September 23-29, 2004

cityspace

A Lodge Called Hope

by Cory Frolik

A program at Fort Washington's Hope Lodge on Oct. 9 will only add to the curiosity about one of the nation's best examples of Georgian building design.

Georgian designs were among the stronger motifs of the leisure class in the 18th century in both Britain and here in the United States. Its philosophy—a blend of European classicalism which eschews rural living—is unique as a signet of pragmatism. While the word "practicality" today may seem anathema to some ("It's practical," always said in an apologetic tone), it was to Samuel Morris, the original owner of the estate, a perfect expression of ideology.

Many visitors to Hope Lodge enjoy the contrast in architectural essence that it offers. This is because the last owners of the house, the William L. Degn family, worked to restore it to Colonial glory in the mid-20th century. As a result, the Oct. 9 tour of the house is a comparative study between rooms of the authentic Colonial period and rooms that are works of restoration. And there is a good bit to see.

Hope Lodge qualifies as a mansion, and yet is absent the pomposity of such, with no shortage of contextual reference. Its original owner, Samuel Morris, paid for the construction in part by bartering rum with two masons named Samuel Johnson and John McNeal.

To further elucidate the historical significance of the lodge, Bryan Van Sweden, acting chief of grant programs for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, will host a program titled "Interpreting History through Architecture" on the day of the tour. He has given talks in the past on how practical choices lead to "unintended aesthetic, environmental, and social consequences." Most likely, he will touch upon how our lives are influenced by aesthetics and how people's dispositions are susceptible to light variations and weather.

Van Sweden will use Hope Lodge as a backdrop for his slide presentation, which will not be limited to the Colonial period but will trace the significance of architectural design and how it has evolved over time.

Bryan Van Sweden discusses "Interpreting History through Architecture," Sat., Oct. 9, 10 a.m., Hope Lodge, 553 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 215-646-1595.