Local Historian's New Book Chronicles History of Simon Mansion

Local historian and author Ken Klabunde's
new book, "This House Is For The Ladies"
chronicles the history of the Simon Mansion
on North Third Street in Easton.
Contributed image

For those that love history, a stroll through Downtown Easton is always a treat, and  the Simon Mansion is a standout among the many architectural gems that grace the neighborhood.

Those who wonder what the story is behind what is arguably the most beautiful building in the city are in luck, as local author/historian Ken Klabunde has just published a new book detailing the structure's history.

"This One Is For The Ladies" chronicles the history, with numerous pictures, of this glorious mansion which still dominates North Third Street, also known as "Millionaires' Row".

Built in 1904 by millionaire industrialist and silk mill owner Herman Simon for his wife and daughter, architect William Michler was reportedly ordered to"build the handsomest house in the Lehigh Valley because this house is for the ladies of the Simon family."

And, as the current home of Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, the mansion is still a house "for the ladies".

"...for the more than 100 years that the mansion has been here, it has been a house for his ladies, home to single working women, and now for homeless women and their children," Klabunde says in his new book. "I am sure that Mr. and Mrs. Simon are very proud to have their home utilized in this way to help others. After all, he spent a good deal of his life improving the quality of the life in the City of Easton."

Copies of "This One Is For The Ladies" are available at the Quadrant Book Mart, 20 North Third St., as well as at the Third Street Alliance, 41 North Third St.

Three upcoming book signing events are planned too--Friday, December 13, from 5 to 8 p.m.  during the open house on Millionaires' Row in the library at Third Street Alliance, and at the Quadrant on Friday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and again on Saturday, December 21, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.