Restoring Old Hospital
11/11/1964

The General State Authority, of which Governor William W. Scranton is president and A. J. Caruso is executive director, is restoring the old Mansion House hotel, Route 23, one-half mile west of Valley Forge, to its original condition.

E. Clyde Pyle, superintendent at Valley Forge Park, said yesterday that, when finished, the structure will be in its original two-story state as when, during the American Revolution, General George Washington used the building as a hospital for sick and wounded soldiers.

Pyle said that, beginning in the early 1800's, additions began to appear until, just recently, apartments were available. A bar was also operating and it was a far cry from the historic significance of the structure,

So far, a number of fine old antique hinges have been discovered as workmen started tearing out the more modern additions. Behind the 20th century wallpaper was found plaster made of pig's hair and river sand. Wood lath had hand-wrought nails. An ancient fireplace used by Washington's men will also be restored.

The oak beams are three inches thick and as good as the day they were first put up more than 200 years ago. The building is sound and, when completed, will be another step in restoring Valley Forge to the atmosphere, it possessed during the famed encampment of the American Revolution. Progress is shown in the above photo.