
Ellen Biddle Shipman; The Beginnings of a Legacy
Ellen Biddle Shipman was a pioneer for women in the industry of landscaping.
The first half of the 20th century proved an uncertain, but exciting time in American history. From the turn of the century through the 1920s, the United States fostered unbelievable economic and industrial growth. Inventors and innovators introduced the world to amazing new concepts in the fields of transportation and energy. As bright and promising as those times were, the Great Depression and war years that followed equaled them in despair and foreboding. The prosperous years allowed men of genius and vision to accumulate incredible wealth and influence, while the lean times tested these new American leaders.
During this era, amazing industrial accomplishments transformed Toledo and northwest Ohio into leaders in the country’s good times, but left the region in desperate circumstances when the Depression hit. The story of one prominent Toledo family, the Stranahans, encapsulates these times and continues to shed light on how the country went from economic feast to famine; and finally emerged to lead the world through the remainder of the 20th century.
Founders of Champion Spark Plug Company, brothers R.A. and F.D. Stranahan became wealthy beyond their greatest imagination and then used their money and influence to help see Toledo and the nation through the troubling times of the Great Depression and World War II. R.A. Stranahan’s impressive mansion and sprawling estate, now Wildwood Preserve, stand as a testament to the great business success the brothers enjoyed.
The existence of Wildwood today is the result of a citizens' campaign in the mid-1970s to preserve the property as a public park. The issue was placed on the ballot and won the support of the voters—and the hearts of generations of visitors.
5100 W. Central Ave.
Toledo, OH 43615
Notable Programming
Due to COVID-19 there are no Tours of the Manor House.
Holidays at the Manor House (beginning the first Saturday in December)
Tea in the Manor House (April through October - excluding July). For reservations or information call (419) 407-9790.
Music in the Grand Manor (every April and October) For reservations or information call (419) 407-9790.
Rentals within Manor House
For rental information you can email or call
(419) 407-9784.
Tenting the Patio: Add a tent over the back patio of the Manor House to increase the size of your event. Tenting available through Meredith Party Rentals at an additional cost.
Capacity: Please note that due to Social Distancing, this room's capacity has been temporarily reduced to 65 guest. These maximums will be adjusted and return to normal as state of Ohio guidelines adapt to the coronavirus situation.
Features
Ellen Biddle Shipman was a pioneer for women in the industry of landscaping.
A conservator visited the Manor House to touch up the 19th Century French wallpaper in the dining room .
Volunteers and staff at Metroparks mourn the death of John “Bud” Jacobs, longtime piano player at the Manor House.
Chicago area musician Eric Lambert, a world-class flatpicking guitarist, sought-after educator and popular performer, will perform Sunday, July 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Wildwood Manor House.
Bud Jacobs has performed for the 100th time at Manor House tea.
Holidays in the Manor House, December 5-13, set a record for attendance: 27,404 people toured the house in nine days!
Holiday Visitors Can See ‘Miss Derby’ Above Living Room Fireplace