WHO’S ROLLO?

Rollo's Stairs, Fonthill
Rollo’s Stairs, Fonthill

Henry Mercer loved dogs, and his favorite breed was the Chesapeake Bay retriever. He had many of these dogs, some of which were named Jack, Sailor and Larry. Mercer’s favorite at the time of the construction of the Mercer Museum was Rollo. Mercer allowed Rollo to run through wet concrete in the newly constructed parts of the Museum. His enormous paws left equally large prints, which are still evident to Museum visitors on “Rollo’s Stairs” between the fifth and sixth floors today. Fonthill Castle also features “Rollo’s Stairs” – discover paw prints in the concrete stair treads in the Columbus Room.

ROLLO'S FACTS

More than 60 Early American trades are represented in the Mercer Museum.
Rollo's Fact 6

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• Fonthill Castle will be closed on Friday, August 21, & Saturday, August 22, 2026, for our annual Fonthill Castle Beer Fest fundraising event.

More information & tickets can be found here. Fonthill Castle will reopen to the public on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 12 P.M.

• Saturday, August 29: Fonthill Castle will close early for a private event. The last tour will begin at 2 P.M.

• Sunday, August 30: Fonthill Castle will close early for a private event. The last tour will begin at 2 P.M.

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