Winter is beautiful in Bucks County. It’s no wonder (and no secret) that William and Martha Mercer loved Christmas, especially at Aldie. They enjoyed hosting parties at their estate for the holidays and entertaining local friends and family.
Perhaps their most legendary Christmas gathering was in 1941, when they hosted the Von Trapp family singers at Aldie Mansion for a concert in the Great Hall, where acoustics elevated the harmonies of the family singing group. The Mercers reveled in hosting high society. Our annual Christmas at Aldie soiree is a small nod to the parties that came before.
Christmas was a chance to pull out a pen and connect with others, sharing little glimpses into their life here in Bucks County. Here are some of their original Christmas cards.
Christmas provided a magnificent chance to create, collect, and share striking images of Aldie Mansion, the Mercers’ beautiful landmark home. Their card illustrations offer a rarified glimpse into their life at Aldie and even the pets who lived in the house and gardens, like their pet peacock Solomon.
The couple took great pride in the traditional English Tudor manor they created at Aldie, creating their own cards for general correspondence as well as at the holidays.
Aldie was a showcase for William’s artistry too, including his original garden fountains, ornate fireplaces, and ceiling reliefs with whimsical animal figures. Martha Mercer was happy to share these images with others in her social correspondence (above).
This card’s image bears the initials W.R.M. with the date 1926. Could it have been painted by William? It seems likely. Unfortunately we do not have documentation to tell us for certain, though it makes a fetching Christmas card. This and their other cards and correspondence offer us a small window into their lives.
From the protectors of the Mercers’ personal and artistic legacy here at Aldie Mansion, we wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a healthy and happy new year. May your season be festive, cozy, and bright.