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“...the old house is, moreover, in addition to its historical interest, the occupant of a site so evidently adapted for the uses of a public park that there should be no question of the retention of the mansion, in a dignified condition, as one of the municipal monuments of a city which has too few.”
“...the old house is, moreover, in addition to its historical interest, the occupant of a site so evidently adapted for the uses of a public park that there should be no question of the retention of the mansion, in a dignified condition, as one of the municipal monuments of a city which has too few.”
“The Jumel Mansion,” New York Times, January 8, 1903.
Manhattan: Jumel Terrace - 160th Street. Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. New York Public Library Digital Collections.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights, Manhattan was built in 1765 as the country home of Roger and Mary Morris. The house played host to soldiers during the Revolutionary War; its most famous occupant of that period was George Washington. In 1810 the Mansion was purchased by Stephen and Eliza Jumel, who turned it into a lavishly-decorated estate in the French Empire style.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights, Manhattan was built in 1765 as the country home of Roger and Mary Morris. The house played host to soldiers during the Revolutionary War; its most famous occupant of that period was George Washington. In 1810 the Mansion was purchased by Stephen and Eliza Jumel, who turned it into a lavishly-decorated estate in the French Empire style.
The Mansion has been open to the public as a museum since 1907. Its long institutional history has seen many and varied interpretations of the house and its residents. Early presentations of the site centered around its role as George Washington's headquarters. Read on to discover the site's preservation history and its transition from private residence to public museum.
The Mansion has been open to the public as a museum since 1907. Its long institutional history has seen many and varied interpretations of the house and its residents. Early presentations of the site centered around its role as George Washington's headquarters. Read on to discover the site's preservation history and its transition from private residence to public museum.
Lillie J. Earle
"A Patriotic Instinct"
"A Patriotic Instinct"
In 1894 General Ferdinand and Lillie J. Earle acquired the Mansion, naming it “Earle Cliff.” The Earles were praised as “people of taste and patriotic instincts” who had “a keen appreciation of the historical significance of the old Colonial and Revolutionary mansion, and preserved and cherished it as a precious heirloom, hoping for the day when the city would take it under its care and maintain it as a public monument to the memory of the great name of Washington.” Under their ownership, interest in the Mansion as a site of historical significance blossomed. In support of the site’s preservation, Lillie herself founded the Washington Heights Chapter of the DAR on February 18, 1897.
In 1894 General Ferdinand and Lillie J. Earle acquired the Mansion, naming it “Earle Cliff.” The Earles were praised as “people of taste and patriotic instincts” who had “a keen appreciation of the historical significance of the old Colonial and Revolutionary mansion, and preserved and cherished it as a precious heirloom, hoping for the day when the city would take it under its care and maintain it as a public monument to the memory of the great name of Washington.” Under their ownership, interest in the Mansion as a site of historical significance blossomed. In support of the site’s preservation, Lillie herself founded the Washington Heights Chapter of the DAR on February 18, 1897.
Public interest in the site was palpable with patriotic societies, social clubs, and the press advocating for the preservation of “Washington’s Headquarters.” One New York Times journalist remarked, “...the old house is, moreover, in addition to its historical interest, the occupant of a site so evidently adapted for the uses of a public park that there should be no question of the retention of the mansion, in a dignified condition, as one of the municipal monuments of a city which has too few.” Unfortunately, the Earles were ultimately unable to fully care for the extensive property on their own.
Public interest in the site was palpable with patriotic societies, social clubs, and the press advocating for the preservation of “Washington’s Headquarters.” One New York Times journalist remarked, “...the old house is, moreover, in addition to its historical interest, the occupant of a site so evidently adapted for the uses of a public park that there should be no question of the retention of the mansion, in a dignified condition, as one of the municipal monuments of a city which has too few.” Unfortunately, the Earles were ultimately unable to fully care for the extensive property on their own.
After her husband’s death in January 1903, Lillie consulted her fellow DAR members to save the house. Chapter members convened on February 14th, 1903 at the residence of Mrs. Samuel J. Kramer (maiden name Ella Wilson Kramer) “to assist in a movement for the purchase of Washington’s Headquarters on Washington Heights, by municipal authorities. At this meeting an organization was effected and named the General Committee of the Daughters of the American Revolution of the Borough of Manhattan for the preservation and custody of Washington’s Headquarters on Washington Heights.” The group of women met in the “historic ‘council chamber’” (the present day Octagon Room), the room in which their Patriot forefathers had convened over a century before. The community rallied quickly to show their support, and on July 29th, 1903 Lillie Earle sold the property to the City of New York for $235,000.
After her husband’s death in January 1903, Lillie consulted her fellow DAR members to save the house. Chapter members convened on February 14th, 1903 at the residence of Mrs. Samuel J. Kramer (maiden name Ella Wilson Kramer) “to assist in a movement for the purchase of Washington’s Headquarters on Washington Heights, by municipal authorities. At this meeting an organization was effected and named the General Committee of the Daughters of the American Revolution of the Borough of Manhattan for the preservation and custody of Washington’s Headquarters on Washington Heights.” The group of women met in the “historic ‘council chamber’” (the present day Octagon Room), the room in which their Patriot forefathers had convened over a century before. The community rallied quickly to show their support, and on July 29th, 1903 Lillie Earle sold the property to the City of New York for $235,000.
The Washington Headquarters Association
The Washington Headquarters Association
Though the Mansion and surrounding park was owned by the City, it sat empty and closed to the public. Looking back in 1916, museum curator William Henry Shelton lamented, “During the three years between the purchase of the house by the city and its opening as a museum, it stood neglected, without repairs, in care of a single watchman...” Both the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Society of the Colonial Dames almost immediately began lobbying to take management of the house. The DAR believed they should oversee the house as they had incited the City to save the house. Age-old arguments against the “patriotism” of the Colonial Dames surfaced; one DAR member alleged that while her ancestors fought under Washington, those of the Colonial Dames might have fought against him.
Though the Mansion and surrounding park was owned by the City, it sat empty and closed to the public. Looking back in 1916, museum curator William Henry Shelton lamented, “During the three years between the purchase of the house by the city and its opening as a museum, it stood neglected, without repairs, in care of a single watchman...” Both the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Society of the Colonial Dames almost immediately began lobbying to take management of the house. The DAR believed they should oversee the house as they had incited the City to save the house. Age-old arguments against the “patriotism” of the Colonial Dames surfaced; one DAR member alleged that while her ancestors fought under Washington, those of the Colonial Dames might have fought against him.
After only a year, the so-called “warriors” of the DAR found success again at the Mansion. In 1904, Parks Commissioner John Pallas gave custody of the Mansion to Mrs. Sameul J. Kramer’s General Committee of the DAR mentioned above. This committee became incorporated on March 17th, 1904 as the Washington Headquarters Association and was comprised of four local DAR chapters: Washington Heights, Mary Washington Colonial, Knickerbocker, and Manhattan.
After only a year, the so-called “warriors” of the DAR found success again at the Mansion. In 1904, Parks Commissioner John Pallas gave custody of the Mansion to Mrs. Sameul J. Kramer’s General Committee of the DAR mentioned above. This committee became incorporated on March 17th, 1904 as the Washington Headquarters Association and was comprised of four local DAR chapters: Washington Heights, Mary Washington Colonial, Knickerbocker, and Manhattan.
[Washington's Head-Quarters Plaque], 1903. Bronze. Courtesy Morris-Jumel Mansion.
This bronze plaque, placed next to the Mansion's front door on Monday December 28, 1903, unofficially names the site as "Washington's Head-Quarters" and credits the Washington Heights Chapter of the DAR for the site's preservation. In the fight for management of the site, the Daughter's cite this tablet as evidence that they "were the first discoverers of the house as a Revolutionary souvenir."[FN***"Warriors of the Daughters" NYT article 1904] Among the names listed on the plaque are Mrs. Ferdinand Pinney Earle (Lillie J. Earle), Eliza Caryl Jumel (grandniece and adopted daughter of Eliza Jumel), and Ella Wilson Kramer (Mrs. Samuel J. Kramer). The plaque incorrectly dates the mansion's building to 1758.
“Warriors of the Daughters Who Fight Against the Dames: An Up-To-Date Revolution over the Possession of the Jumel Mansion Is Being Waged by Twenty-Eight Women.” New York Times, 24 April 1904.
A 1904 New York Times article lists the following women as the founding members of the Washington Headquarters Association.
Manhattan Chapter: Mrs. William Cumming Story (Regent), Mrs. Robert Dhu MacDonald, Mrs. William Murray Crombie, Mrs. Albert H. Ellis, Mrs. Martin Van Buren Travis, Mrs. William Arrowsmith, Mrs. Alfred Nelson
Knickerbocker Chapter: Mrs. Frederick Hasbrouck (Regent), Mrs. Charles E. Taft, Mrs. L. Curtis Brackett, Mrs. W.R. Stewart,
Mary Washington Chapter: Miss Mary Van Buren Vanderpoel (Regent), Miss Ellen Seymour Loomis, Mrs. Julius H. Seymour, Miss Lillian Tilghman Montgomery, Miss Jessie Kittridge Humason, Mrs. George Stephenson Bixby, Miss Jennie Little Jones, Mrs. Walter L. Carr
Washington Heights Chapter: Mrs. Samuel G. Kramer (Regent), Mrs. Samuel J. Hotchkiss, Mrs. Thomas E. Vermilye, Mrs. Charles E. Terhune, Mrs. N. Taylor Phillips, Mrs. J.H. Storer, Mrs. H.B. Kirk
Other Incorporators: Mrs. Mary E. Stamler, Mrs. Mary E. Esterbook
A New Museum
A New Museum
Washington's Headquarters opened to the public as a museum on May 28, 1907, with much celebration. The association of women had successfully completed a grassroots campaign to preserve the site for future generations.
Washington's Headquarters opened to the public as a museum on May 28, 1907, with much celebration. The association of women had successfully completed a grassroots campaign to preserve the site for future generations.
[Entry Gate of Washington's Headquarters], 1912. Photograph. Image courtesy of Morris-Jumel Mansion.
“A massive stone and iron entrance gate is to supplant the fence that now surrounds the place, and altogether the effect will be as nearly similar to the original of the historic spot as it is possible for the ingenuity of man to devise. It will make it to the New Yorker what Mount Vernon is to the Washingtonian.”
“A massive stone and iron entrance gate is to supplant the fence that now surrounds the place, and altogether the effect will be as nearly similar to the original of the historic spot as it is possible for the ingenuity of man to devise. It will make it to the New Yorker what Mount Vernon is to the Washingtonian.”
“Plans to Restore the Jumel Mansion.” New York Times, 23 April 1905.
In the beginning, the DAR women presented the Mansion as a shrine to George Washington and an idealized American Colonial past. View some of their early interpretive choices below.
In the beginning, the DAR women presented the Mansion as a shrine to George Washington and an idealized American Colonial past. View some of their early interpretive choices below.
Entry Hall
Entry Hall
Detroit Publishing Co. Main hall looking north, Washington's headquarters, Morris-Jumel Mansion, 1900-1915. Dry plate negative. Library of Congress.
Detroit Publishing Company. Entrance Hall, Washington's Headquarters, Morris-Jumel Mansion, ca. 1920. Postcard, offset photomechanical print. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. New York Public Library Digital Collections.
Pictured here are two views of the Mansion's entry hall. The photograph shows the entry hall with display cases full of "Washingtoniana" in commemoration of the house's then namesake. It may have been decorated for the Mansion's main public event celebrating George Washington's birthday. The postcard shows a painting of Eliza Jumel in place of the display cabinet, and perhaps dates to a later interpretation period that acknowledged the Mansion's dynamic former resident. The painting still hangs there today. An American flag features prominently in the Council Chamber's doorway as an overt statement of the site's patriotic roots.
Pictured here are two views of the Mansion's entry hall. The photograph shows the entry hall with display cases full of "Washingtoniana" in commemoration of the house's then namesake. It may have been decorated for the Mansion's main public event celebrating George Washington's birthday. The postcard shows a painting of Eliza Jumel in place of the display cabinet, and perhaps dates to a later interpretation period that acknowledged the Mansion's dynamic former resident. The painting still hangs there today. An American flag features prominently in the Council Chamber's doorway as an overt statement of the site's patriotic roots.
The Council Chamber
The Council Chamber
(Present-day Octagon Room)
(Present-day Octagon Room)
Detroit Publishing Co. The Council chamber, Washington's headquarters, Morris-Jumel Mansion, 1900-1915. Dry plate negative. Library of Congress.
Detroit Publishing Company. The Council Chamber, Washington's Headquarters, Morris-Jumel Mansion, New York, ca. 1900. Postcard, offset photomechanical print. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. New York Public Library Digital Collections.
Guard Room
Guard Room
Detroit Publishing Co. Guard room showing original wallpaper, Washington's headquarters, Morris Jumel Mansion, 1900-1915. Dry plate negative. Library of Congress.
This photograph shows the Council Chamber's original wallpaper, which was removed from that room under Curator William Henry Shelton around 1916 and installed here in the Guard Room.[***FN Shelton 1916]
This photograph shows the Council Chamber's original wallpaper, which was removed from that room under Curator William Henry Shelton around 1916 and installed here in the Guard Room.[***FN Shelton 1916]
After M.H. Birge & Sons Co. [Replica of original wallpaper from the drawing room of the Morris-Jumel Mansion], ca. 1935. Machine-printed paper. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Sample of drawing room's original wallpaper. The Birge Company created this reproduction in 1934; the original paper was green (visible in the above postcard of the Council Chamber) and would have been printed in France around 1800-1810.
Sample of drawing room's original wallpaper. The Birge Company created this reproduction in 1934; the original paper was green (visible in the above postcard of the Council Chamber) and would have been printed in France around 1800-1810.
Dining Room
Dining Room
Detroit Publishing Company. Dining Room, Showing Washington Collection, Washington's Headquarters, Morris-Jumel Mansion, ca. 1920. Postcard, offset photomechanical print. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. New York Public Library Digital Collections.
The Dining Room housed a memorial exhibition of Washington "relics." Included in the exhibition were buttons from Washington’s coat, Washington mourning jewelry, souvenir snuff boxes with Washington imagery, statues of Washington, a pair of silver drinking cups made for Washington by a London silversmith, a John Trumbull painting of Washington, and a portrait of Mary Ball Washington by Adolph Ulric Wertmuller. Many of these objects are visible in this ca. 1920 postcard.
The Dining Room housed a memorial exhibition of Washington "relics." Included in the exhibition were buttons from Washington’s coat, Washington mourning jewelry, souvenir snuff boxes with Washington imagery, statues of Washington, a pair of silver drinking cups made for Washington by a London silversmith, a John Trumbull painting of Washington, and a portrait of Mary Ball Washington by Adolph Ulric Wertmuller. Many of these objects are visible in this ca. 1920 postcard.
Washington's Bedroom
Washington's Bedroom
Detroit Publishing Company. Washington's Bedroom, Washington's Headquarters, Morris-Jumel Mansion, ca. 1920. Postcard, offset photomechanical print. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. New York Public Library Digital Collections.
Lafayette's Bedroom
Lafayette's Bedroom
Detroit Publishing Co. Lafayette room, where Lafayette slept, Washington's headquarters, Morris-Jumel Mansion, 1900-1915. Dry plate negative. Library of Congress.
Though united in the site’s preservation, the four DAR chapters acted separately in installing the period rooms. The Candle Room, Quilting Room, Spinning Room, and Tea Room were each managed by different chapters that made up the Washington Headquarters Association. Emblematic of period rooms at the time, the Candle, Quilting, and Spinning Rooms housed living history-type demonstrations of Colonial ancestors, while the Tea Room welcomed society meetings and social events.
Though united in the site’s preservation, the four DAR chapters acted separately in installing the period rooms. The Candle Room, Quilting Room, Spinning Room, and Tea Room were each managed by different chapters that made up the Washington Headquarters Association. Emblematic of period rooms at the time, the Candle, Quilting, and Spinning Rooms housed living history-type demonstrations of Colonial ancestors, while the Tea Room welcomed society meetings and social events.
The Candle Room
The Candle Room
Detroit Publishing Co. [The Candle Room], ca. 1915. Dry plate negative. Library of Congress.
The Quilting Room
The Quilting Room
Detroit Publishing Co. [The Quilting Room], ca. 1915. Dry plate negative. Library of Congress.
The Spinning Room
The Spinning Room
Detroit Publishing Co. [The Spinning Room], ca. 1915. Dry plate negative. Library of Congress.
The Tea Room
The Tea Room
Detroit Publishing Co. The Tea room, Washington's headquarters, Morris-Jumel Mansion, 1900-1915. Dry plate negative. Library of Congress.
BTA
References
References
Explore this subject further with Morris-Jumel Mansion's exhibit "From Mansion to Museum," which illustrates the site's transformation from private residence to museum.
Explore this subject further with Morris-Jumel Mansion's exhibit "From Mansion to Museum," which illustrates the site's transformation from private residence to museum.
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