Video
Stop 7 - Ironmaster's Mansion
Transcript
The Ironmaster’s Mansion, also known as the Big House refers to the residence of the chief manager of the furnace company. It is a utilitarian structure that was expanded over the years to meet the needs of the Ironmaster, his family and business. The northwest wing of the building (where the front door is located) is the earliest portion of the home in the late 1770s. The house was altered when needs changed. In 1830, for example, the Ironmaster, Clement Brooke, expanded the home to help accommodate 15 members of his household, including servants. Additions to the house would continue throughout the subsequent years including the center section of the front porch in 1867 and the ends of the porch in 1870. The Ironmaster’s Mansion bustled with activity from furnace workers, family members, business associates, and general laborers working on the grounds. Most notably, molders and single men often ate their dinners in a portion of the basement known as the “molder’s kitchen”. All this activity was supported by several service buildings and a garden. Today, you may walk the grounds and explore some of these buildings including the spring house, smoke house and bake oven.
Description
Discover the Ironmaster's Mansion at Hopewell Furnace with Ranger Zerby.
Duration
1 minute, 12 seconds
Date Created
09/25/2020
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