The dedicated women of the board, with the support of the membership, acquired period furniture, china, copper, brass and pictures appropriate for the Georgian structure. Among our proudest possessions, an 1808 Broadwood pianoforte, playable with regular tuning and the 18th century Burge Philadelphia Chippendale highboy that bas been in the Rawle family for the past 225 years.
The history of the Mansion was carefully researched by Martha Crary Halpern of Philadelphia Art Museum, who generously made her research available to WGP members, particularly to the hostesses and tour guides at the Mansion.
TOUR GUIDES AND HOSTESSES
When the Mansion opened to the public in 1976, corps of tour guides and
hostesses were organized and briefed on the Mansion and its contents.
Ann Kavanaugh, assisted by Betty Krauss, recruited, trained and assigned
these members. At the suggestion of Alma Jacobs, it was agreed that
hostesses should wear colonial gowns to enhance the early American atmosphere.
In 1976 Janet McCartney and Ann Sabia began to donate and decorate a handsome Christmas tree. This was an innovation, as most of houses, built in the 1700's, did not have trees. The Germans, according to history, brought the Christmas tree idea to this country in the 1800's. Since the Octagonal Room was built in 1800's -- the tree was chronologically correct.
In 1976, another popular aspect of the Christmas Tours was begun by Betty
Krauss, Elsie Hak and Alma Jacobs. Cinnamon tea was brewed and served
to guests from a handsome silver service in the Great Room by our hostesses
in colonial gowns. In order to raise some money for Laurel Hill, Alma
Jacobs suggested the sale of gingerbread women to go with the tea, plus
gingerbread men. Anna and Stanley Danila oversaw the preparation of
the tea and the sale of gingerbread for many years.
The hostesses and tour guides were on duty regularly, all year round, although the heavy months for visitors were April through October and during the Christmas Tours. The hostesses also serve at special events held at the Mansion. In 1983 Elsie Hak became Tour Guide and Hostess Chairman.
Laurel Hill has been labeled the most hospitable and enjoyable Park house
to visit during the Christmas Tours. There has been as many as 2,000 visitors
per day and evening during the Christmas Tours.
The women in their attractive colonial gowns caught the attention of city and Conventions officials. The "We the People - 200" designated WGP as the official hostesses. After the Bicentennial, the members of WGP, in their role as official hostesses, continued to welcome, escort and assist the Mayor, Governor, city and state officials, members of Congress, and members of the Supreme Court, at special events held during the day or in the evening. During 1988 sixteen hostesses greeted and directed 5,000 Rotarians of the International Rotary Convention from all over the world at their opening gala at Independence Mall. In 2000, the members of WGP were hostesses for some of the receptions for Republican Convention. They also served as greeters and guides during the day for the delegates.
The number of visitors to Laurel Hill increased during these years.
Visitors have come from every state in our country and from many countries
throughout the world. The Holiday Tours each year have been highlight
of the Park Houses. Each year a theme is chosen and many Garden Clubs
in the area assist in decorating the Park Houses. At Laurel Hill Mansion
volunteers spend many hours making tree trimmings, wreaths and stairway
greens and decorating the Christmas tree.