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Historic RittenhouseTown Review

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Historic RittenhouseTown

Address: 206 Lincoln Dr., Philadelphia, PA | Map It
Phone: 215/438-5711
www.rittenhousetown.org

Category: Houses/Mansions
Location: Germantown and Chestnut Hill

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Fodor's Review:

North America's first paper mill was built here in 1690 by Mennonite minister William Rittenhouse. Over the next 150 years, 10 generations of his family lived on the site and operated the mill. His most famous offspring, born in 1732, was David Rittenhouse, astronomer, statesman, and first president of the U.S. Mint. You can stroll any time through these 30 picturesque acres along the Wissahickon; on summer weekends, the one-hour guided tour of the seven outbuildings gives insight into this self-sufficient industrial village, which is now a National Historic District. The visitor center has an introductory film and a model of the mill; special events include papermaking workshops, lantern tours, and an Easter egg hunt.

Cost: $5
Open: June-Sept., weekends noon-4, last tour at 3; Oct.-May, by appointment only

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