Back
4:58 min October 07, 2024

Harry Packer Mansion Inn | Jim Thorpe, PA

Learn about the connection between this historic Inn and Disney World's Haunted Mansion.

Vittoria Romanchik shows us around The Harry Packer Mansion, an historic bed and breakfast featuring 12 guest rooms and iconic views of downtown Jim Thorpe. The small shops and eateries are all within walking distance.

“All the fireplaces and mirrors that are attached to the wall are original to the inn,” she explained.

Vittoria's in-laws, Cathy and Tom, bought the mansion in 2021 after falling in love with its features. Although they didn't have a background in hospitality, Tom was born and raised in Jim Thorpe.

“It’s truly a jewel and we wanted to keep it the way it is so people could come and stay here, enjoy the history while being in Jim Thorpe. The area is beautiful during every season. When the snow falls, when the flowers are in bloom in the summer, and of course the fall foliage is stunning, explained Cathy Leuthe, owner.

The Harry Packer was built in 1874 by Asa Packer, an influential figure who founded the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh University. Asa gifted the mansion to his youngest son, Harry, who lived here until his death. It changed hands several times, eventually becoming a bed and breakfast. And in 2024, the property is celebrating 150 years!

“We’re close to everything yet away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown, and it's quiet. Because we're adults-only, it makes for the perfect romantic weekend,” Cathy smiled.

The mansion even caught the eye of Disney Imagineers and served as inspiration for Walt Disney World's The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park.

In fact, Walt Disney himself was no stranger to the Pocono Mountains, playing in a week-long lawn bowling tournament at Buck Hill Falls in 1964.

In one photo, you can see Walt Disney pictured with William “Bill” Hay of Amos 'n' Andy, who was an announcer at Buck Hill Falls for nearly a decade. A local newspaper article described Walt Disney as "a little shy, very humble." He was also photographed during that trip signing autographs at the Pocono Mountains Airport. At one point, he flew to Washington and back to accept The Freedom Award from President Lyndon Johnson.

Back at the Harry Packer Mansion, Cathy says the connection to The Haunted Mansion has attracted Disney fanatics from all over. She added, “I can be anywhere in the country and start talking to somebody and they say, is that the place the Haunted Mansion was designed after?”

While the Harry Packer isn’t haunted, you can enjoy spooks of another kind through Murder Mysteries, a popular event at the mansion featuring original shows and actors from New York City.

Vittoria brings us to Libations Lounge, originally known as The Red Room, where business guests would wait to meet with Harry Packer. His study next door became known for another reason. “Harry died very young, at 34, of cirrhosis of the liver. His funeral was held right here, right in this room,” Vittoria said.

The former ladies and men’s parlors are now places for guests to eat breakfast, play board games, and enjoy a cocktail at night. “We have pocket doors in between the two rooms so they could separate and have space back then. The men would smoke cigars, and just break away after dinner,” Vittoria explained.

You can even stay overnight in Harry’s original bedroom with great views of the Asa Packer, his father's mansion turned museum. “And in here is Harry’s original bathroom. The bathtub is original, the shower is not,” Vittoria said during the tour.

Or for a more feminine touch, book the room that belonged to Harry’s wife. Vittoria explained, “back then they didn't sleep together, they slept separately. So, this closet was originally the walkway into Harry’s bathroom.”

Six of the twelve guest rooms are located in a separate building, The Carriage House, a quiet and secluded space with loft-style suites and deluxe rooms, providing a cabin feel. “So back in the day, if they were having a meeting or a ball at the Harry Packer Mansion or Asa Packer Mansion, guests would get dropped off then their horses would come here to The Carriage House.”

From the Harry Packer Mansion to The Haunted Mansion, a magical connection between two beloved destinations!