This Glorious House: Stenton
2002 Loan Exhibit

Stenton, the country house of James Logan (1674-1751), is one of the finest historic house museums in the Philadelphia region. Administered by the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 1899, it is celebrated for its distinguished architecture and collections.

As a loyal public servant and family agent of William Penn, James Logan in 1710 claimed that he would “never set up a gentleman,” but a mere four years later he wrote, “I am about purchasing a plantation.” Built about 1728, Stenton, with its elegant early Georgian architecture and fine furnishings, became the Logan family country house plantation.

Although Logan was a Quaker, a religious group noted for simplicity of taste, his skills as a politician and businessman led him to become a self-made, wealthy and learned gentleman. He wrote numerous scientific works in the areas of botany, ethics and philosophy and translated several Latin classics for publication.

As one of the most dominant Pennsylvania figures of his time, Logan resided happily in his country house, surrounded by exceptional furniture and one of the greatest libraries in the Colonies.

With the aid of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the generous financial support of the Richard C. Von Hess Foundation, the 2002 Philadelphia Antiques Show loan exhibit magnificently displays an outstanding collection of Stenton furnishings.

This fine assemblage of Logan treasures opens the door to 18th century life at Stenton and further defines James Logan and his place in American history.