Cleveland Construction: The Mather Mansion | Cleveland Bricks
Once upon a time in Cleveland, Euclid Ave. was filled with millionaires and mansions. Stately elms lined the street and opulence filled the air. Titans of industry flocked to the area and built beautiful homes to showcase their wealth. One of the last of these to be built, and still standing, is the Mather Mansion.
Let’s take a look at Mather Mansion and learn more about Euclid Ave., once called the “Most beautiful street in the world.”
The Beginning
Samuel Mather was a Cleveland native that came from a storied family, one ancestor was involved in the Salem Witch Trials. He attended local schools in his formative years. In 1881 Samuel married Flora Stone, the daughter of a prominent railroad tycoon. The couple went on to have four children.1883 saw the birth of the Pickands Mather Company co-founded by Mather and his business partners. Eventually, the business became one of the biggest iron ore companies in the country. Among the wealthiest in the city, Samuel Mather was very charitable, giving to the City in generous ways.
The Mansion
Euclid Ave. homeowners were the elite of society. Neighbors of the Mathers included Marcus Hanna, Charles F. Brush, and John D. Rockefeller. The Mather Mansion was move-in ready in 1910. With 47 rooms, 5 levels, and over 15,000 sq. ft. – at the cost of $1 million, the home stood out even on “Millionaires Row.” The Tudor Gothic Revival home is filled with unique carvings, a water fountain in the dining room, and a ballroom with stunning high ceilings that can hold hundreds of people.
The Legacy
Sadly the days of luxury on Euclid Ave. were already waning when Samuel moved in. After his death in 1931, the mansion passed into multiple hands, first the Cleveland Institute of Music and finally Cleveland State University. Fortunately, the home survived and stands as a testament to the grandeur that once thrived on Euclid Ave. Today the university utilizes the mansion for events.
Cleveland has an interesting history. Some of the City’s attractions are well known and some are hidden gems. Do you have a favorite Cleveland location or area? Let us know! We love to share some of the spaces and places that make our city great.
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