Sunday, October 26, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Centre Furnace Mansion, 1001 E. College Ave., State College
Enjoy a piano concert by a Penn State professor of musicology, treats, and a brief talk in honor of the 150th anniversary of the wedding of Elizabeth McFarlane Thompson and John Hamilton. Festivities occur from 4 to 6 p.m. with the chance to have an in-depth look at the wedding dress of Elizabeth on permanent display in the mansion.
The Hamiltons were a true power couple in Centre County with John essential to the financial health of Penn State after the Civil War and the person who developed the Highlands Historic District in State College. Hamilton Avenue recognizes their contributions to the community.
The program titled “My Dear Libbie” echoes the address John used in letters to his wife, which we have because of the donation by descendants Anne Hamilton Henszey Pyle and Kenneth Pyle. They gave us a treasure trove of letters and documents that provides not only context of the Hamiltons’ lives but also the development of the State College area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A curated selection of their letters, photos and other documents will be on exhibit during the reception.
4:30 p.m.: Penn State Professor of Musicology Mark Ferraguto will play selections on the grand square piano in the Mansion’s parlor out of Elizabeth Hamilton’s sheet music.
5:15 p.m.: Penn State Emeritus Professor of History Bill Blair will give a brief talk that highlights the relationship between the couple and how Elizabeth took part in social gatherings like porch parties that set the tone for women’s activism in the community.
Please find a parking map below. You may park in the main lot off Porter Road, or in front of Frye's (since Sunday is not a business day for them), or in the grass lawn next to E. College Ave., or in the parking lot behind Esber Home & Rugs.
Photos: John Hamilton and Elizabeth MacFarlane Thompson Hamilton, ca. 1860s courtesy of Penn State University Archives.