If you inherited millions of dollars, what would you do with it?
Would you save up and live modestly, or blow it all in a few months?
Hi everyone, Ken here, welcome to "ThisHouse"
In 1878, Albert Disston inherited a massive estate, immediately making him one of the
wealthiest men in Philadelphia.
His father, Henry Disston, had emigrated to the United States from England and found honest
work making saws in a factory.
He learned the trade while on the job and saved up every penny he earned to open his
own factory.
In just 20 short years, he went from being an entry level factory worker to owning the
largest saw manufacturing company in the world.
Keystone Saw Works saw continuous growth all the way through the Civil War at which point
his sons returned as veterans and joined their father in the family business.
The company was renamed to Disston Saw Works, and, with their expanded operation, each of
his sons became some of the wealthiest men in Pennsylvania for a short window of time.
In 1878, Henry passed away and the company was divided up amongst his heirs.
His son Albert decided to cash in and live a life of conspicuous consumption.
He purchased a large lot on North 16th street in Philadelphia, where some of the city’s
most elite were choosing to build their mansions.
Then he hired architect, Edwin Forrest Durang to design for him a palatial, limestone clad,
mansion.
And for the interiors, he hired George Herzog, a prominent German designer who was granted
cart blanche, being allowed to design each room however he saw fit.
In 1882, the mansion was completed for a grand cost of 150,000 dollars, the modern equivalent
of nearly four and a half million dollars when adjusting for inflation alone.
As we explore the mansion we will see a mix of vintage and color photos to give us the
best idea of what the mansion looked like in its prime.
Approaching the home from the sidewalk, we will pass through the gate and make our way
towards the port cochere.
Here we will find the Family Entrance with double doors flanked by ionic limestone columns.
Entering through the doors, we will arrive in the circular foyer where every piece of
millwork seamlessly curves with the rounded walls.
This space serves as an inglenook, boasting a grand fireplace featuring intricate relief
work on its mantel, framing hand painted tiles in the fireplace surround.
First we will see the dining room with stained glass windows flanking an intricately carved
upper mantel below a gilded, coffered ceiling.
The extravagance continues into the parlor where freshly waxed parquet wood floors glisten
below the crystal chandelier.
The ceiling has been hand stenciled and every mirror set within a gilded frame.
But the true show stopper of this room is the fireplace, decorated not only in hand
painted tiles, but intentionally framing the symmetrical reflection of the room to become
part of the upper mantel’s design.
Next we will find a pair of etched glass doors below a rounded transom and make our way into
the library.
This warm, inviting space glows in golden hues reflected from the cove ceiling onto
the old growth, floor to ceiling book cases.
With this color scheme in mind, we can take a look at this old black and white photograph
to see how the room was arranged with a small writing desk and only a couple chairs allowing
for more intimate conversations.
Next we will make our way into the music room where a grand piano rests in the bay window
below an elaborate crystal chandelier.
We can imagine guests mingling through the halls, drink in hand, as live music softly
drifted through the air.
Albert through many parties in the house, but perhaps he partied a bit too hard.
At the age of 33 years old, he passed away after living in his mansion for only 1 year.
His wife continued living in the house until 1920 when it became too much for her to manage.
It was briefly used as a club house before being sold to a man who went by the name of
“Father Divine” who transformed the mansion into The Unity Mission Church Home and Training
School.
Father Divine was an interesting character at the time, he claimed to be a god and gained
a massive following as one of the first non-Catholic founders of a mega church.
He lived in the nearby Woodmont Mansion, and while he was shrouded in secrecy and controversy,
he is also credited with some truly generous acts of philanthropy and helping the poorest
in his community gain stability.
Father Divine passed away in the 60’s, but to this day, the Disston Mansion remains the
property of the church he founded.
Did you have a favorite room?
Let me know down below in the comments section.
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