Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Stan Hywet (pronounced “stan hee-wit”) is Old English for "stone quarry" and was built between 1912 and 1915 by early industrialist and Goodyear co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his wife, Gertrude. The estate was designed to accommodate their active lifestyles and large family. It also allowed the couple to lavishly entertain business associates, friends and prominent members of the community.

 

Their large family included six children: John Frederick (1888-1962); Irene Henrietta (Harrison), (1890-1999); Willard Penfield (1892-1981); James Penfield (1898-1962); Gertrude Virginia (Handy), (1899-1971); and Franklin Augustus (1908-1990). A seventh child, Grace Wenonah, died in infancy, (1906-1907).

 

Stan Hywet was designed by noted Cleveland architect, Charles Schneider. Another Clevelander and one of the fathers of American landscape design, Warren Manning, served as landscape architect for the gardens.

 

Upon the death of F.A. Seiberling in 1955, his six surviving children, their spouses and adult children were faced with a decision concerning Stan Hywet Hall’s future. Although there were differing points of view and concerns about giving up their inheritance, much discussion finally led the family to a mutual agreement to save Stan Hywet for future generations. Together they voted to set up a mechanism by which the estate could be transferred in stages to the ownership of a legally constituted, non-profit organization.

 

The Manor House is filled with treasures from around the globe and its rooms exemplify a minute attention to detail. The Manor’s 21,000 panes of glass, 23 fireplaces, and hand-carved paneling of oak, sandalwood and black walnut reflect the opulence of the era. Every room tells its own story of the Seiberling lifestyle—from the Billiard Room where F.A. entertained his business associates and sealed deals over a glass of brandy and a good cigar to the ornate Music Room where famous celebrities like Will Rogers and the Von Trapp family singers entertained the Seiberlings and their friends.

 

The family heirs turned Stan Hywet over to a non-profit Foundation in 1957. The family motto, “Non Nobis Solum,” – Not For Us Alone – inscribed in the archway above the front door of the Manor House, was truly the guiding philosophy of the family. With the creation of the foundation, the Seiberling heirs ensured that the estate would be available for many generations to enjoy.

 

Stan Hywet currently has nearly 4,000 members and over 500 volunteers who participate in special events, administration and tour services. Stan Hywet serves over 140,000 visitors a year. In addition to daily manor and garden tours, Stan Hywet hosts various public programs annually, including concerts, plays, lectures, children’s programs, and arts and crafts fairs.