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