The Baker Mansion in Altoona, PA was an iron magnate’s dream. And that dream is still alive today.
Elias Baker had no idea how many obstacles he would face as he began to build his iconic home in 1844. This gorgeous, Greek revival architectural marvel took five years to complete. What’s more, Mr. Baker’s financial troubles made completion of the mansion in doubt on more than one occasion, since the demand for his iron products fluctuated quite dramatically during those years. (Actually, the beautiful Baker Mansion bears some resemblance to Mrs. Baker’s family homestead in Lancaster County, PA.)
Elias Baker saw the potential for iron manufacturing in the area since natural resources were plentiful. And railroad transportation was just beginning to flourish in the area.
Click HERE for more historical details, and to even take a fantastic virtual tour of the mansion!)
The Baker Mansion is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year! We enjoyed a private tour of the home during our wonderful, partially hosted stay in Altoona last summer.
(Explore Altoona partially sponsored our visit to Altoona and Blair County, but, as always, all comments and recommendations in this post are mine and mine alone.)
A Warm Welcome at the Mansion
We arrived at the mansion bright and early one morning, where we were warmly greeted by Kate Rimbeck, Executive Director of the Blair County Historical Society. Even though her schedule was packed that day, she spent several hours showing us through the gorgeous home.
The entrance hallway is breathtaking. In addition to the marvelous woodwork, the intricate plaster details throughout the entire home are true works of art.
Just imagine elegantly dressed guests, arriving by horse and carriage, entering through the portico for an evening of fine dining and socializing. Truly a bygone era brought back to life by the Blair County Historical Society.
Two parlors flank the wide hallway and await those lucky guests. On one side of the hallway, women gathered in their parlor to enjoy an evening filled with music, refreshments and conversation.
While across the hall, the gentlemen’s parlor hosted the men. Just picture them smoking cigars and playing cards. You might even find a snifter of brandy being enjoyed by those iron manufacturing tycoons and prominent businessmen.
Elias Baker’s office is also a fascinating glimpse back in time. His desk even holds the ledger listing the home’s expenses from the 1800’s! (It seems everyone “back in the day” had exquisite handwriting!)
No expense was spared by the family when it came to their ornate home’s furnishings. You’ll be amazed to learn that many of the furnishings currently displayed in the museum were original to the home.
Wedding Dresses Through the Decades…
Ms. Rimbeck even shared a special dress display being showcased at the time we visited. This large room was FILLED with wedding dresses from past to present! Such a beautiful glimpse at how fashion has changed over more than a century.
Dinner Is Served…
Of course, as a food a travel writer, I couldn’t wait to explore the elegant dining table and marvel at the unique foods being enjoyed by the Baker family and their guests. Two food items were especially interesting to me. Fresh oysters and raw celery! Apparently, celery was quite a delicacy in those days.
Now, where were those meals prepared? Let’s take a trip downstairs to see the kitchen.
This kitchen boasted state of the art materials and equipment at the time.
Time for Bed…and a Bath…
Now let’s head back up several LONG flights of stairs to one of the many bedrooms. (I love the sash on that beautiful dress!)
Just imagine bathing in this copper bathtub!
As our amazing tour came to an end, Ms. Rimbeck guided us out onto the front porch to marvel at the huge columns, and to take in the panoramic view.
The bottom portion of each column is actually made of iron that was actually cast at Elias Baker’s Bakers Allegheny (Alleghany)Furnace.
Volunteers…Inside and Out
There, from our vantage point on the portico, we watched the many Baker Mansion volunteers as they pruned shrubs and weeded those beautiful flower beds. It’s clear that volunteers are the lifeblood of the Blair County Historical Society.
Just look at these flowers! Clearly, the volunteers are always hard at work in that garden.
Yes, The Baker Mansion History Museum and the Blair County Historical Society have much to be proud of. We truly enjoyed our private tour on that wonderful summer day. The mansion and the grounds are definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Altoona.
NOTE: The Baker Mansion History Museum opens for the 2024 season on May 24th.
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