Reading -- Villa St. Elizabeth, Home for the Aged

Object Details

General: The Villa St. Elizabeth, Home for the Aged is located on the former estate of the wealthy textile baron and philanthropist, Gustav Oberlaender. Oberlaender together with the brothers Thun owned the Textile, Berkshire and Narrow Fabric Knitting Mills. The 8.6-acre estate was home to a 42,000 square-foot mansion in Wyomissing Park in Reading, Pennsylvania. The mansion was constructed with 1926 with ballroom, reception hall, library, and formal dining room used by Oberlaender to entertain heads of state and dignitaries from overseas. The mansion was surrounded by neatly manicured lawns and gardens framed by exotic trees imported from around the country. The grounds, with its tree-lined walkways, sprawling lawns, and bursts of colorful flowers created a peaceful park-like setting for the home. Today, the Villa St. Elizabeth is owned by Evergreen Elder Care, Inc. and serves as retirement community. Persons associated include: Gustav Oberlaender (former owner) and Evergreen Elder Care, Inc. (owner).; Villa St. Elizabeth, Home for the Aged, Reading, Penna. 31 68739; Postcard circa 1915-1945.

Place: United States of America -- Pennsylvania -- Berks County -- Reading; Villa St. Elizabeth (Reading, Pennsylvania)

Topic: Gardens -- Pennsylvania -- Reading; Mansions; Formal gardens; Lawns; Bedding plants; Ivy; Ornamental shrubs; Plants, Potted

See more items in: Richard Marchand historical postcard collection (35mm slides); Richard Marchand historical postcard collection (35mm slides) / Pennsylvania

Sponsor: A project to describe images in this finding aid in this collection received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.

Collection Citation: Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, Richard Marchand historical postcard collection.

Collection Rights: Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Bibliography: This property is featured in Carney, Margaret and Ken Galvas. Flint Faience Tiles A to Z. United States: Schiffer Publishing, 2004.

Collection Restrictions: Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.