Saturday, August 25, 2007

The Mansion at Smithville (Easthampton) Burlington County NJ

Historic Smithville Mansion sits amid a 250-acre park in Easthampton, Burlington County, New Jersey. If you get a chance to tour the inside of this home, the docents "tell of the rise and fall of H.B. Smith, inventor and entrepreneur, his extraordinary accomplishments clouded by personal controversy."

In 1975, the mansion and surrounding site were acquired by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders to develop as the first Burlington County park. The squarish house, covered by a log tip roof was refurbished to its 1865 appearance. The mansion complex remains the centerpiece of the park, and houses the Offices of the Cultural and Heritage Commission.

The tourist web site for Burlington County further states: "In H.B. Smith's old schoolhouse Smithville History Exhibit, 20 photo/narrative panels depict major aspects of the mill village and its colorful founder. Tourists visit Smith's "casino" annex, including card room, billiard room and bowling alley, then passes the site of Smith's zoo, through the grape arbors and rose garden courtyards. See the restoration work done to the exterior of the Mansion complex and gardener's cottage."

The mansion is located on Smithville Road in Eastampton, 3/4 mile off of Route 38, 2 miles east of Mount Holly. The house is open from early May through late October, Wednesday and Sunday 1, 2, & 3 PM.

ADMISSION: Adults $5.00 Seniors $4.00 Student $3.00Adults groups of 10 or more: $4.00 each with reservation Grade school groups (10 or more): $2.00 each with reservation

A Tea & Tour is held at Noon, the last Wednesday of the month By reservation only: $12.00/person (609) 261-0472

-More Smithville History-

J

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