Step Inside The Historic Home Near Cleveland That Once Housed A President
By Nikki Rhoades|Published November 05, 2018
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Northeast Ohio has produced many memorable figures in American history, and many great minds have come to our region from faraway places. There is something about the beauty of our landscape, the camaraderie of our residents, and the friendliness of our neighbors that attracts and inspires great minds. It should come as no surprise that one of the most carefully reconstructed presidential sites in the nation is right here in Greater Cleveland. You’re sure to feel right at home in the residence of this former president:
While Cleveland may serve as the final resting place of President James A. Garfield, his former home existed just a short journey away.
Located at 8095 Mentor Ave. in Mentor is a gorgeous Victorian home with a reputation for being one of the most accurately restored presidential sites in the nation.
Nicknamed "Lawnfield" by reporters, this site once hosted the first successful front porch campaign.
Since 1980, the National Park System has maintained the former Garfield residence, the surrounding 7.82 acres, and a few outbuildings. While the porch was once Garfield's platform to greet his supporters, it is now a portal through time.
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The president, who passed in September of 1881, purchased the home in 1876 to support his growing family.
Little did he know that this site would come to host his campaign for the presidency and establish the first presidential library. Following his death, the home remained in the family until it was donated to the Western Reserve Historical Society in 1936.
Many of the rooms like similar to how they would have appeared back in the day, allowing visitors a trip through time.
Before his presidency, Garfield likely entertained friends and family in this ground-floor parlor room. Throughout the home is a variety of gorgeous Victorian furniture, and over 80 percent was actually owned by the Garfield family.
The Carriage House is one of several additions made to the property following President Garfield's passing. While it once served as the family horse barn, it is a welcoming Visitor Center and museum today.
Despite its age, the Garfield home seems to have hardly changed at all.
Pictured here is the Winter Bedroom, the cozy chambers where Mr. and Mrs. Garfield retreated during the colder months. As this second-floor bedroom was cooler than those on the first floor, it is the latter space that houses their former Summer Bedroom. All throughout the Winter Bedrooms are photos of the Garfield family, including the two children that passed away in the house.
The property is gorgeous all year round, and it is always open for tours and lectures.
Visitors over 16 are asked to pay an entrance fee of $7 per person. Tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May through October, and they're offered at the same hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays each November through April. For exhibit information and special events, click here.
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The layout of this beautiful home was lovingly reconstructed to provide visitors a glimpse into a former president's everyday life, and it truly is a must-see destination.
Though his term was cut short by a dreadful assassination, Garfield is remembered for his advocacy of social reform and public education. This dreamer and politician may have conceived some of his most memorable and controversial ideas in this very home.
This beautiful piece of local and national history is just a short trip outside of Cleveland, and you'll likely want to visit it again and again.
There are many important and lovely places in Northeast Ohio, but this stunning destination is perhaps one of the most important. When are you planning a visit?
