Nestled amid towering trees and sloping grounds of history, there sits a historical treasure, The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum. Owned and operated by the Crawford County Historical Society, this mansion is a worthy destination for those who revel in 19th century architecture and decor.

It was built at 639 Terrace Street in a serene setting overlooking a bustling town in its infancy in 1842-43. According to baldwinreynolds.org, “The two story Greek Revival mansion was the quintessential southern home located in Northwestern Pennsylvania.” The site also notes the house was dubbed the “Mount Vernon of Meadville” in the town’s local newspaper in 1938.

Several years after it was built, the couple who moved in transformed the estate from the “southern style plantation into their dream Victorian home. Pine woodwork was removed and replaced with black walnut, parquet floors were added over the existing pine, and new fireplaces, a library, and solarium were added. The most extensive renovation was the addition of a full third floor for both children’s’ bedrooms and servants’ quarters,” as explained at baldwinreynolds.org.

Visit the website, then make plans to visit the museum. In the meantime, here are some photographs to whet your historical appetite.

This ornate fireplace is on the first floor.

Long stairway from first to second floor

2nd floor sitting room

This dining room wallpaper is from Belgium in the year 1912.

2nd floor landing and stunning banister

2nd floor blue bedroom

Sweeping curved first floor entrance

Standing at the base of the first floor stairway looking upward

Green child’s bedroom on 2nd floor

Amazing decor and doors

Main 2nd floor bedroom with sleigh bed

Beautiful, delicate centerpiece on dining room table

First floor

Standing at the base of the stairway to 3rd floor looking upward – that’s a pull-down attic door

2nd floor study

http://baldwinreynolds.org/