Physick Estate Adds New Theme to Guided Tours

CAPE MAY – Learn how Victorians entertained their dinner guests and why it was so important to them, during guided tours of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., beginning April 25, with the new theme for 2014, “Dr. Physick Throws A Party!”
Most American homes did not contain a room for the express purpose of dining until around the mid-19th century. Before then, Americans were largely content to consume their meals in rooms that served multiple household and family functions. Only a relatively small number of Americans, all members of an elite upper class in the late 18th and early 19th century, could boast of having designated rooms for specialized uses in their large, lavish houses, including a room for dining in fine style.
The Physick Estate is an 18-room mansion built in 1879 and attributed to renowned architect Frank Furness. The Physick Estate is one of the finest examples of Victorian “Stick Style” architecture in America. Visitors will learn about Victorian life and the fascinating history of the estate and its former inhabitants. The Physick Estate was built for a rather unusual household: Dr. Emlen Physick, who never married; his widowed mother, Mrs. Ralston; and his maiden aunt Emilie. Dr. Physick was descended from a famous and wealthy Philadelphia medical family. His grandfather, Dr. Philip Syng Physick, was known as the Father of
American Surgery and invented the stomach pump.
For Victorians like Dr. Physick, throwing a party served two purposes. Not only was it one of the most popular forms of entertainment, but it also gave the host a chance to show off his refinement, wealth and possessions. Tour Dr. Physick’s mansion and enter the world of a fashionable, elegant dinner party of the late 19th century.
This new house tour theme will run through April 2015 (except during the holiday season). Tours are offered year-round and admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children (ages 3-12). Tours can also be combined with trolley tours of Cape May’s Historic District. Physick Estate Children’s Tours, especially geared to children ages 5-10 are also available on Mondays and Wednesday mornings during the summer season.