a journey through time
Where History Meets Elegance
The History of Alden Villa
Built in 1881 as a wedding present from Anne Coleman Alden, a member of Lebanon County’s esteemed Coleman family, to her son, Robert Percy Alden, and his bride, Mary Ida Warren, the estate was an extravagant gift far beyond the ordinary. What began as a symbol of a family’s devotion, soon became an iconic summer retreat where generations of the Alden family would bask in the tranquility and elegance of this historic mansion.
Nestled on what was once 520 acres of pristine land in the rolling hills of Cornwall, Pennsylvania, Alden Villa’s grandeur was brought to life by famed architect Stanford White. Known for his Gilded Age masterpieces, White designed Alden Villa with meticulous attention to detail, combining the Queen Anne and Shingle architectural styles with hints of English Tudor revival. His creation remains one of the few early designs he completed and his only architectural work in Pennsylvania.
The mansion’s three stories, totaling 11,223 square feet, still boast much of their original craftsmanship—ornate woodwork, intricate trim, and elegant fixtures—providing a glimpse into the life of 19th-century Pennsylvania aristocracy. While the years have brought challenges—decades of abandonment, vandalism, and the threat of demolition—Alden Villa has been reborn through a bold restoration project that is restoring its former beauty.
For nearly a century, Alden Villa remained a cherished family estate. The last family owner, John “Jack” Percy Coleman Alden, passed away in 1948. The following year, the estate was sold to the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union of America. The union preserved much of the mansion’s historic integrity while converting it into an educational center and resort for union workers. Known as Millwood and Union Center during this period, it continued to be a place of respite and community.
Today, Alden Villa remains a symbol of history and romance. After being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, its ongoing restoration promises a bright future, allowing new generations to celebrate their own special moments in this enchanting venue. The mansion, now perched on 5.4 acres, invites you to step into the past and experience the magic of an era gone by.
