A National Historic Landmark
The Mansion was the home of philanthropist, railroad magnate and founder of Lehigh University, Asa Packer. Built in 1861 by Philadelphia architect, Samuel Sloan, the home was constructed over a span of two years and cost a whopping $14,000! Topped by a red-ribbed tin roof and a central cupola, the home was built over a cast iron frame and costs of 3 stories affording 11,000 square feet of living space.
Mary Packer Cummings, in 1912, willed her family’s home and all its contents to the Borough of Mauch Chunk where it would remain as a memorial to her father and his accomplishments. At that time, the borough was not certain what to do with the home so it was closed until 1956. In the 44 years that The Mansion remained closed, nothing was taken from the home; nothing was vandalized.
The Bear Mountain Lions Club, named trustees to the home in 1954, was interested in sponsoring a new community project and approached the borough about opening The Mansion’s doors. The Mansion has been open to the public since Memorial Day of 1956 and was recognized for its national significance in commemorating the history of the United States by the National Park Service in 1985.
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