Things to do in Philadelphia
Today, I am making my return to Doylestown, PA. I am once again on the 10:20am SEPTA commuter train that will get me in at 11:38am. I returned to the 86 West restaurant where I remembered that I had a nice lunch on my previous visit.
If you are visiting and need hotel or other travel accommodations, please click on Trip.com as I do and save, save, and save.
County Theatre
My plan today would be to see more of Henry Mercer’s legacy. I spoke of Henry Mercer on my previous trip (Part 1). My destination is about 1 mile from the restaurant or a 21-minute walk. On my way, I made a stop at the County Theatre. It is an art deco masterpiece. It dates from 1938. That was the heyday of cinema palaces. Today it is run as a nonprofit with an active membership. They show mostly independent and foreign films.
The County Theatre (1938)
Art Deco Box Office of the County Theatre
Fonthill
Sometimes known as Fonthill Castle, it was the home of Henry Mercer. I talked about him in the 1st part of my Doylestown trips. His business was tile making. A lot of his work was incorporated into Fonthill. Construction was started in 1908 and finished in 1912. Its construction was of poured-in-place concrete. You have 44 rooms, over 200 windows, 18 fireplaces and 10 bathrooms. The house features much built-in furniture and many decorative tiles produced by Mercer during the Arts and Craft Movement. This was a reaction against mass production. Entrance is only with a one hour guided tour. My guide was very knowledgeable and full of neat stories.
Fonthill
Fonthill Interior Photo featuring many colorful tiles
Fonthill fireplace…plenty of tiles
Fonthill floor more attractive tiles
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
This is located on the grounds of Fonthill. It is about a 5 minute walk from the main house. This is where Mercer produced his tiles. It dates from 1912. The architectural style could be described as Mission/ Spanish Revival. It produces handmade tiles. Designs are reissues of the original designs. Mercer was a major influence in the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
Kiln at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
Doylestown is a very walkable town. I feel that I only scratched its surface. I have to come back to check out some more sights.
Our ride back with SEPTA.
I hour and 18 minute trip
