The Grundy House: A lovely example of the Queen Anne Architectural Style
Along the banks of the Delaware River about 10 miles north of Philadelphia lies the quaint town of Bristol, Pennsylvania, where at one time the historic Delaware Canal met the river thru a series of locks. My wife and I adore this place, full of history, charm and beautiful architecture, not to mention fine dining, antique shops and summertime concerts in the park.
Due to its location, waterways, terrain, rail lines, natural resources and industries the town of Bristol, PA was thriving before the Grundy family moved there from Philadelphia but they did a great deal to further improve the town and the lives of its residents by opening a very large, very successful textile mill along the Delaware canal in 1876. The mill provided many well paying jobs and as affluent philanthropists the Grundys also sponsored public works projects that improved Bristol's infrastructure and schools as well as also supporting various local charitable causes. They made the social register, became politically active and since they lived on a sprawling farmstead on the outskirts of town they desired a house in town located closer to the mill.
The Grundy House was brought to its current state of glory by the Grundy family after they purchased and remodeled it in 1884. They had a wonderful sense of style and a grand eye for detail. They spared no expense. Of course, the renovations went over budget and took longer than expected- when it comes to contractors and renovations, some things never change- but when you are rich such matters are inconsequential.
In the ensuing years the house essentially remained unchanged and eventually Senator Joseph Grundy, its last resident, created an endowment and donated the building to the town of Bristol in 1961 with the stipulation it be maintained as a museum commemorating the family.
Entering the house is both a trip back in time as well as an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Grundy family. The antique furnishings in the house belonged to them and their portraits still hang on the walls. The ornately carved oak wood paneling on the walls of the foyer and staircase are magnificent. Many of the rooms are trimmed with beautiful mahogany crown molding, chair rails and wainscoting. Carefully fitted hardwood floors, beautifully patterned wall paper, ornate Persian carpets and brass door knobs abound. This is the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail that modern houses lack.
I was amazed by an intricate, beautiful grandfather clock that was gifted to the family in1795 and is still in good working order. That clock has been running continuously for 230 years! I'll say this: they don't make them like they used to.
We visited the Grundy House Museum at Christmas time when it is specially decorated for Yuletide. Admission was limited and we were glad we booked in advance since the tours filled quickly. The holiday decorations were lovely and enhanced the home's charm and beauty.
It's a magnificent house- a slice of Victorian splendor- and the story of the Grundy family is interesting, too. If you ever get the chance, pay the Grundy House Museum a visit.
