FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

“19^th Century Industrialism Brought Innovative Architecture to Jim Thorpe”

During the Victorian era, growing American industrialism brought about many innovations in construction.  Styling inspired by the great homes of Europe became available.  The utilitarian era of architecture was coming to a close.  Its replacement was often fanciful and ornate.

Stained glass windows, towers, turrets, wrap around porches and other fanciful details became the fashion.  Old world craftsmen used their skills to carve interior woodwork.  Engineers used their abilities to build up rather than out.

To exhibit the wealth of styling that came about during the late 1800’s, the Mauch Chunk Historical Society is hosting “Jim Thorpe House Tour… The Historic Homes of Old Mauch Chunk.”  During the October 1 Tour, 15 homes and properties of note located within the Old Mauch Chunk National Register Historic District will be featured.  These homes are typically not open to the public, so participants will get an insider’s view of life in this remarkable town located along the Lehigh.

The town that carries the name of legendary athlete, Jim Thorpe, was established in 1818 as Mauch Chunk, the Leni Lenape word meaning “Bear Mountain”.  The name refers to the shape of a neighboring mountainside located across the scenic Lehigh River.

Mauch Chunk’s picturesque surroundings and strategic location lured entrepreneurs, pioneers and immigrants.  The town grew in importance when it was named Carbon County’s seat in 1843. Because this was where anthracite coal was transferred from land to water, much commerce and politics gravitated to the riverside community. 

Between 1850 and 1890, construction boomed.  Asa Packer, founder of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh University, built a mansion on a hillside overlooking town. Other industrialists followed suit, building prestigious homes in the narrow valley below.  The elegant townhouses constructed along Broadway became known as Millionaires Row. It’s said that one point 13 millionaires lived here, in a town with a population of only 3,000.

The house tour will center on the historic downtown area of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.  Homes will open their doors to the public for tours on Sunday, October 1 from 1 to 5 p.m.  You will be able to tour the homes in any order you wish and homeowners and guides will be on hand at each location to offer insights.
 

New for the 2008 House Tour - you can reserve your tickets online! Simply close this window and click the Shows link. Scroll down the list of shows to September 28th, where you'll see the summary for the House Tour. Click the Buy Online link. We'll then email you your tickets. Be sure to print them out and bring them with you to the House Tour for admission. Jim Thorpe House Tour tickets are $15 in advance (a $5 service charge will be added to each ticket on internet orders) and $20 the day of the event.  For more information, please call 570-325-4439.