The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of virtually touring Stan Hywet Hall during our Tuesday, December 15th holiday club meeting. In addition to the virtual tour, listed below are a few interesting facts about Stan Hywet that might intrigue you to visit Stan Hywet for the first time or make a return visit.
Stan Hywet Beginnings:
In 1910, F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, began to purchase land in Portage Township, a farming area on the west side of the Akron city limits. Seiberling and his wife, Gertrude, wanted to build a home large enough for their growing brood and their extended family. They also wanted the house to function as a center for entertainment and events for the greater Akron community. They named it Stan Hywet, Old English for stone quarry — after the property’s most prominent natural feature. Seiberling hired architect Charles Schneider, landscape designer Warren Manning, and interior decorator Hugo Huber to create Stan Hywet. Construction began in 1912 and the Seiberling family moved to their new house in December,1915. The Seiberlings enjoyed Stan Hywet Hall for the next 40 years —opening their doors countless times to the community, as well as marking family milestones throughout the estate.
In 1910, F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, began to purchase land in Portage Township, a farming area on the west side of the Akron city limits. Seiberling and his wife, Gertrude, wanted to build a home large enough for their growing brood and their extended family. They also wanted the house to function as a center for entertainment and events for the greater Akron community. They named it Stan Hywet, Old English for stone quarry — after the property’s most prominent natural feature. Seiberling hired architect Charles Schneider, landscape designer Warren Manning, and interior decorator Hugo Huber to create Stan Hywet. Construction began in 1912 and the Seiberling family moved to their new house in December,1915. The Seiberlings enjoyed Stan Hywet Hall for the next 40 years —opening their doors countless times to the community, as well as marking family milestones throughout the estate.
The Stan Hywet estate includes:
- 70 acres
- 5 historic buildings
- 10 fully restored historic gardens
- collection and furnishings with 95% original to the estate
Historic House Museum and Garden:
After the death of F.A. Seiberling in 1955, Stan Hywet became a non-profit historic house museum, opening for tours so that the public could benefit from the cultural, educational, and inspirational riches of one of the most significant achievements in architecture and horticulture to come out of America’s Industrial Age. Stan Hywet is open Tuesday-Sunday for tours, April - December.
Stan Hywet Hall: Construction 1912 – 1915:
- Architectural Style: Tudor revival
- Construction materials, exterior: red brick, steel, sandstone, Vermont slate, copper, oak and plaster
- Construction materials on the interior include American oak, chestnut, black walnut, sandalwood, teak and rosewood
- Manor House Square Footage 64,500 sq ft.
- Length: 300 feet; the basement extends the length of the house
- Height: Main Structure, three stories; Music Room, two stories; Tower, four stories
The Estate became a beacon of progress for F.A. and his business associates, who often met at Stan Hywet to discuss and negotiate the challenges of the day.
Gertrude Seiberling:
F.A. Seiberling's wife, Gertrude, established her own reputation as an accomplished artist, musician and patron of the arts. The home served as an international stage for well-known figures in music, the arts, and politics. She applied her passion for gardening, music, and the arts to help found Tuesday Musical and the Akron Garden Club, institutions that remain strong, vibrant, and iconic organizations and that still support the estate today.
Alcoholics Anonymous:
The Gate Lodge has its own important history. On Mother's Day, 1935, Henrietta Buckler Seiberling daughter-in-law of F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling, brought together Bill W. and Dr. Bob, so they could talk to each other about their drinking problems. The conversation lasted well into the evening, a discussion that led to the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that continues to benefit millions worldwide.
IMPACT ON AKRON
- Stan Hywet is Akron’s first and largest National Historic Landmark
- The 6th largest historic home open to the public
- Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums
Throughout their lifetimes, F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling set an unparalleled example to their children, who made the choice in 1957 to carry forward their parents’ generosity by gifting Stan Hywet to the Akron community. We follow the example set by F.A., Gertrude and their heirs as we usher it forward for the benefit of future generations. Above the Manor House entryway, the crest bearing the motto Non Nobis Solum (Not for Us Alone), welcomes guests as warmly today as it did a century ago.
Stan Hywet is clearly an Akron treasure. If you haven’t had the opportunity to tour the home and grounds, I encourage everyone to do so. There are special events throughout the year and there is an annual membership option that is reasonable. For further information on Stan Hywet, please check out www.stanhywet.org.
Yours in Rotary Service -
Terry
