Free Father's Day Open House and Concert

The Historic Feeney Mansion, which serves as the facility for the John P. Feeney Funeral Home, continues its 9th Annual Music in the Centre Park Mansion Series and celebration of the funeral home's 50th anniversary in its Centre Park location.

Visitors can tour the historic 28-room Feeney Mansion and nine flowering garden areas from 11am-4pm and enjoy a free concert from 12-3pm. Light snacks and beverages, including a selection of wine, will be available. Performing inside the mansion will be Maria Damore, singing broadway show tunes, jazz, and soft rock hits from the 70s & 80s.

Free event. Families Welcome. Rain or shine.

RSVP requested: 610-372-4160, events@johnpfeeney.com or online at www.johnpfeeney.com.

About the Feeney Mansion

Built in 1902, the turn-of-the-20th-century Feeney mansion is a fine example of Georgian architecture. Originally the childhood home of Mary Nolan, the eldest daughter of James Nolan, a railroad tycoon, she married Edward Dives, the son of Josiah Dives, one of the founders of the Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart store. Mary lived in the home until her death in 1969, when the mansion was acquired by John P. Feeney. In 1987, the mansion was used as a location for the movie Time of Tears.

Above ground there are 28 rooms and six bathrooms on three floors and more than 9,200 square feet of floor space. The basement has an additional 2,200 square feet of space. Several fixtures, including stain glass widows, fireplaces and leaded cabinets date back to 17th century. The mansion also holds the first elevator ever installed in a residence in Reading. It is operational and can transport up to four people between the first and second floors. At the rear of the property sits a two-story carriage house, which is more than 100 years old. Over the years, it has been renovated several times and served many purposes, including housing an ambulance service. It now serves as living quarters for our staff.

The garden areas surrounding the property include: Veterans Walkway; the Driveway Garden; the Memorial Garden featuring the statue of Dionysus, the god of wine, theater, and peace; the Carriage House Garden; the rose-lined Reflections Walkway; the Vegetable Garden; Solitude Nook; Neighborly Garden, and the Nursery Garden. During the summer there are more than 3,000 roses in bloom.

The Mansion staff also maintain General Gregg’s Triangle, which sits across the street from the main mansion entrance and features the statue of Civil War hero General Gregg. For more than 10 years, owner Michael Feeney has cared for the grass, flowers, and signage at this historic landmark. In 2012, he installed the flag pole and 35-star flag used during the Civil War era.

About John P. Feeney Funeral Home

John P. Feeney Funeral Home has been helping Berks County families since 1941. Located in a historic mansion, Feeney Funeral Home offers traditional and cremation services for all faiths. The funeral home is owned and supervised by Michael F. Feeney. The mansion also hosts several free art and music events throughout the year. Feeney Funeral Home supports many local organizations including Berks Opera Company, St. Francis Home, Reading Pops Orchestra, Reading Symphony Orchestra and Dayspring Homes. For a complete list of services and upcoming events, visit www.johnpfeeney.com or call 610-372-4160.