Cabrini's historic Mansion
The Woodcrest Estate Mansion, the centerpiece of the Cabrini College campus and a landmark on the Philadelphia Main Line, has been named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Designed by Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer and constructed more than 100 years ago, much of the 51-room mansion remains virtually unchanged. Much of the interior was restored to its original elegance for the College's 50th anniversary in 2007-08.
The architecture includes elements of 15th, 16th, and 17th century English design and is primarily modeled after the Elizabethan (Tudor) style. It was recommended for inclusion on the National Register by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Bureau for Historical Preservation.
"The Commission recognized the importance of this work by architect Horace Trumbauer to not only the Cabrini College community, but also to the heritage of the surrounding community," said Howard Holden, director of Facilities at Cabrini. "Cabrini College has made it a priority to maintain the historical significance of the Mansion."
The Mansion was constructed between 1901 and 1903 for financial leader James W. Paul Jr., son-in-law of famed Philadelphia financier Anthony Drexel.
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Members of the Hamilton family gather on the front steps of the Mansion.
From left: Peter Hamilton '96, Margaret Hamilton Duprey '73, HON'08, Mrs. Samuel M.V. Hamilton, Sam Hamilton, Crawford Hamilton, Anne Hamilton, Matthew Hamilton, and Alta Hamilton. |
In 1925, members of the Paul family sold the Mansion and 120 acres of the Woodcrest Estate to Dr. John T. Dorrance, inventor of the formula for condensed soup and president of Campbell's Soup Company.
In 1953 the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSCs) purchased the property for use as an "Orphanage and Retreat House." Four years later, the MSCs founded Cabrini College, which enrolled 47 women in its first class.
A plaque commemorating the honor will be dedicated this evening during a ceremony featuring members of the Paul and Hamilton families.
In the College's first decade, the Mansion served as the primary academic and resident building. The Mansion continues to serve as host site for formal and informal campus events for students and alumni, fine arts concerts, and houses several administrative offices, including the Office of the President, Institutional Advancement, Alumni Affairs, the Business Office, and Marketing and Communications.