Charles Ludington’s Clovelly

1936 aerial view of the Ludington estate in Gladwyne. Clovelly, at left, is the Colonial Revival home designed by Seeler (alterations and additions by Sellers and later by Durham) for Charles Ludington. The 1933 modern Court House, at right, was built by Durham for C. Townsend Ludington on the former squash court adjacent to the formal gardens.

Charles Ludington stemmed from Old Lyme, Connecticut, and was a graduate of Yale Law School. He married Ethel Saltus in 1895 and they lived in Manhattan where Charles practiced law. In 1901, he took the position of secretary and treasurer of the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia and the Ludingtons moved to the Main Line.

Mill Creek Valley

A ten acre hilly tract with a mansion, carriage house, artist’s studio and spring house on Old Gulph Road in Gladwyne (formerly Ardmore) was purchased in 1905. Their estate, named Clovelly, was cherished, remodeled and newly built on for over 50 years. The 19th- and 20th century architectural history of the property represents a microscopic tale of the aesthetics, social life and development of the Main Line from the founding fathers to the present.

Furness and Evans

Mill Creek, by Furness, Evans & Co., originally on the site of Clovelly, was built in 1887 for Dr. Henry C. Register. The building burned in 1897.

Carriage house of Henry C. Register built by Furness, Evans & Co. in 1887 and converted to a residence during the 1950s. Pictured here before its demolition in 1998.

The first house built on this hillside east of John Roberts’ residence and grain mill on Mill Creek was one for the prominent dentist, Dr. Henry C. Register, designed by Furness and Evans. After fire destroyed most of the building in 1897, Edgar V. Seeler, architect for the Curtis Publishing Company, rebuilt the house in a Colonial Revival mode. The estate was newly named Clovelly after an English town.

When the Ludington’s took possession of Clovelly in 1905, Charles became actively involved in Philadelphia educational institutions and academies, served as treasurer for the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and was a member of many social clubs.

As was the tradition of the day, Ethel served her family, home and social causes. Her strong leadership, enthusiasm and a zest for life won her many friends. An extensive formal garden adjoining a squash court became her pride and joy.

During 1913-14 the estate was remodeled by another local architect, Horace Well Sellers. The west porch wing was extensively expanded, adding new charm for both family and visitors. The joy of the remodeled home was dampened by the diagnosis that Ethel was suffering from tuberculosis. Despite her illness, the family maintained an active travel schedule both in America and Europe. Sanitarium stays in the west and Saranac Lake did little to curb Ethel’s disease; on September 7, 1922, she died after a valiant battle at the age of 51. No one was more devastated than her husband, her most devoted follower.

Ethel Saltus Ludington in a 1909 painting.

Mid 1920s photograph of Charles Ludington.

In 1926 Charles gave $50,000 to build a library as a monument to his beloved Ethel, a tribute to values they both held dear. Additions in the 1950s, 60s and 80s have enveloped the original building (see Libraries).

Portrait of Charles Ludington (c. 1920s) in Bryn Mawr’s Ludington Library.

Memorial To Ethel

Thanks to his wealth, Charles Ludington was able to turn his wife’s untimely death into a philanthropic cause to memorialize her life. A small book told of her community efforts, spirit and intelligence. A new infirmary was built for the Saranac Lake sanatorium. Funds went to the Ardmore Library, and $50,000 built the new Ludington Library in Bryn Mawr. Ethel Saltus Ludington’s name became prominently attached to the built environment.

The Ludington estate’s architecture and open space remains reminiscent of the dedication of a former Main Line family to the community.

The south and east facades of Clovelly, built by Edgar V. Seeler on the site of Dr. Register’s Mill Creek after a fire in 1897. The Furness and Evans carriage house remained with some changes.

The Ludington family on the south porch of Clovelly, c. 1918. Charles Henry Ludington, Wright, Nicholas, Townsend and Ethel. The boys grew up at Clovelly, but as teenagers, each was sent to a different boarding school.

Old photo of the estate’s beautiful gardens. In addition to the colorful flower beds, Clovelly boasted sweeping lawns and unusual specimen trees.

—Written by Jean K. Wolf