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Greetings,
This is a special mid-month edition of the Athenaeum newsletter to inform you of
two upcoming events. On December 3rd, James Garrison will discuss his new
book Houses
of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill & The Wissahickon Valley, 1880-1930. Some problems have been reported with the postcard
invitation that was sent out for this program. If you are an Athenaeum member and did not receive an invitation in the mail,
please let us know by contacting Susan Gallo at 215-925-2688 or sgallo@philaathenaeum.org.
Also, on December 13th, The Athenaeum invites you to tour "Kelty," the
former home of architect William L. Price, which later became the home of Chaim
Potok. Details are below.
Banner Image: News Room (Now The Henry Paul
Busch Room), 1969.
Member Event: James Garrison Discusses Houses
of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill & The Wissahickon Valley, 1880-1930
 Published by Acanthus Press as part of their Suburban Domestic Architecture Series, this volume concentrates on such favorites as “Krisheim,” Dr. George Woodward’s 1910 residence in St. Martin’s, designed by the Boston firm of Peabody & Stearns, “High Hollow,” the George Howe house in Chestnut Hill, designed by Howe himself in 1914, and “Whitemarsh Hall,” the Stotesbury mansion designed by Horace Trumbauer in 1916. Throughout the book superb photographs of the houses, their interiors, and their gardens abound, making this a veritable picture book of the country houses of Philadelphia’s rich and famous. Commentary by James B. Garrison, however, elevates this above the typical coffee table book. His insights into family history and the architecture of these charming residences provide the reader with new avenues for considering Philadelphia’s suburban development.
James B. Garrison is an architect at RMJM Hillier in Philadelphia. He specializes in historic preservation and has written and lectured extensively on the history and architecture of southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2004 he published Mastering Tradition: the Residential Architecture of John Russell Pope (Acanthus Press).
Date:
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Time:
5:30 PM followed by light refreshments and
book signing.
Reservation
required. Contact Susan Gallo at 215-925-2688 or sgallo@philaathenaeum.org.
Above:
Cover of Houses of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill, and the Wissahickon Valley,
1880-1930.
"Kelty" Open House, Tour and
Lecture
 Designed in 1897 by William L. Price as his own residence,
Kelty is a wonderful example of Tudor Revival style and combines many of the features of the Arts & Crafts style that would soon become the focus of Price’s life and work. One of the most unusual features of the house is the 1500 square foot third floor that encompasses Price’s studio, a ballroom and a stage where his “Seekers After Knowledge” performed. Since 1973, Kelty has been the home of Athenaeum Literary Award Winner, the late Chaim Potok and his wife, Adena.
Architectural Historian George E. Thomas, author of Arts and Crafts to Modern Design William L. Price, will speak on the importance of the house in Price’s nationally influential career.
Date:
December 13, 2008
Time:
1:00-3:30
Lecture at 2:00
Guided Tours at 1:30 and 2:45
Light Refreshments will be served
Location: 20 Berwick Road, Merion Station, PA
Cost: $25 per person
Proceeds
benefit The Athenaeum of Philadelphia.
Click
here for additional information and registration information.
Sponsored by Athenaeum member J. Scott Laughlin of Prudential Fox & Roach
Realtors
Above:
"Kelty" Courtesy Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors, 2008.
Save
the Date:
November
19: Chilean Literary Event
December
3: James Garrison discusses Houses of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill & the
Wissahickon Valley, 1880-1930
December
6: Book Workshop: Pop-Up Magic with Maria Pisano
See the
Event Calendar for
details and additional events.
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