The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Story of Wildwood to be told
Mentor author seeks to reveal history behind John G. Oliver mansion
Wildwood Cultural Center may be familiar to many area residents, and countless people have visited the park at 7645 Little Mountain Road in Mentor.
But relatively few likely know the story behind the 110-year-old manor house on the property.
Local author Thomas Matowitz Jr. thinks it’s a story worth telling.
He is writing a book on the history of the 1908 English Tudorstyle mansion, designed by President James. A. Garfield’s son, Abram, as a summer home for Cleveland industrialist John G. Oliver. Matowitz plans to interview members of the family, past caretakers and former city officials involved in its acquisition in 1980.
“I will try to anticipate and answer all manner of questions about the Oliver family, the decision to build the house, the architect, the process that saw it transition from private residence to community resource,” said the 30-year Mentor resident. “I think many residents have questions about the house in terms of its origins — how and why it came to be built, and how it transitioned to its present use.”
Matowitz has written four other books about local and regional history as part of Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series, including: “Mentor,” “Cleveland Metroparks,” “Cleveland’s Legacy of Flight” and “Cleveland’s National Air Races.”
“The (Wildwood) history should be a source of pride, particularly the story of how the house became a valuable community resource,” Matowitz said. “I have information indicating that there were once nearly two dozen estates in Mentor. If things had turned differently, Wildwood might be a housing development today, with only the name remaining from the original property.
“Mentor showed a lot of foresight in saving and repurposing this property. It was done with great care and provides an excellent example of successful historic preservation.”
The idea for the book was brought to the Mentor Community Arts Commission, said Wildwood Cultural Center Manager Nick Standering.
“We are excited to start the journey with Mr. Matowitz and to share the history of Wildwood for all to enjoy,” Standering said.
The book is tentatively to be available by late fall.
Meanwhile, restoration projects planned for the manor house have yet to take place. Mentor City Council in October 2015 approved a $31,800 contract with Chambers, Murphy &
Burge Restoration Architects to prepare a master plan. It was finalized last summer.
Priorities include improving circulation with an addition connecting the south wing to the original house, installing an elevator, remodeling the kitchen to better support events and programs, converting the fireplaces to vent-less gas and the second floor of the south wing to office space, improving wheelchair access, and installing air-conditioning throughout. Other big-ticket items include reconstructing the remnants of the original barn for event use.
The cost estimate for all improvements is $1.5 million to $2 million.
The recommendations are evaluated by city staff, said Parks & Recreation Director Kenn Kaminski.
“When that is completed, we want to be positive that the new design will fill our current and future needs,” he said. “Sustaining the historic preservation of the manor is of utmost importance.”
Officials said the restoration would enhance the experience for guests attending programs and 10-plus public events and about 50 private parties hosted each year.