Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Powel House
A former lady of the house is a hospitable hostess.
Heavy players in the Revolutionary War are frequent visitors.
DESCRIPTION
This three story grand Georgian Colonial townhouse museum is built along 3rd street known as “Millionaires Row.” It is a house museum which has a lovely 18th century garden area as well. The rooms contain old artifacts and authentic reproductions of furnishings which existed during the time which Samuel Powel lived here. The original property was much larger in the 18th and 19th century, as the grounds extended to 4th street.
The first floor’s dining room and parlor are found on either side of the main paneled and columned entrance hallway, which also features the original glorious colonial, Santo Domingo mahogany staircase.
The second floor highlights include the rococo ballroom, with bas-relief plaster work, where George and Martha Washington celebrated their anniversary in 1779. Also, worth admiring is the adjacent withdrawing parlor, which was used then and now as an elegant room for cocktails, conversations, and dining.
The beautiful mahogany wainscoting throughout the mansion give the place its reputation as perhaps America’s finest existing Georgian Colonial townhouse.
Admission: Adults $5.00, Students and Seniors $4.00, Family $12.00, Children 6 and under FREE. Group Tours (10 or more people with appointment): $3.00 per person.
HISTORY
The Powel House was built in 1765-1766 by a real estate owner, Charles Stedman, who wound up having to sell it to try to keep out of debtor’s prison. Samuel Powel, who bought this glorious home from Stedman in 1769, has the distinction of being the last colonial mayor of Philadelphia before the Revolution, and the first mayor after the Revolution.
Samuel Powel was personal friends with George Washington and many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Marquis de Lafayette. He and his wife entertained them all in their home. Samuel Powel died from yellow fever in 1793.
During the early 1900s, the house was owned by Wolf Klebansky, who used it as a warehouse and office for his import/export business featuring Russian and Siberian horse hair and bristles. By 1917, Wolf Klebansky, the dolt, had sold much of the interior architectural detail, designed by Robert Smith to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum.
In 1931, the Powel House was little more than a shell of its former self, and nearly torn down to make way for an open-air garage and parking lot…YIKES!!! What were they thinking? People came to their senses in the nick of time!
The Landmarks Society was founded by Frances Anne Wister in 1931 to specifically save the Powel House from the wrecking ball, by raising the money to buy the property. The Landmarks Society continued in its work of saving and then restoring, furnishing, and presenting to the public its distinguished house museums, holding events and renting out space in these homes to help with the expenses. Weddings, receptions, special events are held here, which would’ve made the Powels very happy as they loved to entertain!
HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS
The Marquis de Lafayette was a French nobleman who passionately loved freedom and hated the monarchy system. He came to America in 1777 to help the colonists fight the English in the Revolutionary War and was a close friend to George Washington. Lafayette loved Philadelphia, and visited the Powels as everyone else did who was involved in founding the new nation.
Occasionally, epidemics would spread through killing people of all ages. Perhaps some other people besides Samuel Powel who lived in this household died from the Yellow Fever.
Benedict Arnold is said to have unfinished business at the Powel House.
MANIFESTATIONS
Spirit of Marquis de Lafayette & Spirits of Officers
The apparition of Marquis de Lafayette and some ghostly Continental Army Officers have been seen entering the front door of the Powel House without having to open the door, as they simply walked right through!
Spirit of Benedict Arnold
The entity of Benedict Arnold has been seen at the Powel House.
When I find out the story behind this sighting, I will add it to this story and list the source.
Spirit of a Female Beauty
The apparition of a young, beautiful woman dressed in a beige and lavender dress has made the second floor her home.
She has been seen sitting in the withdrawing room (found just off the second floor ballroom), fanning herself. When spotted by the living, she smiles graciously before melting into the air.
A man on a tour had to use the rest room on the second floor, when the lights went out. It was pitch black and he couldn’t see his hand in front of his face. He found the hallway by following the side wall of the restroom.
Then He felt a cold wind surround him. A cold hand firmly took his hand and led him to the stairs. Just then, the lights went on and for an instant he saw his benefactress, a beautiful woman, who smiled at him as she faded away!
STILL HAUNTED?
Yes Indeed!
An unknown lady of the house still welcomes the living and the dead to her home and is a gracious hostess. Marquis de Lafayette was buried in France, yet he visits the Powel home perhaps because he has found memories here. Benedict Arnold may have a bone to pick with someone who lived here or perhaps has something to get off his chest.
LOCATION
244 South 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0364
The Powel House is located in an area known as Society Hill, within walking distance of Independence Hall in the historic district. It is on South 3rd Street, between Spruce and Walnut Streets.
SOURCES INCLUDE
- philalandmarks.org
- ushistory.org
- fieldtrip.com
- angelfire.com
- Haunted Holidays
Edited by Laura Forman
Discovery Communications
Our Haunted Paranormal Stories are Written by Julie Carr
