimed, had visited concrete house.” sent of the owners.” He was of the exterior had ceased as Henry Mercer’s “new concrete May 4: Edward R. Walton, instrumental not only in saving cold weather set in. residence, now nearing com- electrician, is wiring Henry C. the latter, an old log house, but That spring and summer pletion” on Sunday, October Mercer’s new concrete house eventually having it moved to brought renewed building 31. What better place to visit for electric lights.” the Historical Society grounds. activity to the Fonthill site. on Halloween night than a In June 1910, a number Fittingly, the fieldstone farm- Reports in August noted that mysterious castle! of architects traveled from house on his own property “so much progress has been In December 1909, the Philadelphia to Doylestown to would likewise escape destruc- made on Henry C. Mercer’s news took a more disturbing examine the “new concrete tion when it was ultimately concrete mansion that the men turn with the following report: palace”. They were said to be encased in a layer of concrete are about ready to put on the “Vandals broke in the door at “delighted”, “astonished” and and incorporated into his new roof. Hundreds of visitors fre- Henry C. Mercer’s new con- “amazed” by what they saw. residence, “Fonthill”. quent the place every week in- crete house on East Court The basic construction of It would require several specting this innovation in Street and as a consequence the house was nearly done by years of intense labor, however, house building.” Through the other persons were not allowed that autumn. On October 14, it for Mercer’s vision to be real- fall, the work was “progressing to inspect the interesting build- was reported that “Henry C. ized. In October 1908, it was nicely” with “a portion of the ing. Some time ago vandals Mercer’s new concrete man- reported that “Henry C. Mer- concrete roof having been tore a number of tiles from the sion is nearing completion cer’s remarkable reinforced finished” by early September. walls and for that reason par- after three years of work. The concrete house in the township All the while, the public ties have only been allowed to structural part is practically is nearing completion of the continued to be drawn to Mer- go through the place with a completed and under roof. The third story, and much of the tile cer’s unique and unusual cre- guide.” Although he had interior finishing and the decoration which is done as the ation. An autumn gathering of apparently invested in locks installation of the heating building is erected has been educators attending the Bucks and the occasional night apparatus is progressing. It is completed. Just now the work- County Teachers’ Institute in watchman for the construction expected that part of the men are rushing the flooring of Doylestown brought added site, Mercer now reacted to mansion will be ready for the fourth story to completion attention as there was a “gen- potential trespassers by posting occupancy by spring and that so that it can be waterproofed eral rush this week among the a stern warning at the site. the whole house will be com- to withstand the winter, as it teachers to see the castle Henry Despite these setbacks, pleted within a year.” will be impossible to work on C. Mercer is erecting just work continued into the new It would be another eighteen it much longer.” Mercer – who beyond the borough line. Every year as Mercer strove to have months before Henry Mercer had no formal training as an evening loads go out after the his home completed. The finally moved into his new architect – told the reporter: Institute sessions end.” progress being made was doc- home. ■
10 Mercer’s Inspiration Jennifer Jarret n the last half of the 19th century, Henry Mercer was traveling Ithrough Europe on the Grand Tour. Beginning in the late 16th century, young members of the aristocratic class completed their educations with a period of European travel. This so-called Grand Tour could last from a few months to eight years, thus only the very wealthy, with the time and means to travel, could partici- pate.1 Thanks to his Aunt Elizabeth, Henry was able to augment his Harvard education with this well-heeled right of passage. “The Grand Tourist was typically a young man with a thorough grounding in Greek and Latin literature as well as some leisure time, some means, and some in- terest in art.” Accompanied Reference to Genoa and Latin inscription in by a teacher or guardian, the one of Henry Mercer’s notebooks. traveler was expected to coast, Genoa is an important seaport in northern Italy. Genoa is return home with souvenirs comprised of Mediterranean-looking houses topped by red of their travels as well as an terracotta roofs and lots of tiny and quirky alleyways. While understanding of art and exploring these narrow streets and alleys called Caruggi, in the architecture formed by expo- historic city center, Mercer noticed Latin phrases above several sure to great masterpieces.2 old house doorways. Specifically, he writes about 15 Via del “London was a frequent Campo “Non Omina sed Bona et Bene”6 (Not All but Good and starting point for Grand Well). Not only does this inform Mercer’s own use of tiled words Tourists, and Paris a compul- throughout Fonthill it is also similar to a phrase he assigned to sory destination; many one of his tile designs as well. traveled to the Netherlands, Although difficult to see due to the angle and low light, on the “Non Omina sed Bona et Bene” Latin inscription on stairs at some to Switzerland and risers of the stairs from the Gallery to the Central Hall Mercer Fonthill inspired by Mercer’s Germany, and a very wrote in tile “Non Omina sed Bona et Bene.” So the next visit to Genoa, translated as few adventurers to Spain, time you tour Fonthill, bring a flashlight or ask your guide to “Not All but Good and Well.” Greece, or Turkey.”3 Mercer illuminate the tiles and you too can reflect on Mercer’s effort to did visit both Spain and Turkey and looked to them for design remember all that was good and well in Genoa. ■ inspiration of both tiles and architecture. The essential place to visit on the tour, however, was Italy. 1. “What Was the Grand Tour?” Italy on the Grand Tour. The J. Paul Getty Trust “Grand Tourists often saw paintings and sculptures by gaining and Museum Exhibitions. Web. 25 Jan. 2012.
11 Teachers Visit Queer House What the Bucks County Gazette (Bristol, PA) Oct. 29, 1909 The Henry C. Mercer concrete house here, built in violation Heck Is It? of all former rules governing the use of concrete, is approaching Admittedly not the “prettiest” completion. Every school marm in the county has paid it a visit artifact on display at Fonthill and will doubtless have quite a good deal to say about it to her Castle, but certainly the most school when she gets back next week. Both Mr. Mercer and his appropriate for this special issue genial foreman, Patrick Trainer, are glad to welcome visitors and of Penny Lots. Standing at 7 feet tell them all about it. tall and made of metal, this object played an essential role during construction or should Controlling the Sunday ‘Mob’ I say “deconstruction.” Heads From the papers of Frank Swain circa 1930, Up! Edward Reidell, Fonthill after Henry Mercer’s death Site Administrator, holds the mystery object. Answer on page 15
The Dickens Connection n 2012 an international celebration of the life and works of ICharles Dickens marks the bicentenary of the author’s birth. In 2012 we mark the centennial anniversary of Fonthill as Henry Mercer’s home. What is the connection? Henry Mercer’s Aunt Elizabeth (Elizabeth Chapman Lawrence) left funds in her will to Henry with which he con- structed Fonthill, his home. Mercer Frank Swain with Rollo. Laura as a young woman. then dedicated the richly decorated I am anxious to know what arrangements will be made by Columbus Room to the Trustees (of Fonthill) in re Fonthill. Some one will have to his aunt, EL. Eliza- be paid for showing people through, and the Sunday mob, beth Lawrence had uncultured and thievish, must be kept out. Dr. Mercer and Laura actually met and (Mrs. Swain) talked it over and she said she would look after the dined with Charles house & show people through at about her regular wages. This Dickens in London would be less that heretofore because she got her board in 1855 (her second besides. There is a good deal to look after, to see that Fonthill is Detail of a panel from the Dickens’ Pickwick London season) kept in condition. I hope she is strong enough to do it for she Papers fireplace in Fonthill’s West Room. and short corre- knows better than anyone else from all these years experience. Photo by Jack Carnell Photography. spondence is re- counted in her biography, “The Bread Box Papers.” Dickens had 2012 Construction Day & referred to Elizabeth as “that little Darling” in a note to his friend, William Thackeray. The Lawrences were also invited to Dickens’ “Building Henry’s Castle” Tour home for a performance of one of Dickens “private theatricals.” A special family event on Monday, May 28/Memorial Day cel- Henry Mercer’s first picture book fireplace developed from ebrates the completion of the construction of Fonthill. Various an important custom order in 1914 from Margaret Agnew Adams activities will be available from noon – 4 pm. Also on the grounds (Mrs. J. Howe) of Paoli, Pennsylvania. The completed Pickwick will be Doylestown’s County Seat Bicentennial Car Show. fireplace contains five panels adapted from illustrations into Mer- A new tour, Building Henry’s Castle, will be debuted on cer’s tile compositions. In 1915 The Tile Works produced a flyer Memorial Day. This special tour explores the construction and advertising the Pickwick fireplace which was installed in inspirations for Fonthill Castle. The tour will continue to be Fonthill’s West Room that same year. Mercer also owned a set of offered regularly throughout the summer. The BCHS member Charles Dickens’ works in his library. price for the tour is $8 for adults, $4 youth.
“Great house. Wouldn’t want to clean it.” — Jean & Dave Morales, Oct. 2008
12 Laura Swain Remembered Editor’s note: Laura Long demeanor of the day. Frank “I am 49 years old. Forty children and had no idea how moved in to Fonthill with Henry Swain died in 1954; Laura con- some years ago my brother and special that was at the time. I Mercer as his housekeeper. She tinued to give tours until 1974 I, along with our friends from was Miss Pennsylvania USA later married Frank Swain, when she became too ill to con- the neighborhood used to play in 1986 and also visited there Mercer’s foreman at the Tile tinue. The Bucks County His- on the grounds at Fonthill, one day. When I was married Works. The Swains lived at torical Society assumed “The Castle” as we called it. we had bridal party photos Fonthill with Henry Mercer. operation of Fonthill in 1975. When we could each save fifty taken on the back stairs of After Mercer’s death in 1930, If you have a personal cents we would pay the elderly the servants’ quarters. Mercer the Swains were granted life recollection of Laura Swain woman who was the care taker Castle will always hold a very tenancy of Fonthill by Mercer you would like to share, post for a tour. It was never the special place in my heart. I live in his will. As it was Mercer’s on our Henry Chapman Mer- same tour. It changed based on far away now, but the next time intention to leave Fonthill as cer Facebook page, email her mood, which most of the I go home for a visit I hope to a museum of prints and [email protected] or time was mean and pushy. But stop by to see all the changes tile, Laura Swain gave tours to call Fonthill at 215-348-9461. we always went back and and hopefully see the things, the visiting public. Many peo- knocked on the little door next like the little kitchen the eld- ple locally remember those Sherri Fitzpatrick Hollyman to the kitchen to see if she erly woman would make tea in tours being either brief or shared her recollection of would allow us in. It’s funny to before she would allow us to extensive depending on Laura’s Laura Swain on Facebook: me how we played there as take the tour.”
The Building of Fonthill were cast into the building dur- replaced. The men were trusted continued from page 1 ing its construction. Cement to count the ingredients and The house was planned at mixers were not then in general mix the cement properly. They “Aldie,” Doylestown, Pa., by use and all the cement was only failed once on leaving a me in the winter of 1907, room mixed by hand in the propor- mixed batch to stand over night by room, entirely from the inte- tions of Portland Cement 1 and then unwillingly removing rior, the exterior not being con- part, yellow sand (called Jersey the rotted mixture after pour- sidered until all the rooms had gravel), 2 ½ parts, and bluish ing it into the forms. been imagined and sketched crushed trap from the crushed During construction the after which blocks of clay rep- stone works at Rockhill Sta- building was roughly roofed resenting the rooms were piled tion, south of Quakertown, with felt paper. The re-enforc- on a table, set together and Bucks County, Pa., 5 parts. The ing irons used everywhere modeled into a general outline. mixed material was lifted according to approved formu- After a good many changes in either in iron wheelbarrows, or lae were hollow ¾-inch and the profile of tower, roofs, etc., boxes, with four handles, to be less iron pipes bought in junk a plaster-of-Paris model was carried by two men by a pulley yards in Philadelphia and made to scale, and used till the fastened at the vertex of a very Doylestown, except for the building was completed. simple apparatus, namely, a tri- beams, where solid iron rods, From eight to ten unskilled angle about ten feet high, made not twisted, were used in the day laborers at the then wages of three heavy wooden strips usual way after bending of $1.75 a day, supervised by balanced with guy ropes so as around posts, to the proper Patrick Trainor and under my to swing outward from the angles, six per beam. Besides constant direction, built the brink of any of the walls or at a this, heavy galvanized farm house in three summers, those hand pull backward inside fencing, in large rectangular of 1908, 1909 and 1910. I em- the edge. This inward mesh, was laid over all the ployed no architect to carry out swing brought the uplifted re-enforcements. my plans and there were no load within the triangle to The plan of the whole house skilled laborers employed in the workmen’s hands. A single was an interweaving of my the construction proper, though horse belonging to Patrick Cross section of Fonthill’s tower; own fancies blending with researched and drawn bt Kurt afterwards a carpenter put in Trainor, named Lucy, trained Eichenberger, 1982. memories of my travels and the doors and window sash, a to pull forward the pulley rope, suggestions from several mason set the tiles on the ver- on a counter block and back on engravings, in particular the tical walls and a painter put in the path, did all the work of roofs of the east gable. “Dutch Housekeeper” by Ger- the window glass. As a single lifting during the three years. Thunderstorms frequently ard Dow, the “Great Barn” by exception to this Jacob Frank, No accidents happened to the occurred, but only one so dam- Wouvermans, in the Dresden employed at the Moravian Pot- men whose names are set in aged the ceiling of the Library Gallery and a Lithograph now tery, set the ceiling tiles which tile letters on one of the inner gallery that the crust had to be …continued on page 14 13 The Building of Fonthill show in the Morning Room. continued from page 13 The result of our precautions as in my Morning Room called to wall ventilation, namely, “Le Main Chaud” by De loose tamping, collapsible Boucourt, also a woodcut boxes, and cement batches illustrating a story called mixed by hand and greatly “Haunted” in a book published varying in density, were very about 1865 by Tinsley’s Maga- successful. Blackened shoes in zine, named “A Stable for dark closets never mildew. Nightmares.” This picture gave There has never been conden- me the night lighting of the sation of moisture except on Morning Room. (See Penny the tile pavement in the hall. Lots, Vol. 26, No. 1). The first Cigars dry up in their boxes, interior imagined and clearly Windsor chairs rattle loose. seen was that of the west side Owing to the color of the Fonthill under construction showing massive walls and window placement. of the Saloon seen when stand- No two of the more than 200 windows are the same dimension. Jersey gravel, gray cement and ing near the large window bluish trap, the outer walls show about eight feet from the door for this purpose proved the fact. resulting in rheumatism, etc., soft gray-yellow with faint to the Library. The arrange- Several demolished build- caused us to cast large vertical greenish reflections and, owing ment of rooms at different lev- ings, followed by car loads of holes by means of collapsible to the roughness of the forms, els seen over the gallery in the unplaned boards, furnished the wooden boxes invented by me, board welts, and porous spots Saloon is a memory of a Turk- wooden material for the forms. stove pipes filled with dry sand, not retouched, the texture is ish house seen by me from a These consisted of partitions pulled upward as we pro- very rich as seen at a distance. rear garden in Salonica in made by laying the boards hor- ceeded, and even corn stalks In experimenting upon smooth- 1886. The Saloon still clearly izontally, edge to edge one wrapped in paper at intervals of ing down these outer surfaces retains the appearance of these upon another, with battens a few feet throughout all the for weather protection with preliminary dreams, but the nailed wherever convenient walls. The cornstalk plan was, cement plaster, when a mason original fancies for nearly all against their outer sides. Dou- however, a failure as the leaves working upon a hanging plat- of the other rooms were ble lengths of wire were looped flew in all directions into the form did the work, we found changed as we proceeded around and twisted upon the forms and the wet stalks would that the plastering had been car- sometimes for the better and projecting ends of these battens not burn out of the holes. ried too far on the east upper sometimes for the worse. as we proceeded to keep the Angles in the very irregular wall of the tower and thereafter The name Fonthill well forms from bulging. These chimneys, and the chimneys proceeded by retouching only remembered as that of a house forms were set vertically with a themselves, were cast upon the very porous spots. in Essex County, Virginia, spirit level, and not by eye, as wooden boxes or boards belonging to my distant relative, has been asserted. Where high pounded, pried, or burnt out Mr. R. M. T. Hunter, seemed winds deflected them or where afterwards. The walls were cast very appropriate on account of they sagged or where mistakes two feet thick and the box holes the fine spring rising here on a were made the results were either two feet long and one hilltop close to the northwest corrected after construction by foot wide or one foot square. corner of the tower. I long hes- chiseling away projecting cor- Piers, three feet by three and a itated with it on account of its ners or building up crusts as half, bordered the windows in earlier celebrity in the historic against the north corner of the the tower, the inner wall of “Fonthill” of Beckford in Wilt- east gable. Nevertheless, the which for extra strength, en- shire, England, long since north library wall still shows a closing the staircase, etc., was destroyed, but finally decided to bad overhang. Pieces of tin cast very thick. The vertical use it on the advice of an Eng- were tacked over knot holes, re-enforcing pipes were planted lish friend of high authority. large cracks and open joints. two feet apart in the forms and Owing to warping the board straightened as we went up. THE WALLS—The foun- joints never fitted close and The fence wire was slid down An early view of the Columbus dations, not over 5 feet deep, there was continual leakage of against them and the horizontal Room the most heavily tiled rested on a solid ledge of sand- liquid cement. This produced pipes laid in on the wet cement room in the house. stone, but as this sub-stratum many porous spots on the outer at every two feet. The arches COLUMNS—The columns was generally covered with a wall which were plastered over over many of the windows were intended to support roof-slopes dense crust of broken stones afterwards. The concrete was made by bending ¼ inch by 3 and upper story partitions rise and grit I doubted its existence purposely not spaded inside the inch wide wooden strips into from the cellar to the housetop until when later, fearing col- walls in the hope of making semi-circles to coincide with a through several rooms without lapse, we tried to under-pin the them more porous. Continued penciled line on the outer forms symmetrical arrangement. tower. Then the trenches dug suggestions as to dampness, and the welts left by these still …continued on page 15 14 The Building of Fonthill or are made circular by the use continued from page 14 of narrow wooden strips in the form. The columns referred to by visitors, one made with stovepipes and the other with nail kegs are in the cellar of the east wing. One column was cut off during construction in the yellow room to make way for the bed. Some of the columns were plastered after construc- tion with lime and sand mortar, Column capital in Fonthill’s base- ment where Mercer experimented others with cement. Some were with different approaches. This is left untouched and some the ‘owlish face’ based on one seen slightly retouched. at Mont St. Michel in France. PARTITIONS—The inte- Their forms were made by rior partitions connected with boards set vertically and held or supported by the columns This view of the tower shows the great variety of chimneys and their together in circles with rope were cast about five inches locations. Certain fireplaces drew much better than others. and wire or in squares with thick and re-enforced as usual. CHIMNEYS AND STAIR- in the yellow room radiates its battens. Each was re-enforced The wooden window frames CASES—Some of the chim- heat badly, and that in the with three vertical pipes and and sash were made at neys and staircases were Library which smoked in west wire circles twisted by hand Doylestown and Lansdale and formed with the building, oth- winds has been corrected. The and dropped down the forms the frames cast into the wall ers cast upon it. The chimneys Morning Room and Study about two feet apart as the work during construction. The ce- above the roof were varied in fireplaces draw and heat well went on. Tiled capitals and ment windows were cast in height and their caps some- and that in the Saloon is prob- bases and cement capitals were channels cut with wire loops times altered for draught. ably one of the most efficient put on after construction. Some in slabs of clay and were re- Many of the flues are very open fireplaces ever built. The of the latter in the wind-room enforced with thin iron rods tortuous. Most draw very well hot air flues were made of were taken from very old and set in their wall-holes but a few are smoky in certain round terra-cotta pipes cast in Byzantine churches in Greece, after construction. Those on winds and defy correction, the walls. ■ and one, the owlish face in the the hall stairs are the first of namely, those in Mr. Swain’s To be continued in the next cellar, from Mont St. Michel in their kind ever made to the room and the East Room. That newsletter. France. An octagonal wooden writer’s knowledge, but in column used by one of my these the stone ingredients From page 12 friends, an architect, in a house were too large. One of them near Philadelphia and adapted with another on the west ter- That’s What the Heck It Is! by him from a column in the race have cracked around the It’s a water pipe! Or wait, was it really used as a water pipe? Castle of Tratzberg, in the irons. But those made later Purchased by Patrick Trainor and used during the con- Austrian Tyrol, suggested the with chosen ingredients in the struction of all three of Henry Mercer’s buildings, this water polygonal columns, two or garage or with large mullions pipe was adapted to pry off the original wooden frames that three of which are octagons, in the Historical Building have were used to mold architectural features. while the others have nine faces been very successful. General Information www.fonthillmuseum.org Fonthill Castle East Court Street & Rte. 313, Doylestown, PA 18901-4930 Members receive unlimited free admission to Mercer Museum PHONE: 215-348-9461 FAX: 215-348-9462 and Library & Fonthill Castle. HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • Sunday, noon–5 p.m. Penny Lots (Guided tours only; reservations suggested) Molly Lowell, Editor Mercer Museum & Museum Shop Gayle Shupack, Associate Editor 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901-4930 PHONE: 215-345-0210 FAX: 215-230-0823 Penny Lots is a benefit of membership. HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • Sunday, noon–5 p.m. Permission must be obtained to reprint any material. Also at the Mercer Museum: Research Library The Mercer Museum and Library & Fonthill Castle are HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday, 1–5 p.m. • Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. administered by the Bucks County Historical Society. 15 Accredited by the NON-PROFIT American Association of Museums U.S. POSTAGE PAID DOYLESTOWN, PA 84 S. Pine Street PERMIT NO. 274 Doylestown, PA 18901
Fonthill Receives Special— see Award p.2
Tribute to Rollo From a notebook of Henry Chapman Mercer Celebrate the April 30, 1916, about 1:00 pm 4th of July Dear old Rollo died under the cherry tree in front of Fonthill. at Fonthill! He had been suffering with a wasting distemper for about two months. Thank heaven that it was permitted me to poorly appreciate his intense and boundless love for me – and that I petted him more as his beauty faded and his strength failed in paralysis and his loving eyes lost their sight – that we lifted him into the back for daily trips to the historical society – and that I never failed to answer when he called and often brought back the old smile upon his devoted face. May his footsteps outlast many generations of men on his stairways at Fonthill and the Bucks County Historical Society. Shall we who know that in about 300 years such love as this sprung, for Rollo, out Fonthill’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July of the ancestral heart of the ferocious wolf, will also commemorate Fonthill’s 100th doubt that the hand of a loving father anniversary. The decorated bike parade Henry Mercer and Rollo, his beloved wrought the wonderful change? Dare we is always a crowd pleaser. Volunteers Chesapeake Bay Retriever. are needed to make this community assert that the divine evolution of LOVE event a success. Sponsorship stopped here, and deny for Rollo the life beyond the grave which we claim for ourselves? opportunities are available also. The cherry blossoms were not yet out on that sad day. May I meet you again where they Please contact are in full bloom, dear old BOY! 215-348-9461 to sign up.