Redstone was established in the late 19th century industrialist John
Cleveland Osgood as part of a coal mining enterprise. As an experiment
in “enlightened industrial paternalism,” Osgood constructed 84 cottages
and a 40-room inn, all with indoor plumbing and electricity, for his
coal miners and cokers, as well as modern bathhouse facilities, a club
house with a library and a theatre, as well as a school. In addition,
Osgood built an opulent 42-room Tudor-style mansion, commonly called
“Redstone Castle” for his second wife, Swedish Countess Alma Regina
Shelgrem. The Castle was part of a 72-acre estate that also included
servants’ quarters, a gamekeeper’s lodge, a carriage house and a
greenhouse.
Photograph copyright (c) Trevi Bennett 2012
