The Watson-Curtze Mansion in Erie, Pennsylvania was originally built in 1891 as the home of Harrison and Carrie Watson, a wealthy industrialist family. The mansion features ornate architectural details and 24 rooms decorated in different historical styles. After being occupied by two elite families, it was donated to the Erie Public Library in 1941 and is now operated as a museum by the Erie County Historical Society. Visitors can tour the main hall, drawing room, library, and other rooms to experience the opulent lifestyle of the upper class in late 19th century Erie.

1. What makes the Watson-Curtze Mansion an aesthetic experience? By Jackie Mccarthy And Chris Blanchard

2. History of the House The Watson-Curtze Mansion stands as a symbol of the upper class lifestyle of the 1800’s in Erie. This was a time when Erie was nearing the peak of its industrial development. The businessmen and industrialists who took advantage of this era to accumulate their fortunes enjoyed the privileges of an elegant lifestyle.

3. History of the House Cont. Two families occupied the Mansion before it became a museum. The first was Harrison F. Watson, his wife Carrie Tracy Watson, and their daughter Winifred. The Watson’s moved into the house in 1891. Harrison Watson was the president of the H.F. Watson Paper Company, which manufactured building, roofing, and lining materials, as well as steam pipe and boiler packaging coverings. In 1923, the house was sold to Frederick Felix Curtze. Mr. Curtze was president of the Erie Trust Company, Heisler Locomotive Works, Union Iron Works and the Keystone Fish Company. The Curtze Family lived in the house until 1941.

4. History of the House Cont. In 1941, after Mr. Curtze died, his family offered the mansion to the School District of the City of Erie to be used as a museum. The Museum Department of the Erie Public Library moved into the mansion when it became the Erie Public Museum. Today, the house is owned and operated by the Erie County Historical Society.

5. The main hall of the house originally contained several pieces of furniture. It features the rose carnagione vestibule, Italian Breccia fireplace with carved woodwork and Celtic motif mosaics, hand-painted friezes, a coffered ceiling, and an alcove with peacock friezes and stained glass windows. Main Hall

7. Drawing Room The drawing room was used for formal entertainment and for receiving visitors. Its most notable features include the Mexican Onyx fireplace, a Gesso duro ceiling, and fabric covered walls.

8. Library The library was once the home of the Watson family’s collection of reference books, a collection known throughout the city.

9. Dining Room The Dining Room table, chairs, and sideboard are part of the original furnishings of the mansion. Notice the Yellow African marble fireplace, Mexican frontier mahogany woodwork, hand-painted friezes, and stained glass windows.

11. Solarium Solariums were popular in the homes of the wealthy from the 1870’s to the 1900’s. The original solarium roof was made of leaded glass squares. The room’s special features include the marble mosaic floor and decorative stonework.

12. Den This small but unique room features cabinets with shallow drawers that were once used by Mr. Watson to house his rock and mineral collection. Notice the tile fireplace and the Hazelwood woodwork.

13. Southwest Bedroom This bedroom once was occupied by Carrie Watson. It features a walk-through closet and a beautiful fireplace.

14. Winifred’s Bedroom When the Watson family lived in the mansion, this was their daughter Winifred’s bedroom. Notice the tile fireplace, curly maple woodwork, bench seating areas, and a round stained glass windows made of small florets.

15. Master Bedroom Containing the Master Bathroom, this bedroom originally belonged to Mr. Watson. The Libson marble fireplace, white curly maple and Birdseye maple woodwork, and original ceiling design add to the room’s charm.

17. Southeast Bedroom This room was probably used as a guest room. Restorations were recently completed.

18. Ballroom The original billiard room is adjacent to the ballroom. The rose trellis ceiling design and the musicians balcony are of special note.

19. Architecture & Design The architectural style of the house is known as Richardsonian Romanesque, named after the famous architect Henry Hobson Richardson. The firm of Green and Wicks from Buffalo, New York designed the house in 1889. The style is characterized by the use of the massive geometric shapes, straightforward treatment of stone and broad roof planes. The overall effect depends on mass volume and scale, rather than decorative detailing.

20. Architecture & Design Heavily applied decorative woodwork appears throughout the house. Hardwood oak floors are found in all the rooms. Even the decorative hinges, door knobs and drawer pulls indicate the high level of detail incorporated in the building of the mansion. Since the house was built during the transition from gas to electric light, most of the early light fixtures in the mansion allow for either gas or electric light. A very unique feature is the elevator, which operated between the first and third floors. Heat for the house was originally provided by a coal furnace and probably a boiler with steam or hot water heat.

21. Architecture & Design Cont. The mansion has 24 rooms, 17 closets, 5 bathrooms and 12 fireplaces. Most of the rooms are very different in design and style. Upon close inspection many unusual building materials and features can be found. There are mosaics (inlaid patterens made of bits of stone glass or other materials), friezes (hand-painted oil paintings on canvas that have been applied to the top half of the wall), and stained glass windows.