Here is a story about the Seiberling family from almost 100 years ago:
The Seiberling Family moved into magnificent Stan Hywet Hall on Christmas Day 1915.The house was not entirely completed at this time but that did not stop the Seiberling’s from entertaining on their first night.
Excerpt from Society Page, Akron Beacon Journal December 25, 1915
At the new home of Mr. and Mrs. F.A. Seiberling in North Portage Path will be gathered together for Christmas day all of the brothers and sisters of Mr. Seiberling with their families. The beautiful new mansion will house 38 of the children and grandchildren of the late J.F. Seiberling. [F.A.’s father] Among those will be present are: Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Seiberling, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis T. Wolle, Mrs. Harriet C. Miles of San Diego, Cal.; Mrs. Grace S. Chase, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Firey of Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Manton, Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Pflueger, Miss Helen Wolle, Miss Irene and Virginia Seiberling, Frederick, Penfield and Franklyn [sic] Seiberling.
We aren't sure why Williard is not listed among the other children. He was also in town that holiday on break from Princeton. Possibly a mistake on the reporter’s part?
Their Christmas greeting card from 1915 celebrated the completion of their home and set the tone for how the Seiberling viewed this house as a place of welcome and inclusion to all family, friends and community members.
Greetings
On heights o’erlooking rolling woodland
And distant valley’s purple shadows,
With oaks and maples, ash and elm trees
With flowers in summer on the ledges
And water filling threatening depths
Of quarries old, like moat encircling
A rambling many chimneyed house.
Low hanging roofs and gables varied
The tower in center dominating . . .
Stan Hywet rests and sends you greeting
Stan Hywet named, the Anglo Saxon
For the place where stone is quarried.
The Seiberlings in dedication
Will gather here on Christmas day.
And young and old in celebration
Will join in laughter song and play
The truth is old, that walls and roof tree
However fine, ne’er make a home.
The friend, companion, stranger even
If warmly welcomed at the door . . .
Unfolds the message of his spirit
And leaves it there for evermore:
True friendship’s joy and inspiration
An incense sweet, a priceless store
So as the months and years unfold
Joy will they bring as joy we need
If you kind friends but enter in
And make our house a home indeed
Wishing you a Merrie [sic] Christmas and a Happy New Year
Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Seiberling
Stan Hywet Hall
North Portage Path
Akron, OH