WHITEMARSH HALL

Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania

1916 - 1980

Whitemarsh Lodge

August 6, 1917

Dear Mr. Trumbauer:

I have never been able to find an expression in words for the majestic simplicity and beauty of the new house which is so satisfying, so thrilling in its loveliness that it sometimes brings tears to my eyes when I see it at sunset or in the moonlight. Only yesterday I happened upon the following lines written by a young soldier who returned from the trenches to Paris, and thus describes his emotion in looking again at the Louvre:

"Heavens, there's no mistake about it being good to look at! What order, what concert, what rhythm! I am flooded in the harmony of it. I bathe myself, piously, in this silent music."

I send you this because I know that, being your own creation, the house must mean even more to you than it does to me, and you will value this tribute accordingly.

Sincerely yours,

Eva R. Stotesbury

(Source: The Twilight of Splendor, by James T. Maher, page 68)
Soon after their marriage in 1912, the Stotesburys began thinking about building a country house. They engaged architect Horace Trumbauer to build what arguably became his greatest work: Whitemarsh Hall. Situated on over three hundred acres in Wyndmoor outside Philadelphia, Whitemarsh Hall incorporated the best of what the Stotesburys, Trumbauer, Sir Joseph Duveen and numerous other talented individuals could provide for a country house that was to be the Stotesbury's home for many years. Unfortunately, the demise of Whitemarsh Hall coincided with the demise of the Stotesbury fortune...all that remains are the ruins of a once proud mansion.

Watch Part I of the Video Series on Whitemarsh Hall (Exterior Views)

(Be sure to turn on your audio to hear the music)

 

 

 

Watch Part II of the Video Series on Whitemarsh Hall (Interior Views)

(Be sure to turn on your audio to hear the music)

 

 

 

 

Watch Part III of the Video Series on Whitemarsh Hall (The Eventual Demise)

(Be sure to turn on your audio to hear the music)

 

 

 

 

In 1931, Iowa State College Landscape Architecture professor Philip H. Elwood took a group of students on a tour of East Coast gardens. One of the primary places they visited was Whitemarsh Hall. The following film footage of the Whitemarsh Hall gardens (1:15 to 3:30) was taken during this trip.

 

Click here to watch the film of Whitemarsh Hall gardens in 1931

 

For additional information on the fountains and sculpture in the gardens at Whitemarsh Hall, click here.

 
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