CATASAUQUA, Pa. — The George Dery Mansion will open its doors for public historical tours this Halloween, offering Lehigh Valley residents a rare, spooky opportunity to explore one of the region’s most opulent Gilded Age estates.
The inaugural tour takes place on October 31st from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm at 520 Fifth St. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through Eventbrite, with limited availability.
The 24,000-square-foot neoclassical mansion stands as a monument to the rise and fall of Desiderius George Dery, known as the “King of Silk” in early 20th-century Pennsylvania.
Dery moved to Catasauqua in 1897 and opened a silk mill that quickly became one of the area’s largest employers, with more than 400 workers by 1900. At the height of his success, he was one of the wealthiest men in Pennsylvania.
Construction on his limestone mansion began around 1910, though some sources cite 1917. The 56-room residence reportedly cost a staggering sum of $1.5 million to build.
The mansion’s interior features Tiffany stained glass windows, including a dramatic skylight, marble fireplaces, coffered ceilings, a pub, an observatory, and an indoor pool. The exterior showcases Colorado limestone in a fortress-like neoclassical design.
But Dery’s empire collapsed as quickly as it rose. After attempting to corner the world silk market, he faced bankruptcy in 1923 when silk prices plummeted. A 1934 strike at his remaining mills effectively ended his business interests.
The silk magnate died nearly penniless in 1942, having moved from his grand mansion to a modest home across the street that he had originally built for his employees.
The property was purchased in 2017 by Herve Rousseau, a French restaurateur and New York City-based entrepreneur, for approximately $500,000. Rousseau has undertaken extensive renovations to restore the mansion.
Despite initial plans to sell the property in 2019 after spending more than $300,000 on renovations, Rousseau ultimately continued with his vision for the estate. The mansion now operates as a wedding and event venue, featuring a double-floor ballroom and grand portico. It also functions as an Airbnb, with guests able to stay in suites including the original master bedroom suite once occupied by the Dery family.
Rousseau, who owns the champagne bar Flute in New York City, has infused the mansion with French touches while preserving its American grandeur. He plans to transform the basement into a French restaurant.
For more information about the Halloween historical tour or other upcoming events, call 484-828-9532.
