Rebecca Warner Rawle Shoemaker (1730-1819) was a devout Quaker widow who inherited prime land in Philadelphia. In 1767, Rebecca built Georgian style Laurel Hill Mansion, which provided a summer sanctuary for her children and new husband, Samuel Shoemaker.The Shoemakers remained British Loyalists during the Revolutionary War, thus Laurel Hill was confiscated by the Pennsylvania legislature and Samuel Shoemaker fled to England to escape imprisonment by the Colonists. Rebecca and her children were left destitute in Philadelphia and she farmed vegetables to support her family. By 1786 anti-British feelings had waned, and Rebecca had secured adequate capital to regain her beloved Laurel Hill Mansion. From 1786 on, Laurel Hill ownership stayed within the Rawle/Shoemaker family until 1869 when Fairmount Park purchased the house. Today, Laurel Hill Mansion is maintained by Women for Greater Philadelphia as a Museum House open for tours, concerts, and educational programs.