Alderbrook Mansion was built in 1860
By Ed Dybicz
24 OCT 1990 King of Prussia Courier/Suburban
According to records of the Holstein-Ellis Library, Alderbrook Mansion was built in 1860. However, a fire in 1908 destroyed the third floor. When the mansion was rebuilt, a tablet was placed with the 1908 date.
Records of April 1, 1908 describe the fire: “Alderbrook, the country seat of the Philadelphia business man, Howard B. French, near King of Prussia, was totally destroyed by fire last night.
“The house, which was one of the finest in the Chester Valley region, was discovered to be on fire about six o’clock. As there is no fire company nearer than Wayne, the house was at the mercy of the flames and by the time the Wayne company arrived, its apparatus was powerless to check the fire.
“As the fire started on the third floor, it was possible for neighbors to save some of the furnishings. Much, however, was damaged by being thrown from the windows.
“The legs of a grand piano, for instance, were broken by the hurry to get it out of the building. The house was built forty-eight years ago. With contents the damage was probably $100,000, fully covered by insurance.
“The origin of the fire is a mystery, but it is supposed that men and women cleaners who were in the house yesterday, preparing for the summer occupancy of it by Mr. French and family, inadvertently were the cause.
“The fire was discovered by Upper Merion School Director David M. Ellis, who happened to be in that vicinity when it started. Mr. Ellis rode into King of Prussia where he informed residents, but many of them thought the first story was an April 1 joke. They finally believed Mr. Ellis’ story and they, with him, assisted in saving many things from the flames. “Alderbrook” was one of the finest residences in this section.”
Rare Treasures Were Destroyed
3 APR 1908
…While many of the valuable furnishings were carried from the house before the blaze reached them, many treasured paintings, antique china and rare books were destroyed, included in the loss being an old mahogany chest that had been handed down from one generation to another since the year 1734. “Alderbrook,” as the house was known was originally valued at $250,000.
Chief among the articles destroyed was a boudoir suit of old mahogany from the royal palace at Madrid, which was purchased abroad by Mr. French several years ago. In the bed of the suit, which formerly belonged to Alfonso XII, it is said, the present king of Spain was born.
Notes from Ed. Thomas’ 10 Oct 1982 speech at the installation of the Memorial Plaques honoring Annah Colket French McKaig and Marjorie French McKaig:
- The lands belonged to Marjorie’s ancestors as far back as 1709.
- On April 1, 1908, the original house burned to the ground. It was soon fully rebuilt, perhaps starting in 1908, since that is the date on a stone high in the east wall. The estate included a lake complete with boat house and a water pumping system.
- the McKaig Nature Educational Center will continue to point out the devotion to conservation of natural space so freely given by Annah Colket French McKaig and her daughter Marjorie French McKaig.
Alderbrook before its total destruction from an April, 1, 1908 fire
Rebuilt Alderbrook after the 1908 fire
Alderbrook Gates
