Quick!
Who knows about the infamous Henry Clay Frick and his involvement in the notorious Homestead Strike of 1892?
Forget about that sad turn of events. Think instead on the refined side of this man who made his first million by age thirty. He started life as the son of a Mennonite farmer but was destined for a life in business. As he grew wealthy—partly due to his association with Andrew Carnegie–Frick built a life of art and refinement.
They bought an eleven room house in Pittsburgh, remodeled it into a twenty-three room mansion and dubbed it, The Clayton. The home joined many other mansions along Pittsburgh’s Millionaire Row. Sadly it is one of the few remaining structures.
The Fricks stopped living in Pittsburgh full-time in 1905, opting instead for life in New York. In 1981 daughter Helen returned to the city, living at The Clayton until her death in 1984. She had the mansion restored to the time period when the family lived there, from 1883 – 1905. Next, she opened to the public. The Clayton offers a unique glimpse, especially with the impressive and informative docents at the helm, into the Frick’s world. It especially reveals their glittering life in the late nineteenth century.
No Photography is Permitted inside The Clayton Mansion
I assume this is because of the incredible wealth it contains and original works of art by renowned painters. So put the phones and cameras aside and immerse yourself in the experience. Imagine lavish dinners (There are plates set at the breakfast table that cost $4,000 each. Yes, apiece in the late 1800’s.) and long silk dresses or perhaps a tuxedo worn with a stiff spine.
At the end of the tour, you’ll get a musical treat by the Orchestrion. It’s a 3,000 pound, automated organ featuring a variety of tunes. It once resided inside the house—hard to imagine given its size. The organ has long been settled into a spot on the enclosed porch.
The property boasts The Frick Museum with changing art exhibits, an expansive Car and Carriage Museum a cafe, a conservatory. They are restoring the children’s playhouse which includes a bowling alley. The property is adjacent to Frick Park, which is the largest municipal park in the city—at over 600 acres. It’s a great place to walk, whether a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike.
If you’re closer to New York City than Pittsburgh, The Frick Collection is located in their mansion on Fifth Avenue and has housed their vast art and fancy gatherings for eighty years. This isn’t the same as getting a glimpse into their home life, but the assortment is enviable.
If a trip to Pittsburgh is on your radar, schedule a tour at The Clayton Mansion. Henry Clay Frick’s legacy doesn’t disappoint.
Car & Carriage Museum Car & Carriage Museum The Conservatory My Namesake Trail
*Read about The Phipps Conservatory
Love the old cars!!
It’s a great museum, GP. Then there’s the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix–another blog on here. Talk about old cars!
The Frick Mansion sounds like it would be very interesting to see. It’s hard to imagine eating from plates worth $4,000. I’ve never heard of the Homestead Strike. I had to look it up. A sad event.
It was a sad event in Pittsburgh history, Donna. Such a drastic way to handle it–Frick was not well thought of throughout that period. The Mansion is amazing–the docents make it doubly so.
Oh I can’t believe you weren’t able to take pictures inside. Now I really want to see it, of course. Lol
It’s so opulent, Susan. Your head is on a swivel the entire tour, trying to see it all.
Sounds like a interesting place to visit. The photography ban seems excessive but I guess there’s a reason for it.
I’m really guessing the ban is because of the priceless items inside the house. Although all a burglar needs to do is pay for one tour to see it all!
Oh this is delightful! I moved away when I was 11 years old, so have no knowledge of this! Nice to know:)
Definitely time to get back to your first hometown and see this stuff, Jacquie.