Fairmount Park Home: Woodford House

Miniature china painting

Portrait

Kitchen Table

English pottery

Front Parlor

I was walking down the drive today to East Falls and back through Fairmount park when I noticed the Woodford House had an open flag hanging out front. I don't think I've ever saw the house before, even though I worked down the street at the recreation center one summer.

Second Story Addition Model

They charge $5 for a tour of the 11 rooms, but even though I had no cash, Bill, the guide was nice enough to give me a tour anyway (I'll send them a check). I've toured houses in Charleston, but this was my first Fairmount Park house tour.

I was particularly interested in the furniture and woodwork in the house. There's Georgian and Federal styles, depending on which wing of the house you are walking in. All of the furniture is period, non-reproduction.

The yellow pine floors had dowels inserted laterally to keep the wood in place, and the wood has worn away in heavily trafficed places to show the dowel.

Bench that converts into a Table

Miniature Boxes

Period Fake Mahogony Finish Applied to Woodwork

Rittenhouse Square Park

If you haven't visited the park lately, now's the time to go. I stopped by on Sunday because I'd noticed the leaves were changing and it was gorgeous out and the colors were fantastic. It's hard to take a bad photograph in the park, because there are so many different sculptures and lanes and features to focus on and beautiful old trees. There are plenty of benches and lots of local coffee shops to pick up a cider, hot chocolate or coffee to keep you warm while you read a book or just people watch. Kids were climbing all over the sculptures and playing tag in the dry fountain and old ladies were being pushed in wheel chairs by their aides, admiring the mini doggies with studded collars. It's nice to take a break and sit down for a while instead of running around like a crazy person all the time!

ETSY.com Philly Artist Treasury with My LOVE photo