The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-07-28
MIME. RUSH, OF PHILADELPHIA.
HER DRAWING ROOMS UNDER THE HAMMER
"REMINISCENCES OF A DYGoNE LEADER OF
TIL cITYs FASHION

"REMINISCENCES OF BYGoNE LEADER or
TIL cITY's FASHION.
from the Philade phia Times July 2T.l
To-day, at noon, the auctioneers hammer will
sell, or perhaps withdraw from sale, the once
home OF Mme. Rush. From beneath the poise OF
his inevitable stroke perhaps some pleasant
membranes OF an old time may be stolen, and
with this idea let us Talk about what the Old Rush
mansion was. Benjamin Rush, u signer Of the
Declaration OF IndeI endence, was a noted man in
his time. he was u physician by profession, and
distinguished above his fellows because OF his
courage and his Intelligence. nis reputation, not
only as physician but as an author, extends over
tue English speaking world. He died al an ad-
vanced age, full OF honors, the esteem OF trends,
all that makes Lie worth living Tor. lie
left behind him i've chidren-James Rush,
who embraced his lather's profession; Richard,
who became Attorney General or the State,
Minister to France and to England, and
was candidate for the Presidency the
anil-Masonic ticket; Samuel, once Recorder OF
the city; and William, also physician and
daughter, VINO married Henry J. Williams who. at
an advanced age, now enjoys IN retirement the
sober evening OF lie spent III the intricate pur-
suits OF the law There was not great deal OF
money possessed by DR.. Benjamin Rush. ana there
fore when young Dr. James married Phoebe Ann
hiuKWtyr WHOSE ldtHeT WAS possessed Oh uuIlm-
tied means, IL was thought good match. She
was fair, well formed young woman, not partic-
ulariy pretty, but attractive, with buoyant health.
Her father was jacob Rldgway, Il Jerseyman by
Dlrth who accumulated an Immense fortune by
mercantile ventures curing the French Rrvulu-
ton, part OF which time he was United States
consul at Antwerp. Besides Mrs. RUSH he had
daughter VINO was first Mrs. Roacn and alter
wards married Dr.. Barton. since deceased,
and son John, who. with Mrs Barton,
now resides IN Paris, anu another son,
WHO married the girl lull Of lie and health ana
strength, was curious compound OF eccentrlcl-
ties anu entirely united by natural disposition
TO give her those attentions, without whicn
women naturally rebel against their legal loros.
the result was natural ana inevitable. DR.. Rush
and Mrs. Dr. Rusn became two, ana while living
under the same roUl aud enjoying each tue esteem
solitary ways. He devoted himself to his books
and she became a leader OF lasnlon, IA queen of
society and hved this dollhouse existence until,
IN smotherihg room at hotel IN Sara oga, she,
UNATTENDED by the care and love or kindred, even
The kindness OF 1rlenas, passed her lie away.
The wen known lush mauslon on Chestnut
street, above Nineteenth, was the creation OF her
taste. Avery PLAIN ana almost ugly CrlcK building
IL Is without, and within more noticeable by the
size oil Its rooms than rom any adjournment given
them other than by the furniture and pant
ings. 1t was here that Mrs. Rush gave her
weekly receptions during the winter seasons from
twelve to three O'Clock, and occasionally
balls Here were gathered all That was brilliant
ana WITTY and above all selecs, that Philadelphia
In those ola days could produce. From the Rush
side oil ner house Mrs. Rusn was entitled to be one
which, since the days OF William Penn Philadcl-
phla has been particularly famous, ana, therefore,
to have the enrce To her receptions was in society
Ike the accoiade OF Knight. Yet she was Just IN
her selections ana always recognized the dlvInlty
oil intellect. She was ever happy TO ne surrounded
by artists ana literary men OF recognized ability,
even If their purses were unladen. Oh rare CON
velsatlonal powers. IL was with such mat she
chose TO exercise herself. As she grew OLD her
affections seemed TO go out toward young
people ana she was always surrounded.
both mere and at Saratoga. by young men anu
madens, to whom she was on more than one oc-
caslon helping friend. To the Philadelphia or
twenty years ago she was as well known as the
vane Of the State House steepe. Quite nesnY and
endeayorlng u hide the Wrinkles aad paeness Of
age by rouge, sue was seen daily on Chestnut
street. She dressed very eXpensvay, but not
always with the best taste. with her always was
some young man OF good looks Qor she had tine
sne passed. She was the recognized leader OF
Philadelphia fashion. Toward this position she
struggled, and, securing it, she enjoyed It's mol
low honors without II rival until at seventy
years OF age, she dej. more deSoate place
than this abandoned nou,e-West Chestnut
street-it Is hardly possible to find on
the upper noor Is the room In WATCH DR..
Rush. after lie devoted to the consumption
OF books, dled ana lett behind MIN only VIII
marked all over with his own peculiar idlosyn-
crases In it he termed the newspapers ''the
venlces OF disjolntes tntnEinp,n Il remark, If not
true at least original, and broke the hearts OF the
shareholders OF tine Pniladepnlu Library by Offer.
ing them Il million OF money tney could not touch
without hurting themselves. Through the rooms
OF his old mansion yesterday Times reporter
wandered. Through parlOr. drawing room, library,
walls that res Juuded for SO long with the ringing
laugh OF lalr women and the deep tones oil woOing
ana admlrng men were silent Yet IL was not
dimcult 10 imagine now the naked boards
OF the floors once kissed the steps Oh the
pretty feet OF pretty women and how the
bare walls enjoyed the whlsperlngs OF the Old
story winch men Will tell and to which women
Will listen ever since the tale was first whispered
IN Eden. There Is \ garGen, enclosed on either
side by high wall, lined wIin a conservatory and
at the fourth side by outhouses very prettlly fin
ished III sort ot SWISS sty.e, are scattered
OrOuZeS, paintings and Stutuary. FORMERLY
gathered from tue capitals OF Europe, evdenclng
the great wealth fl not the taste OF the collector
This mansion. rom the exterior, always draws
the attention OF the stranger as he passes out
Chestnut street, Tor 1t differs like Its MASTER
from ali Its nelQnUOrs, WIN stn, hlgh DaluSTaded
steps ana windows Darrlcaded 10 the top with
iron bars, strong enough 70 hc PRISON. II the
property Is sold, AS II doubtless Will nc, for the
law, as u rule. does not walt Tor a good price am
other OF The special landmarks OF tue old city will
20 down before tire Nandal nand OF the modern.
making altcrer.