Alfred O. Deshong

Alfred Odenheimer Deshong
Born	Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	19 April 1913(1913-04-19) (aged 75)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, art collector, philanthropist
Known for	Deshong Park, Deshong Art Museum, philanthropy to Chester Hospital

Alfred Odenheimer Deshong (September 30, 1837 – April 19, 1913) was a prominent American entrepreneur, patron of the arts, and art collector based in Chester, Pennsylvania. Coming from an affluent lineage that included his grandfather Peter Deshong and father John O. Deshong, he co-managed a prosperous quarry enterprise alongside his brother and held a directorship at the Delaware County National Bank. His financial success enabled him to amass an extensive art collection.

Deshong was a generous contributor to Chester Hospital and, through his will, gifted his residence, estate, and art collection to the municipality, leading to the establishment of Deshong Park and the Deshong Art Museum. This bequest is currently valued at more than $24 million.

Early life

Alfred was born in Chester to John O. Deshong and Emmeline L. (Terrill) Deshong and received his education locally before attending Bolmar Academy in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

In 1862, he enlisted as a private with Company K of the Tenth Regiment in the Pennsylvania Militia, participating in the Battle of Antietam until his honorable discharge that September.

He reenlisted in 1863 amid Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, joining Company A of the 37th Regiment Emergency Corps (known as the "Slipher Phalanx"). He fought at the Battle of Gettysburg and was honorably discharged in August 1863.

Career

Beginning in 1865, Alfred O. Deshong entered into a business partnership with his brother John O. Deshong, Jr., managing the Deshong quarries located in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania. Their collaboration thrived for three decades until John's passing in 1895.

That year also marked Alfred’s election as a director of the Delaware County National Bank.

Philanthropy

Deshong is remembered for his significant support to Chester Hospital, notably funding the Alfred O. Deshong sanitary cottage dedicated to tuberculosis care. Upon his death, he bequeathed his mansion, extensive 22-acre property, and art collection to the city of Chester—a contribution now valued at roughly $24 million. This legacy resulted in the foundation of both Deshong Park and the Deshong Art Museum.

Deshong Park

The family mansion—constructed in 1850 on Edgemont Avenue in a Greek Revival Italianate architectural style by Alfred’s father John O. Deshong, Sr.—was left to Chester after Alfred’s demise. The estate was transformed into a public park featuring an on-site art museum. Unfortunately, during the 1980s both buildings suffered significant decline. Following dissolution of the trust managing them, Delaware County’s Industrial Development Authority assumed control; the mansion partially collapsed in 2013 and was subsequently demolished in 2014. By 2018, approximately 60% of the park’s land had been sold for commercial development.

Deshong Memorial Art Gallery

Erected in 1914 on the same grounds as the Deshong Mansion, the Deshong Memorial Art Gallery was constructed with fireproof features and exterior walls clad in Dover marble. Its main exhibition hall drew inspiration from the Emperor of Germany’s Cassel Gallery and housed over 300 pieces including intricately carved Japanese ivory, Chinese stone vessels, as well as 19th-century American and European paintings by artists such as Edward Redfield, Robert Spencer, and George Loftus Noyes.

The last artwork acquired by Deshong was a set of bronze Chinese guardian lions positioned at the mansion entrance. At one time, this gallery stood as the only public art venue on the East Coast. Between 1961 and 1978, it functioned as a library before falling into neglect.

From 1976 through 1979, teenager Laurence McCall exploited lax security to steal paintings valued at $300,000 by removing them from walls and sliding them out windows. Many stolen artworks were sold via Sotheby’s auction house in New York City. McCall was eventually apprehended and sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment but served three years. Most stolen items were recovered.

In 1979 Widener University began leasing and restoring the museum. By July 1984, remaining trustees disbanded the trust and donated both the Asian and impressionist collections along with $500,000 to Widener University where these works continue to be exhibited.

Personal life

Deshong was known for his generous hospitality, frequently hosting gatherings for artists, musicians, and influential political personalities at his estate. He remained unmarried throughout his life and gradually withdrew from public social circles in his later years.

He passed away on April 19, 1913, and was laid to rest in Chester Rural Cemetery. His tomb is adorned with a bronze statue titled "Sorrow," created by Samuel Murray. This piece was commissioned by Deshong himself and placed there the year before his passing.

External links

• The Widener University Art Collection & Gallery