the architectual work of famed Albert J. Bodkin
(with a little coercion from G.W. Olmsted)
photo credit: Olmsted Manor Collectiion
Architect Albert J. Bodkin of Philadelphia was hired in 1916 to design the Manor house for the Ol msteds. At first he refused, thinking the community of Ludlow didn't justify such a mansion. Mr. Olmsted issued an ultimatum to Bodker to desing the house in Ludlow where he worked and lived or return to Philedelphia. Relenting, Bodker spent the year on site, overseeing the completion of the Tudor mansion in 1917.The mansion, built by Hyde-Murphy company of Ridgway, contained such wonders as oak panelling, a Steinway piano, family crests worked in stained glass on the main stairwell, a private two lane bowling alley, plasterwork coats of arms for both the Olmsted and the Pendelton families, and a cork-floored game room. The woodwork was milled in Ridgway and shipped by rail to Ludlow. All stone was quarried locally. (Kelly C. Miller 1992)