The Governor's Mansion - Drumthwacket
William Penn obviously knew the value of Prince-Town real estate and I wish I had been his agent.
On a portion of the 5,500 acres that he originally owned now sits Drumthwacket (Scottish Gaelic word for "wooded hill"). This magnificent mansion is hard to miss as you drive along Stockton Street (Route 206) in Princeton. However the estate's beginnings were much more modest by today's standards.
The small cottage sitting on the lawn of today's estate, the Olden House, was built by John Hill between 1759 and 1765 on 300 acres. Thomas Olden, a descendant of one of the original Quaker settlers, purchased the property in 1772, and his grandson, Charles Smith Olden was born here in 1799.
When Charles Olden (Governor during the Civil War) purchased the property in 1835 Drumthwacket was born. The Greek Revival style home with porticos and large ionic capped pillars was inspired by his fondness for New Orleans architecture.
Purchased by Moses Taylor Payne in 1893 for $15,000, transformation began with the addition of greenhouses, gardens, bridal paths, a dairy farm and two wings to the building. Again changing hands in 1941 Abram Nathaniel Spanel, scientist, bought the house on 12 acres from Pyne's grandchild, Agnes. During his ownership, the Music Room was the invention workroom for the engineers in residence, who worked for his International Latex Corporation.
The State of New Jersey acquired the property in 1966, with plans to covert it to a mansion for the Governor, and established the Drumthwacket Foundation for its restoration and management.
Although it officially became the Governor's mansion in 1982, most have only occupied it on a part-time basis. James Florio and James McGreevey have been the only full-time residents.
The 11,700 sq. ft. Drumthwacket mansion has 20 rooms. As restored, the home's interior paint was analyzed and is a true representation of the period, with original flooring and cupboards, and antique furnishings. Hand-made brick fireplaces were taken apart and rebuilt.
Olden House, which is the Gift Shop, is a favorite among visitors. Its 18th century charm is still apparent, with no signs of its short stints as butler's home, rare bird aviary or "Monkey House."
More History/Take a Tour: www.drumthwacket.org
William Penn obviously knew the value of Prince-Town real estate and I wish I had been his agent.
On a portion of the 5,500 acres that he originally owned now sits Drumthwacket (Scottish Gaelic word for "wooded hill"). This magnificent mansion is hard to miss as you drive along Stockton Street (Route 206) in Princeton. However the estate's beginnings were much more modest by today's standards.
The small cottage sitting on the lawn of today's estate, the Olden House, was built by John Hill between 1759 and 1765 on 300 acres. Thomas Olden, a descendant of one of the original Quaker settlers, purchased the property in 1772, and his grandson, Charles Smith Olden was born here in 1799.
When Charles Olden (Governor during the Civil War) purchased the property in 1835 Drumthwacket was born. The Greek Revival style home with porticos and large ionic capped pillars was inspired by his fondness for New Orleans architecture.
Purchased by Moses Taylor Payne in 1893 for $15,000, transformation began with the addition of greenhouses, gardens, bridal paths, a dairy farm and two wings to the building. Again changing hands in 1941 Abram Nathaniel Spanel, scientist, bought the house on 12 acres from Pyne's grandchild, Agnes. During his ownership, the Music Room was the invention workroom for the engineers in residence, who worked for his International Latex Corporation.
The State of New Jersey acquired the property in 1966, with plans to covert it to a mansion for the Governor, and established the Drumthwacket Foundation for its restoration and management.
Although it officially became the Governor's mansion in 1982, most have only occupied it on a part-time basis. James Florio and James McGreevey have been the only full-time residents.
The 11,700 sq. ft. Drumthwacket mansion has 20 rooms. As restored, the home's interior paint was analyzed and is a true representation of the period, with original flooring and cupboards, and antique furnishings. Hand-made brick fireplaces were taken apart and rebuilt.
Olden House, which is the Gift Shop, is a favorite among visitors. Its 18th century charm is still apparent, with no signs of its short stints as butler's home, rare bird aviary or "Monkey House."
More History/Take a Tour: www.drumthwacket.org
posted by Helene Ashukian at
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