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Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler eMagazine

STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS

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Nearly a hundred years ago, Akron was adding the wheels to the Industrial Revolution. And when the tires hit the pavement, it was dubbed the “Rubber Capital of the World.”

The founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, F. A. Seiberling, used his wealth in 1915 to create an estate in the country that is today an American treasure – Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Stan Hywet is Old English for stone quarry (stone hewn), the property’s most predominant natural feature. Its 65 room 64,500 square-foot Manor House and 70 acre grounds are renown for architectural and horticultural achievements. It reigns as Akron’s only National Historic Landmark.

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens has many interesting sights and tales. Its social significance impacting the area and – on at least one occasion – the world is perhaps best expressed by an event that took place more than 70 years ago in what is referred to as the “Little House.” Enter through the majestic wrought iron gates and stone wall and to the right of the driveway is the Gate Lodge. In front of it is a historical marker stating this is the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – the world’s largest self-help movement in the history of mankind. It began with a meeting hosted there on Mother’s Day in 1935 by Seiberling’s daughter-in-law Gertrude, Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Watson.

The driveway continues with a slight curve through the apple orchard eventually revealing an awe-inspiring view of the Great Meadow ascending toward the Manor House. But the first stop is at the Carriage House.

The old Carriage House, once the estate’s stable and garage, is now the Carriage House Museum Store and Café. The historic building is currently used for admissions, offices and offers unique shopping and refreshments, including sandwiches and more.

Continue up the drive on foot past the Elliptical Garden to the Manor House. Daily tour options include guided or unguided tours and specialty tours such as Nooks & Crannies or Gardens, Gate Lodge and Greenhouse. A great option for self-guided tours is to use the Audio Tour Wand which delivers pre-recorded narration at the touch of a button. One of the most elegant rooms in the house – and often referred to as one of the most beautiful rooms in America – is Stan Hywet’s Music Room featuring a 1915 Aeolian Organ. This enchanting instrument’s 2,670 pipes have sounded better. An effort to bring its music back to the Manor House is underway in attempt to restore the organ to its original glory.   

There are several mesmerizing places surrounding the Manor House. One of which is the walled English Garden. Some of its features that leave a lasting impression are the reflecting pool and statue of a woman sprinkling water over the head of children. Adjacent to it is the West Overlook where towering natural views of the Cuyahoga Valley are captured and preserved. Nearby is the Birch Allee Vista leading to the Tea Houses. It is a tunnel through nature’s 100 gray birches and is a sight to behold. Near its end, jutting off to the right is the Grape Arbor, extending the visual treats that lead from one breathtaking moment to the next. It ends at the face of the Corbin Conservatory, a replication of a Gothic Revival-style glasshouse and butterfly conservatory.  

In the middle of all this is the Great Garden. Its wide variety of flowers, arbors and garden art spans three acres. Visitors are permitted to picnic as there are picnic tables nearby the Carriage House.

The Seiberling’s donated Stan Hywet to a non-profit organization in 1957 to preserve one of the few remaining American Country Estates that has not succumbed to the grueling fate of the wrecking ball. After much restoration and upkeep, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens welcomes droves of public visitors every year.  

In addition, Stan Hywet is available for private functions personal or professional, large or small.

The Manor House bears a crest at its entrance that reads Non Nobis Solum Or Not for Us Alone greeting guests as it did in 1915. It is open to the public April through December, Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except for some major holidays.  

For more information about tours, events or details about Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, call 330-836-5533 or see www.stanhywet.org.