<<

The Victorian Society in America Annual Meeting 2019 C E L E B R AT I N G Queen Victoria’s 200th Birthday in MAY 23 - 25, 2019 • PRE-TOUR MAY 22, 2019

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR

Depart by coach from hotel at 12:30 p.m. • Return to hotel at 5 p.m., depart at 5:30 for Opening Reception Breakfast on your own, lunch included at Jack’s Firehouse, located in a converted 19th century firehouse

THE RODIN MUSEUM After lunch, we’ll swing by the Rodin Museum for a brief self-guided visit of this intimate venue. As one of the most revered destinations in Philadelphia, the Rodin Museum offers a verdant, elegant setting in which to enjoy some of the world’s most renowned masterpieces of sculpture, the largest collection of ’s works outside . Opened in 1929, the museum is administered by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY, GUIDED TOUR Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. It’s vaulted sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious criminals, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone. Now it is a historic site, where we will learn the legacy of American criminal justice reform, from the nation’s founding through to the present day. The Rodin Museum, Phildelphia. 6 p.m. Opening Reception at the Wagner Free Institute • hearty hors d’oeuvres Keynote address by Michael J. Lewis, professor of architectural history at Williams College and reviewer of architecture for the Wall Street Journal, and board member of the Victorian Society in America.

THURSDAY, MAY 23 STUDY TOUR PROGRAM

Depart on foot 8:45 a.m. • Return by coach 5:30 p.m. replaced by the current synagogue. An outstanding example of Byzantine revival Breakfast & dinner on your own, lunch included. • Guide: Michael J. Lewis architecture, the synagogue features a limestone-clad exterior and a lavish interior with entryway mosaics, elaborate marble flooring, and hand-painted MORNING ON FOOT: (1871) decorative stenciling. EXTERIOR WALKING TOUR & VISIT TO MAYOR’S RECEPTION ROOM Philadelphia City Hall is the seat of government for the city of Philadelphia, THE MET PHILADELPHIA • GUIDED TOUR . The building was constructed from 1871 to 1901 within Penn Built in 1908 by opera impresario, Oscar Hammerstein, the once–lavish Square, in the middle of Center City. John McArthur Jr. and Thomas Ustick Walter Metropolitan Opera House is recognized internationally for its superb acoustics designed the building in the Second Empire style. and once served as a recording hall for the Philadelphia Orchestra. Now known as the Met Philadelphia, the theater reopened in December 2018, after a MASONIC TEMPLE (1873) • GUIDED TOUR complete renovation, as a concert venue. The Masonic Temple serves as the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Free and Accepted Masons, featuring the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. The ornate structure, which includes seven lodge Founder’s Hall at Girard College (1833–1847) is considered one of the finest rooms, was designed in the medieval Norman style by James H. Windrim. The examples of American Greek Revival architecture, for which it is designated interior, designed by George Herzog, was begun in 1887 and took another fifteen a National Historic Landmark. Founder Stephen Girard specified in his will the years to finish. dimensions and plan of the building and demanded an architectural competition for the school’s design. Endowed with his $2 million contribution, the 1832 PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF THE FINE ARTS (1876) competition was the first American architectural competition to have truly GUIDED TOUR & BOX LUNCH national participation. The winning architect was Thomas Ustick Walter (1804– The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) was founded in 1805 by 1887). After the Girard commission, Walter designed the dome of the United painter and scientist Charles Willson Peale, sculptor William Rush, and other States Capitol in Washington, D.C. He returned to Philadelphia and became an artists and business leaders. The current museum building opened in 1876. assistant architect on the City Hall and, in 1857, a founding member of the Designed by the American architects Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt, it has American Institute of Architects (AIA). been designated a National Historic Landmark and is recognized as an important part of America’s and Philadelphia’s architectural heritage. The collection explores the history of American art from the 1760s to the present.

AFTERNOON BY COACH: CONGREGATION RODEPH SHALOM • GUIDED TOUR Congregation Rodeph Shalom dates its founding to 1795 with the coalescing of the first Ashkenazic congregation in the Western Hemisphere. Its first dedicated sanctuary was constructed in 1871 on its current site. Designed by Frank Furness, considered the most exciting Philadelphia architect of his time, It was a showpiece of Moorish-style architecture. In 1928, the Furness building was Cover: Furness Library. Above: Entryway mosaics at Congregation Rodeph Shalom. FRIDAY, MAY 24 STUDY TOUR PROGRAM

Depart by coach 9:15 a.m. • Return 5 p.m. • Breakfast and dinner on your own, OR Alumni Association dinner.* Lunch included at annual business meeting Guides: Michael J. Lewis & Aaron Wunsch, associate professor, historic preservation, University of Pennsylvania MORNING: UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA CAMPUS TOUR Louis I. Kahn. The archives facility houses the Harvey & Irwin Kroiz Gallery, a We begin at Woodland Terrace, picturesque group of Italianate double houses specialized library, study room, and seminar room, as well as storage and by Samuel Sloan (1861). Move east through the Quadrangle, a superb dormitory processing facilities. complex by Cope & Stewardson (1894-1912) that set the model for the Collegiate Gothic style in America. Walk along Locust Walk, the main spine of the campus AFTERNOON: ST. JAMES THE LESS with important buildings by Horace Trumbauer, Mellor & Meigs, Robert Rhodes This is the first example of the pure English Parish church style in America, and McGoodwin and others. Also, College Hall (1872), Thomas Webb Richards, one of the best examples of a 19th century American Gothic church for its architect; is an essay in richly polychromatic Ruskinian Gothic. coherence and authenticity of design. Its influence on the major architects of the Gothic Revival in the United States was profound. The church and associated school have been closed since 2006, when, after a lengthy court battle, the local Designed by the acclaimed Philadelphia architect Frank Furness (1839–1912), Episcopal diocese assumed control of the property. In 2008, the Standing the red sandstone, brick-and-terra-cotta Venetian Gothic giant—part fortress and Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania voted to allow St. Mark’s part cathedral—was built to be the primary library of the University, and to house Church to adopt the Church of St. James the Less as a mission of St. Mark’s. its archeological collection. The cornerstone was laid in October 1888, construction was completed in late 1890. *Luncheon and business meeting at the Furness Library. Founded in 1836, Laurel Hill was the second major garden or rural cemetery in the United States. In 1998, it was designated a National Historic Landmark; few ARCHITECTURAL ARCHIVES cemeteries have received this distinction. Numerous prominent people are buried The Architectural Archives of the University of Pennsylvania preserves the works here, including many of Philadelphia’s leading industrial magnates. Names such of more than 400 designers from the 17th century to the present. Major as Rittenhouse, Widener, and Elkins certainly pique local interests, but Laurel collections include the comprehensive archives of a number of the 20th century’s Hill also appeals to a national audience. General Meade and thirty-nine other most significant designers, including: & ; Civil War-era generals reside here, in addition to six Titanic passengers. More Lawrence Halprin; Ian L. McHarg; Edmund N. Bacon; Anne Griswold Tyng; and than a cemetery, Laurel Hill is a sculptural garden, a horticultural gem and a unique historical resource.

NOTE: We can drop those who are interested at The Philadelphia *Alumni Association Annual Meeting & Dinner Museum of Art, which is open Friday nights until 8:45 p.m. Separate Reservation Required (see registration page)

SATURDAY, MAY 25 STUDY TOUR PROGRAM

Depart on foot 8:45 a.m. • Return by coach 4:30 p.m. , • INTERIOR TOUR Breakfast and lunch on your own Designed by Frank Furness (1895), built for his niece; it is Furness’s last great Closing Banquet & Awards Presentation included urban house and has been exquisitely restored. Many of Furness’s grandest Guide: Jeffrey A. Cohen, senior lecturer in architectural history, Philadelphia houses of the 1880s and 1890s were built near or fronting on Bryn Mawr College Rittenhouse Square; only the Thomas A. Reilly house and the Jayne house survive. MORNING: UNION LEAGUE CLUB GUIDED TOUR WITH HISTORIAN JIM MUNDY AFTERNOON: COACH TO GERMANTOWN The Union League of Philadelphia, ranked the #1 City Club in the Country, is a As the site of Philadelphia’s only Revolutionary War battle, the first American shining jewel of history in a city defined by such treasure. Founded in 1862 as a written protest against slavery and home of one the few remaining houses on patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham the Underground Railroad, the Germantown community is of major architectural Lincoln. Approximately one-quarter million square feet in size, the building is significance. The rich historical landscape of Gothic & Italianate villas of spread out over eight floors and has entrances on all sides. Inside, the traditional Germantown will be the focus of the afternoon as we drive around the décor is accented in rich leather, patinated wood and polished marble. The neighborhood and tour two the interiors of two of the houses. League’s distinguished collection of art and artifacts adorns the walls and hallways. The collection is a rich chronicle of Philadelphia's unique imprint upon EBENEZER MAXWELL MANSION • INTERIOR TOUR the American landscape from the 19th century to today and is recognized by This Gothic cottage of 1859 is miraculously well-preserved. The eclectic building’s historians and art experts as a valuable component of American history. design is highly unusual, its volumes are articulated on the exterior. The interior is even more remarkable. Its 2-story hall features a grand staircase at the south end that wraps around the fireplace, a hanging balcony suspended by iron rods WALKING TOUR, LOCUST STREET & DELANCEY STREET on the other three sides, and an intricate leaded glass skylight. ST. MARKS CHURCH (1846-1849)• INTERIOR TOUR Landmark of the American Gothic Revival, by the Scottish Philadelphia architect WILLING HOUSE • INTERIOR TOUR John Notman. The church was completed in 1849, the spire was completed in This 1882 gem of Philadelphia’s late Victorian suburban architecture, with a 1851 making St. Mark’s the tallest building west of Broad Street. To memorialize wonderfully imaginative plan and an exceptionally well-preserved interior, was his late wife, Rodman Wanamaker donated the money necessary to construct designed by George Pearson, one of Philadelphia’s most gifted Queen Anne and adorn the present Lady Chapel at the eastern end of the church's south aisle. architects.

Closing Banquet & Awards Presentation at the s Union League at 7:00 p.m., a short walk from the hotel. s SPRING STUDY TOUR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

BECAUSE SPACE IS LIMITED WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL MEMBERS WHO PLAN TO ATTEND REGISTER WITH THE SOCIETY AND BOOK THEIR HOTEL BY APRIL 1, 2019 The Pre-Meeting Tour • Wednesday, May 22, 2019 How to Register Includes visits, transportation and lunch. Due to limited seating, this portion of our event will fill up quickly. We recommend reserving early, as space is limited. Registrations can be made via check (preferable), credit Please reserve early to avoid disappointment. Hotel accommodations are NOT included in the Pre-Meeting card, or money order. Your spot in the program is secured only after we receive payment. Tour. Cancellations The Spring Study Tour and Annual Meeting Package • May 22 (evening) - 25, 2019 Cancellations received on or before April 24, 2019, will be refunded less a $100 administrative fee. There Includes site admission fees; transportation; Wednesday reception; Thursday lunch; Friday lunch; Saturday will be no refunds after April 24, 2019. If you think that there is a chance that you will need to withdraw from dinner. Hotel accommodations are NOT included in the Spring Study Tour and Annual Meeting Package. If this program, you may wish to consider purchasing trip insurance. Trip insurance protects you against any you are attending the Alumni Association event on Friday evening a separate reservation is required (see box unforeseen need to cancel. Trip insurance can cover the Society’s fee and your airfare and hotel costs. There at right). are many providers of this type of insurance; one place to start looking is www.insuremytrip.com (800-487- 4722). The Society is providing this information purely as a service to you, and we do not receive any Special Note compensation from any insurance organization. Bear in mind that there will be extensive walking, so please bring comfortable shoes. We regret that we cannot provide alternate means of transportation for those who have walking or endurance difficulties. (Public Disclaimer transportation may be available in some areas, but participants will be responsible for the cost if they use The Victorian Society in America is not responsible for accidents, injury or loss of personal items during them.) this program. The Victorian Society in America reserves the right to make such changes to the schedule, sites to be visited, or personnel as may become necessary or desirable. Getting There Philadelphia is served by Philadelphia International Airport and there are direct flights from most major U.S. cities, and there is train and cab service into center city. Philadelphia is also accessible by Amtrak and bus (various companies) as well as by car. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Weather & What to Wear 2019 ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER Average daytime temperatures in Philadelphia range from 69°F to 78°F, rarely falling below 58°F or exceeding 88°F. Daily low temperatures range from 50°F to 59°F, rarely falling below 41°F or exceeding WHAT Alumni Associa!ons Annual Mee!ng and Dinner party. 68°F but it is advisable to check the forecast before departure and dress accordingly. Layers are always WHEN Friday, May 24, 2019 • 7 - 9:30 p.m. practical. Gentlemen should bring jackets as they are appropriate for the opening reception and are required WHERE To be determined for the closing banquet. COST Members of the Alumni Associa!on $75; Guests $85 Eating Out Payable at the door, or There are many restaurants–of various types, cuisines and price points–in and within walking distance of by check payable to: Alumni Associa!on and sent to: the hotel. David Lamdin, 151 N. Kirkwood Road, Arlington, VA 22201-3566 Hotel Information Our headquarters hotel is the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107. The Tenta!ve plans call for a recep!on and brief Annual Mee!ng followed by phone number for reservations is (888) 575-6397. Please use this number to make your room reservation. dinner. Details are dependent on the number of reserva!ons. Mention that you are with the Victorian Society in America to get the discounted rate of $295 for Wednesday the 22nd; $225 the next three nights, single or double occupancy. After April 24, 2019, the discounted rate will no longer be available and the rooms will be subject to availability. ADVANCED DINNER RESERVATIONS AND COMMITMENTS ARE REQUIRED! Contact David Lamdin at [email protected] MAKING RESERVATIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HOTEL ARE YOUR or (703) 243-2350 for details or reserva!ons. RESPONSIBILITY AND AT YOUR EXPENSE. THE SOCIETY’S ONLY ROLE IS TO SECURE THE DISCOUNTED GROUP RATE.

COST # OF PEOPLE TOTAL Registra!on fee $50 = Pre-Mee!ng Tour (Member) $140 = Pre-Mee!ng Tour (Non-Member) $160 = Spring Study Tour & Annual Mee!ng (Member) $708 = Spring Study Tour & Annual Mee!ng (Non-Member) $740 = TOTAL $

Please check payment op!on ! Enclosed is my check for $ made payable to The Victorian Society in America ! Charge my credit card # Exp. date Sec. Code Signature Name First name on name tag: Addi!onal Par!cipant First name on name tag: Address City State Zip Phone Email

Please mail your completed form with your payment to: Or fax to: The Victorian Society in America (215) 636-9873 1636 Sansom Street credit card payments only Philadelphia, PA 19103 phone (215) 636-9872 • email: [email protected] • www.victoriansociety.org