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Positively Philadelphia: The Famous House Built By A Woman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There are many treasures in Philadelphia, and the people who keep them polished and shined are treasures themselves.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we look at Laurel Hill Mansion, a historic house in Fairmount Park built in 1767 by Rebecca Rawle.

"Our house was actually unusual in that it was built by a woman. In those days, women normally did not do things like that," says Alma Jacobs.

Jacobs is the chairman of the board of Women for Greater Philadelphia -- a volunteer group that began during the bicentennial and now takes care of the house.

"When money is short and something is needed, you do what you have to do," she says. "We waited ten years for the house to be painted, and when we saw that it wasn't getting painted, then we raised the funds to make it happen."

Alma Jacobs 1
Alma Jacobs outside Laurel Hill Mansion. (Credit: Laurel Hill Mansion)

 

Men belong too, and they hold fundraisers all year to keep it going, like candlelight concerts, teas, Christmas tours, and this year, something new Jacobs says:

"We're going to have what we call 'Rooms in Bloom.' Garden clubs will be working with local florists."

As the group works towards the future, visit and experience the hospitality of the past.

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And for this week, that's "Positively Philadelphia!"

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