Peter Widener was NEVER an investor in the Titanic. He was a founding board member of the International Mercantile Marine. They did own the White Star Line, and White Star Line owned the Titanic. IMM was found in 1902, the Titanic wasn't designed until 1909, and completed in 1912. Peter Widener initially made his fortune in the meat business. He and his brothers owned meat shops across Philadelphia. Peter then turned his sights on rail transport, and owned rail transport lines in Philadelphia, New York, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Peter later acquired a 20% stake in IMM, but he never invested in the Titanic. He never had anything to do with the Titanic. The initial owner was Thomas Ismay, with his son J.Bruce Ismay. This was before White Star Line acquired ownership of the Titanic.
America's largest abandoned home is coming back to life
A neoclassical masterpiece, Lynnewood Hall is considered one of the greatest surviving Gilded Age mansions in America. Yet, due to a complex and sad history, the stately home unfortunately fell into disrepair, its exquisite architecture languishing for over 70 years. Now, this sleeping beauty is reawakening and work is finally underway to restore the magnificent structure to its former glory.
From ornate interiors and hidden tunnels to its tragic Titanic connection, click or scroll on to uncover the mysteries of this fascinating estate that's slowly coming back to life.
Jen Grimble
27 September 2024
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Typo correction - it is in the top 15.
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Great footage! We spent a afternoon outside the property. Wow, what a day. You can see it from the street. It is a massive home. See Wikipedia largest homes ever built in America - it is in the top 5. A very significant US home indeed on 3 major points: 1. One of Philadelphia area's richest men ever built it and lived here. 2. One of the largest homes (I mean, large) ever built in the US and with good quality materials at the time. 3. Housed one of the most expensive (if not the most pricey) private US art collections ever held. Mostly given to the Smithsonian in DC. Net - a true example of the top very rich in a very rich, extreme living environment in US history. The house for sale price is a good deal given it's size, quality and gilded age stature. A lot of it is in good, solid shape and repairs actually can be done for less than $10 million. Thing is it was built at a time long ago when Elkins Park was more nice rural than it is today. The area around grew fairly middle class and is no longer "the desired area" to live in now. Utilities and taxes to just run the house will be pricey. In other words, most wealthy would not buy it to live in Elkins Park today and in such a large home. Given the aspects of this impressive home, I hope somehow it is saved. It would be nice if a school or university took it over.
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09 September 2021