Coulby Mansion
History
Originally called "Coulallenby", the mansion was built by
Harry C. Coulby. The building is situated on a beautiful 54-acre estate.
Mr. Coulby served as Wickliffe's first mayor. Construction was started
in 1913 and completed in 1915 at a cost of over $1 million dollars.
Around the mansion are formal gardens, a pond, the former cow barn,
a gatehouse and a public park with a nature trail. At the turn of the
century, Wickliffe was home to many millionaire businessmen, including
Harry C. Coulby, Fergus B. Squire, Frank Rockefeller and the Corrigan
family. Until 1954 when the City of Wickliffe purchased Coulby for its
municipal offices, the house had several other owners, including being
used as a catholic girls' school. Thankfully, previous owners did not
damage many of the homes original fixtures, such as chandeliers, skylight,
wallpaper, and hand-carved woodwork and hardware.
Exterior
Architect Frederick W. Striebinger was hired by Mr. Coulby to build
his lovely home. The exterior of the building is white glazed terra
cotta. At one time, a wrought iron fence and stone pillars surrounded
the property. Two central entrances, one in the front of the house and
one in the back, lead directly to the main hall.
West Wing
The West Wing is currently used as Council Chambers. Originally the
living room of the Coulby family, it was called "The Rose Room"
by the Sisters of Holy Humility of Mary and was used by visiting parents
of girls boarding at their exclusive girls school. Three beautiful Palladian
windows fill the room with light. The interior doors open to permit
ventilation. Along the north and south walls are carved cabinets. The
Tiffany chandeliers in this room are original to the house. Note the
hand-carved moldings along the ceiling. The marble fireplace is one
of six in the house and is imported from Italy.
Mayor's Office
Formerly used as a library by Mr. Coulby, the room retains its stately
feel as the Mayor's office. The room features a fireplace, bookshelves,
and hand carved wood panels from Bohemia; the perfect place to while
away a cold winter's evening. The location of the library also afforded
Mr. Coulby a commanding view of this estate. In 1999, Mayor Julie Morales
began restoring the library to its previous condition. Carpeting was
removed and the original hardwood floors were refinished. The fireplace
and woodwork had extensive restoration work performed and a new period
area rug was laid. Ask to see the hidden wall safe, it fascinating!
Receptionist's Office
This room was the former morning room. Here Mrs. Coulby planned her
day and perhaps consulted with the housekeepers or cook. It also features
a cozy fireplace.
First Floor Hallway, Entrance
Foyer & Stairwell
The first floor hallway connects the living quarters with the dining
quarters. If you look closely, you will see many fossils embedded in
the marble. The entrance to the back of the house was originally used
as the main entrance to the home. The beautifully tiled floor patterns
reflect the round foyer. As you ascend to the second floor, overhead
is a Tiffany skylight.
Second Floor
The area above the west wing was Mrs. Coulby's "boudoir."
Here was her bedroom, dressing room, sitting room and private bath.
Mr. Coulby's bedroom and the guestrooms occupied the area in the upstairs
east wing. Mr. Coulby would keep the trees in front of the house trimmed
so he could watch his ships sailing by on Lake Erie.
Servant's Quarters
A few steps down from the second floor, you come to the servants' rooms.
The bell chime system, used to summon the butler or maid, is in the
hallway.
East Wing
The East Wing held the formal dining room, a semicircular breakfast
room, butler's pantry, and kitchen. Having served as the offices of
the Police Department from 1954 - 1990, the dining and breakfast rooms
have been restored to their rightful beauty. Refurbishing was completed
in 1991 with new carpeting, fresh paint, woodwork repairs and chandeliers.
The lovely "wallpaper" is actually canvas. Mr. Coulby commissioned
an artist to do the beautiful painting you see today. The butler's pantry
retains the original cabinetry, which reaches to the very top of the
high-ceilinged room. There is a small window between the kitchen and
pantry to pass food.
