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A Showstopper on Kokomo's West Sycamore Street

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A Showstopper on Kokomo's West Sycamore Street Volume 17, Number 7 Thursday, February 22, 2001 A Showstopper on Kokomo’s West Sycamore Street by Paula McHugh What a gem. If you like visiting old houses, put this one on your list. Monroe Seiberling built his 1890 mansion in Kokomo’s “silk-stocking” district a few years after establishing his Kokomo Strawboard Company, and later the Diamond Plate Glass company, along with a number of other plants. The area’s motherlode of natural gas and a deal whereby capitalists could get free land and natural gas for their factories led to the manufacturing boom in Kokomo and environs. Monroe, an Akron native, had 14 siblings. Another Seiberling Mansion, home of F.A. and presumed (by me) to be Monroe’s brother, was co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The Ohio mansion, a 65-room Tudor Revival on 70 acres, is also open for tours, but for now, let’s’ explore Monroe’s little abode. Well, no, the 3-story Romanesque Revival Queen Anne is far from little. Located at 1200 West Sycamore, this architectural marvel is a traffic-stopper any time of the year, although we were told that in late May when the tulips bloom, and again in December when the brownstone and brick man- sion lights up for the holidays, the historic residence is especially spectacular. The tur- rets stacked upon one another, the curved Kokomo pressed brick columns and expan- sive wrap-around porch, and that curi- ous-looking iron chimney holder, for lack If you like touring old mansions, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Howard County Museum, also known as the Seiberling Museum. of a better description, is mes- merizing. If it’s this cool on the outside, what’s there to see inside? The mansion beckons, magne- tizes, and seduces you to inves- tigate further. This fan-like piece of fancy lace ironwork The curved brick columns on the (holding the chimney) is a curious sight. porch are a marvel. Showstopper Continued on Page 2 Page 2 February 22, 2001 911 Franklin Street • Michigan City, IN 46360 219/879-0088 • FAX 219/879-8070 In Case Of Emergency, Dial e-mail: News/Articles - [email protected] email: Classifieds - [email protected] http://www.bbpnet.com/Beacher/ Published and Printed by THE BEACHER BUSINESS PRINTERS 911 Delivered weekly, free of charge to Birch Tree Farms, Duneland Beach, Grand Beach, Hidden Shores, Long Beach, Michiana Shores, Michiana MI and Shoreland Hills. The Beacher is also Subscription Rates delivered to public places in Michigan City, New Buffalo, LaPorte and Sheridan Beach. 1 year $26 6 months $14 3 months $8 1 month $3 Showstopper Continued from Page 1 Monroe Seiberling in 1891 put $50,000 into the building of his home and stable, later turned into a carriage house. Seiberling had instructed his contractor to begin the work in November, 1889, and have it “under roof”, but not necessarily finished by March, 1890. The contractor built a frame structure large enough for another house to be built within it since he was working during the winter months. When the mansion was completed, the outer structure was torn down. Today, after a succession of owners over the years including Indiana University- Kokomo campus, the Howard County Historical Society holds stewardship over this registered National Historic Landmark. The founder of the Diamond Plate Glass Company built this showstopper in 1891 for $50,000. After climbing the sandstone stairs onto the expansive tiled porch, we were welcomed inside by historical society member Sharon Carter. Sharon explained that visitors are free to take a self-guid- ed tour through all the rooms, and to keep in mind that none of the furnishings but one are original to the home. Instead, mem- bers of the community have donated personal period pieces throughout the home. Stained glass in the entryway. No doubt the glass came from the nearby Kokomo Opalescent Glass factory? A very early view—horses, ponies and carts. February 22, 2001 Page 3 All the wood representative of Indiana’s trees can be found in this home and visitors are immediately Open ‘til 7 p.m. drawn to the hand-carved woodwork throughout the Evenings first floor, and inlaid pieces on the upper floors. The room’s pocket doors display different woods depend- ing on which side of the door you are. On the second floor, each room has its own distinct hand-carved fireplace, faced with white, gold, burgundy and mul- wwwElegant.littlehousef Apparelashions.com for the berry colored tile to complement the room’s color [email protected] Conscious Woman scheme. In the Indiana room, the fireplace was hand- Women’s Apparel carved by a local artisan from tulipwood, and all the wildflowers depicted are native to Indiana. BOSS IS AWAY SALE 15% off All Spring Merchandise (Includes Vera Bradley and Crabtree & Evelyn) Lucky you - if you’re heading South! Peek in on our fabulous collection of cruise clothes. Expires Hand-carved woodwork dominates the main floor. Feb. 24 WINTER CLEARANCE Take an extra 50% off The last Sale Price on all Winter Clearance Items 409 Alexander Street LaPorte, IN 326-8602 On Hwy 35 - 5 Blocks South of Lincolnway Turn Right on Alexander Monday - Friday 9:30 to 7 Saturday 9:30 to 5 Showstopper Continued on Page 4 Page 4 February 22, 2001 Showstopper Continued from Page 3 Since Monroe Seiberling estab- lished the Diamond Plate Glass Company, it’s no surprise that the windows and mirrors are of course, plate glass, and many of the windows are curved. Perhaps a small expense for Monroe, but those same windows are now covered with a special shield that helps discourage cracking—and sky-high repair costs. In the entryway, and again in the dining room, nouveau designed opales- cent glass grace several windows. The entire mansion has an open, airy, light feel, and is a pleasure to tour. Displays of local historical interest are on view in each room, and we found a commemorative plate from the Kokomo Opalescent Glass factory, where we had toured earlier in the day. Arcs of stained glass surround the Close-up of the stained glass panel. square window in the dining room Climb to the third floor and you can almost hear the whispers of turn of the century music as you enter the ballroom. Just off the raised bandstand at the front of the room, we learned that this is where the men gathered, and could step outside onto a veranda. Near the other end of the ballroom, the ladies had their own special gathering place safe from the ravages of weather (no veranda) with a cozy fireplace. Servants quarters were up another half level, outside the ballroom, with a separate set of stairs Also in the dining room, leading from the kitchen. commemoratives plate from Kokomo Opalescent Glass. Sharon pointed out a special display on loan to the historical society, that of a hand-carved cane designed by Charles B. Leonard of Kokomo for Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The black cherry cane with its skillfully carved hand is presently on loan from the Roosevelt estate to the museum. Leonard, Sharon said, was not an artist, but “just an ordinary citizen who had great admira- This hand-carved tion for FDR.” cane presented to Two of the members of the Seiberling family were FDR by a Kokomo citizen is on loan to married in the mansion, and the society hosts year- the historical ly reenactments of the weddings in the home, com- museum. plete with period clothing and a full-course period meal. The mansion also hosts a craft fair, antique and farmer’s market the first Saturday of each month from May through October, and a Birthday Celebration includ- ing Victorian games over the 4th of July weekend. The carriage house is also open for viewing, with artifacts from Kokomo’s early automobile history on the lower level, and a room full of the taxonomy of the region’s wildlife, preserved for posterity. February 22, 2001 Page 5 Sheila Carlson In the coach house, reminders of other Kokomo “firsts.” Although we did not visit, next door to the Seiberling Mansion and just a few steps away, the historical soci- ety oversees the Elliot House, a Tudor-style man- sion that hosts weddings and receptions. The small carriage house behind the mansion will be the new best ranch for the bucks close to the beach. headquarters for the historical society office, accord- Morning light and coffee by the fireplace. This ing to Sharon. She laments the move, and we can under- wonderful room has 13' ceilings and subtle painted stand why. “I love walking in here in the morning,” Sharon said, walls by local artist. describing her delight in volunteering for the historical society. And, she admitted that in the considerable time huge rooms, expansive entry. 4 bedrooms (master she has spent in the home, she has never felt the pres- ence of any ghosts or spirits. suite off by itself), 2 baths and roughed-in plumbing It’s a question asked of many docents while tour- for a third bath in basement. Main floor laundry, ing historic old mansions. But here at the Seiberling screened porch, patio, electric fence, sprinklers and Mansion, we didn’t have to ask. mature landscaping. $299,000 The mansion has many design elements to admire. Directions: from U.S. 31, turn right on Sycamore Road and continue several blocks past the Howard Sheila Carlson County Courthouse. The Seiberling Mansion will 219.874.1180 be on your right. Go up one block, turn right, then 123 888.500.0492 V/P turn right again on Walnut to the parking area T Licensed IN/MI behind the mansion.
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