“it was the Seiberlings who left to the community Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the finest, most lasting gift to Akron of all the rubber barons” (1).
The Book
F.A. Seiberling grew up exploring the land Stan Hywet sits on
and enjoying the benefits of nature. After cofounding Goodyear Tire and Rubber
Company and building his fortune, he bought those 1,000 acres to build a home
for his family, one where the indoors and outdoors would flow seamlessly
together. His wife, Gertrude, studied landscape architecture, interior design,
architecture, and horticulture in preparation for the creation of their new
home. In 1912, once they agreed on a Tudor Revival style, Seiberling, Gertrude,
and their daughter traveled to England to collect ideas. Back home, the
original budget of $150,000 was soon exceeded—Seiberling couldn’t tell his wife
and children “no” when they requested a new room or idea. Construction was
completed in 1916 and the Seiberling’s threw a party where guests were required
to come dressed as a character from a Shakespeare play.
Family, friends, and community were of the upmost importance
to Seiberling and Gertrude. They set out to create a house that guests would love and
appreciate, feeling as comfortable as being in their own home. The same level
of attention was given to the grounds. A guest had their pick of activities
like tennis, swimming, or walking through numerous gardens and orchards. In his
instructions to the landscape architect, Seiberling wanted the driver’s
perspective to be foremost when designing the drive from the front gate to the
house. Today, visitors to Stan Hywet continue to reap the benefits of the
Seiberling’s instructions—from the front drive to the views of Cuyahoga Valley
from the West Terrace.
Reading Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is a unique experience. The Foreword was written by Seiberling’s grandson, helping the reader understand what life was like for the family. Chapter One begins with the Seiberling children deciding what to do with Stan Hywet, after the death of Seiberling, and then explores the creation and use of the home. The remaining four chapters focus on the four seasons at Stan Hywet, with short vignettes about the family. While the narrative is not organized in any particular way, it still works. Quotes from family members are used throughout, lending additional insight. The key takeaway is not how Stan Hywet was created, but the character of the people who created it and how they used it.
The Place
