Stan Hywet Hall and Garden Magazine - Spring/Summer 2008 - (Page 16)

r e s t o r at i o n o f s ta n h y w e t Right: Funds have provided restoration for the Great Hall lamp and its shade. Below: Shakespearean Ball. W 16 When F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling moved into their 65-room, Tudor-Revival-style mansion in Akron in 1915, their intentions were clear: not only did they want a more comfortable, custom-designed home for their large family, they also wished to entertain. The Latin etched over the front entrance translates to “Not For Us Alone,” and that message has been taken literally since the estate’s beginnings. Many family weddings were hosted there, but the Seiberlings also threw elaborate parties for hundreds of guests, many of which were held in Gertrude’s favorite space, the Music Room. One notable event was the Shakespearean Ball, held on June 16, 1916. An inaugural gala, it also marked the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. According to family recollections, a theatrical company in New York City was hired to help plan the event. Roles were assigned to guests and costumes provided. Mrs. Seiberling attended as Queen Elizabeth and Mr. Seiberling portrayed Marc Antony. The Music Room provided the perfect backdrop for the occasion, from the eighteen-foot-high molded plaster ceil- ings with crystal and amber chandeliers to the oak-paneled walls and musicians’ balcony. Anchoring the entire room is an 18 x 36-foot rug, hand-woven in India specifically for Mr. Seiberling, with a tree-of-life motif. Although Mr. Seiberling helped design the room, Gertrude’s influence was evident. Once an operatic singer who performed at the White House, Gertrude recognized the Music Room’s perfect acoustics. This feature no doubt added to the attraction of this space, and appealed to such guests as the von Trapp Family Singers on January 6, 1942, Shirley Temple and Will Rogers. Of course Mr. Seiberling had a sanctuary as well. The Billiard Room acted as a “men’s retreat,” and functioned as both a game room and a meeting space. The centerpiece is a custom-made billiard table, constructed by the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company (now the Brunswick Corporation), which was designed to blend with the style of the house. A full-size oak table came complete with removable cushions so that all types of billiard games could be played. Today, six cues with mother-of-pearl inlays remain, plus a bridge and an abacus, located in one of the two paneled cupboards designed to store game equipment. When closed, the cabinets blend almost seamlessly with the paneling. Other amenities include a built-in cigar humidor and a concealed refrigerator for beverages. An elegant fireplace with a copper hood kept the room cozy in winter, and the whimsical carvings in the oak mantle depict characters playing various games. Aside from conducting business in his office, located at the far end of the Billiard Room, Mr. Seiberling and his four sons played pool regularly. stan hywet hall & gardens magazine

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Stan Hywet Hall and Garden Magazine - Spring/Summer 2008

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