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Edward Harden Mansion

Introduction

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The Edward Harden Mansion is a large Georgian Revival former residence built in 1909. It sits on a hill in Tarrytown with sweeping views of the Hudson River. It was designed by the well-known firm of Hunt and Hunt for Wall Street financier Edward Harden. In 1911 the first Montessori school in America was started in the mansion, and the Harden children attended. In 1926 the mansion was purchased and became the Margaret A. Howard Home for Seamstresses and served that purpose for 30 years. The house is now the administration building for the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns. It was added to the National Register of Historic places on June 20, 2003.

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Edward Harden Mansion

Edward Harden Mansion

Backstory and Context

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The Edward Harden Mansion was built in 1909 in the Georgian Revival style, which was popular in America between 1900-1950. This impressive home exhibits all the hallmarks of its style, including its brick construction, symmetrical composition, hipped slate roof with dormers, and classically inspired ornament in wood and marble. It has a seven bay facade flanked by two story closed porches on each end and a one story service wing in the rear.

The mansion was designed by the well known architects, Hunt & Hunt. for Wall Street financier Edward Harden. The estate was originally on four acres that were filled with magnificent trees and was named “Broad Oaks." 

In 1911, the Harden family hosted the first Montessori school in America with the Harden children among its students. The Montessori School was at "Broad Oaks" for two years, taught by Anne E. George, the first American to attend the Montessori training course in Rome. 

The Hardens sold the house in 1926 and it was converted into the Margaret A. Howard Home for Seamstresses. Margaret Howard was a successful dressmaker and self-made millionaire. Her company White, Howard & Co was patronized by New York elite. In her will she created this home for retired seamstresses. It was run by the sisters of Mercy and during WWII the retired seamstresses living there made uniforms for soldiers fighting on the front lines. The house remained a home for retired seamstresses for 30 years until it was sold to the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns in 1955.

 Despite the many changes, the house retains a high degree of architectural integrity and association with 20th century lifestyle of the wealthy on the Hudson River..

Sources

  1. Edwarden Harden Mansion, National Register of Historic Places. Accessed October 1st 2020.
  2. "Georgian Revival Architecture: Characteristics & Style." Study.com. July 12, 2016. https://study.com/academy/lesson/georgian-revival-architecture-characteristics-style.html.
  3. Hutchinson, Lucille and Theodore. The Centennial History of North Tarrytown, July 1975.
Image Sources(Click to expand)

Courtesy of Westchester County Historical Society

Additional Information