Beginning in the late 1600’s Bristol was developed as a ferry dock and inn serving as a river crossing between Pennsylvania and Burlington, NJ (Burlington, NJ: History Along the Delaware). The King George hotel dates back to this time, and is believed to be the longest running hotel in the US. Today, Bristol is the third oldest town in Pennsylvania and still just a quick ride from Burlington, although since 1931 travel is via bridge. Originally a small manufacturing and spa town, Bristol grew in prominence, and in 1830 became the terminus of the Delaware Canal running from coal country to Philadelphia. Industries built up around the canal and river port, and the many beautiful Victorian homes and factories in town attest to the wealth of this period.
One of these industries was the textile mill of William Grundy. William and his family moved into this river-front house, enlarging it and furnishing it to its present size. After his son Joseph’s death, the family fortune was left to a foundation that runs the local library and preserves the mansion, offering free tours and other community events.
Set in a beautifully landscaped garden, the mansion displays late-Victorian/gilded age wealth.
Although the wall coverings are (amazing!) reproductions, the rest of the house is furnished with Grundy family belongings, both original to the house and to the family’s nearby country estate. Family records give the provenance of many of the items.
The woodwork is beautiful
and rooms overlook the river.
This lamp was configured for both electricity and gas.
My favorite was the bathroom with the original serrated toilet paper holder (no perforations back then!) and tub.
From town you can hop on the Delaware Heritage trail and bike up to Trenton along the abandoned canal. Not the most scenic stretch, but there are signs illustrating the history of the area.
Bristol’s main street is vibrant, with lots of restaurants (including one in the King George), or you can step back in time to 1971 at Under the Pier (located along Bristol Pike, no water in site!) for breaded fish and other seafood. Cash only.
Free tours of the mansion spring-fall, but tickets must be obtained online in advance. They do sell out. The museum also hosts events throughout the season.
Secrets of Philadelphia 