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History
Major events in the history of the Governor's Residence:
July 1941 - Governor Arthur H. James signs bills authorizing the purchase of land and construction of a new executive mansion. However, due to the onset of World War II, it was 25 years before construction would begin.
February 1965 - General State Authority (GSA) agrees to construct mansion on purchased site.
August 1965 - The "concept drawings" of the facade and floor plans are approved by the GSA. George M. Ewing, head of an architectural firm in Philadelphia, is authorized to design preliminary plans. Ewing chose the 18th century English Georgian style for the Residence. He wanted it to reflect Pennsylvania roots and traditions, but design was utilitarian as well with open, spacious rooms for entertaining and public functions.
August 1966 - GSA awards contracts to various construction companies.
December 1966 - Construction begins.
October 1967 - Residence is fifty percent complete. Governor and Mrs. Shafer officially tour the new residence for the first time.
December 1967 - Seventeen prominent Pennsylvania women are named by First Lady Jane Shafer to form the "Women's Advisory Committee" - a bipartisan group charged with furnishing the Residence.
May 1968 - Governor Shafer seals into a corner of the $2 million structure a lead box containing such memorabilia as a photograph of the Shafer family, a copy of the 1967-68 Pennsylvania Manual, a letter from Governor Shafer to the Pennsylvanians of tomorrow, and copies of the Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh newspapers.
December 1968 - Governor Raymond P. Shafer and First Lady Jane Davies Shafer move into the new executive mansion along with their youngest daughter, Jane.
February 1969 - Governor and Mrs. Shafer watch as American and Pennsylvania flags are first raised at the executive mansion.
June 1969 - First tour day. Pennsylvanians are able to see how their governor lives through the establishment of public visiting hours. The tour program was further enhanced in 1979 under the direction of First Lady Ginny Thornburgh, with the introduction of guided tours by professional docents.
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