Nestled in downtown Mansfield, Ohio is a treasure that includes gardens, a mansion, a pond, library, and years of rich history. The estate consists of a total of forty-seven acres. Although open to the public year round, many people never visit. Even locals go their entire lives without ever visiting. However, each year thousands of people do enjoy the often overlooked treasure known as Kingwood Center.
Kingwood Center has a rather rich history. The mansion was built in 1926 by Cleveland architect Clarence Mack. The Cleveland landscape architecture firm of Pitkin and Mott were responsible for designing the grounds. The home was built for Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kelley King. Mr. King began making his fortune when he was hired by the Ohio Brass Company as the its first electrical engineer in 1893. Mr. King was responsible for much of the company’s success and he eventually became President and Chairman of the Board of Ohio Brass. Mr. King never had any children and was married and divorced twice. After his death in 1952, he left most of his estate to the private foundation that continues to operate Kingwood Center today.
Today, the mansion is very much like it was when Mr. King lived there. The home consists of twenty-six rooms and is built and decorated in French Provincial style. Visitors can view the mansion at no charge. The main floor is primarily displayed in a manner similar to its original arrangement with many of Mr. King’s furnishings. This includes the dining, flower, and drawing rooms. The ballroom is now used as a meeting room. The foyer is now the reception area as well as a gift shop. As Mr. King directed, the mansion houses a horticultural library and the administrative offices of Kingwood Center.
The estate is home to many different gardens. The grounds of Kingwood Center were opened in 1953 as a public garden, one year after Mr. King’s death. Since that time, the gardens have only become bigger and more beautiful. The historic garden also known as the formal garden is the only garden that was commissioned by Mr. King. While the plantings and much of the stone work have been changed, the basic layout of the garden is still the same. The other gardens on the estate include the peony, herb, rose, daylily and iris, parterre, perennial, terrace, and woodland gardens. An interesting addition to the gardens is what is known as the trial and cutting beds. This is where gardeners plant new flowers and plants to see what they do and do not like. These beds are used as an evaluation tool. A great deal of space from the trial and cutting beds is dedicated to flowers that are planted specifically to be cut and then placed in the mansion. Along with all the other gardens, there are also a great deal of seasonal displays at Kingwood Center as well as a greenhouse.
Kingwood Center offers much for individuals to do. Obviously, there are tours of both the gardens and the mansion. The tours are free unless it is a guided group tour. In which case, arrangements can be made. There are also many lesser known things that can be done at Kingwood Center. There are numerous programs and workshops available which are geared to all ages and all interests. Example topics of these programs include butterfly gardening, edible flowers, and drying flowers. Kingwood Center has a focus on education which is very evident in its many programs and workshops. Volunteering is another great thing to do at Kingwood. There are currently more than two-hundred volunteers at the estate, but the foundation is always looking for more people willing to volunteer their time. During various times of the year, plant sales take place at Kingwood. However, plants are available year-round in the greenhouse. Another opportunity at Kingwood Center is to become a member. Fees vary but all money goes to the preservation and maintenance of the estate. Member privileges include a monthly newsletter, invitations to special events, and discounts. All contributions are tax deductible.
The next time you are in Mansfield, Ohio, consider a trip to Kingwood Center. The estate offers much to do and is packed full of rich history. If you are from the area and have yet to visit, it is definitely worth it. It is often overlooked, but Kingwood Center is truly a treasure worth being discovered.
