Behind the Scenes at Stranleigh 2025
Have you ever wondered about daily life in a mansion? Join us for this unique opportunity to see all four floors of the Manor House and discover what life was like on the Stranahan Estate.
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 Stranahan's, 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.
Tea in the Manor House (2024) [Details]
Behind the Scenes (2024) [Details]
Introducing Discovery Days
Wildwood Preserve, Manor House
Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (February and March)
Fridays, Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April through September)
No Reservations Required, Free
Each month is themed and offers self-guided activities exploring a different nature, science, history or art topic. Children of all ages are invited.
5100 W. Central Ave.
Toledo, OH 43615
Programs
Manor House Tours,
Winter Hours are February and March, Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays, Wednesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through September. No reservations required. The house is closed to the public in October in preparations for Eerie Manor and Zombie Prom and November in preparations for Holidays at the Manor House.
Tea in the Manor House
2025 Season will be announced soon.
For reservations or information call (419) 407-9790.
Please note that the house for the week prior to our Tea in the Manor House programs.
A Cup of Christmas Tea November 20, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. (Reservations open up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 30, call 419-407-9790). Fee: $ 30
Noon Tunes [Details]
Eerie Manor Tours - October 18 through 26, 2 to 8 p.m. daily [Details]
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: Standard maximum capacity per each room.
Photography Options and Requested Rental Tours:
Guided historical tours. $20. Must be requested before the event date.
One-Hour Photography Sessions. $25; additional hours are subject to room rental rates. Available by appointment only. Must be booked 30 or more days in advance. Please call 419-407-9784 to inquire on availability.
Features
Have you ever wondered about daily life in a mansion? Join us for this unique opportunity to see all four floors of the Manor House and discover what life was like on the Stranahan Estate.
Learn the Argentine Tango in a beautiful nature setting at the Manor House at Wildwood Preserve. Class led by Paulette's Studio of Dance.
Yoga has returned to the Manor House with our partners Yogaja Yoga Studio.