The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion is known throughout the Wilkes-Barre area. The mansion is big part of the city's assortment of historical buildings and it is, in fact, part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
Ownership
Does the name Stegmaier ring a bell?
Mansion Foyer. Credit: stegmaiermansion.com
Well, the same name that goes along with the famous Stegmaier beer--more affectionately known to some as Stegmaier “Gold Medal” Beer due to the number of gold medals the beer won in the early 1900s.
Before it was owned by Frederick J. Stegmaier, the mansion was constructed by a local architect by the name of Missouria B. Houpt in 1870. Houpt lived there with his family until 1906, when his friend Abran Nesbitt bought the property. Nesbitt owned it for about seven years before Frederick Stegmaier bought the home for his family.
The mansion, featuring a French Chateau exterior and a mix of Gothic Revival and Aesthetic Movement in its interior, was in the Stegmaier family until 1940. It was then turned into an 11-unit apartment building.
Joseph Matteo was among the final tenants of the apartment building before he purchased it to fulfill his dream of owning a 19th-century home and converting it into a bed and breakfast. Matteo acquired the building in 2001 and turned the mansion into a bed and breakfast that currently features tours, teas, and hosting weddings and events. Matteo also purchased the Mary Stegmaier Mansion and is also working to restore it back to its original splendor.
Restoration
Joe Matteo with former President and First Lady Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter.
Before Matteo purchased and renovated the building, additions had been added, which altered its original structure; however, he worked to restore it to its original glory. He filled the rooms with period antiques he had collected throughout his life. Luckily, when he purchased the building, it was structurally sound. Amazingly, the building was even unaffected by the flood of 1972, caused by hurricane Agnes.
Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalyn Carter have visited the Stegmaier Mansion. Matteo works as owner and caretaker and has hosted guests from honeymooners to college professors.
Tours of the mansion even include a sampling of the Stegmaier “Gold Medal” Beer, which is still brewed locally at the Lion Brewery in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Today, the mansion is part of the River Street Historic District of Luzerne County. It is cataloged in the National Register of Historic Places by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. You can learn more about the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion and book your stay on their website: stegmaiermansion.com.
Sources:
Image credits: stegmaiermansion.com
http://www.stegmaiermansion.com/mansion_history.shtml
http://timesleader.com/news/494730/zoning-hearing-board-approves-stegmaier-mansion-expansion-and-other-city-projects
http://www.stegmaiermansion.com/files/stegmaier_victhomes_feb10.pdf
http://archives.timesleader.com/2002/2002_02/2002_02_02_RENOVATING_OUR_HISTORY.html
