Sylvania Township near Toledo in Lucas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ballroom / Riding Area

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 12, 2021

1. Ballroom / Riding Area Marker

Inscription.
This clearing once held a ball room and indoor horse-riding arena. The Stranabans used the site to host parties for their business clients and elite social circle. The building included an orchestra stand, large fireplaces, and built-in tables. The ball room overlooked a riding arena where horse shows dazzled the family's guests.

In 1974, Metroparks used funds from a successful grass roots campaign led by Dr. Bill Mewborn and Mr. John Lusk to purchase a portion of the original Stranleigh property and re-named it Wildwood Preserve. When Metroparks acquired the property, the ballroom and riding arena were in such disrepair that they could not be saved. After they burned to the ground, only a few stone blocks remained to mark their location.

Can you spot any of the original stone foundation blocks or evergreen trees? (Marker Number 2.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.

Location. 41° 40.892′ N, 83° 40.12′ W. Marker is near Toledo, Ohio, in Lucas County. It is in Sylvania Township. Marker is on Blue Trail, 0.1 miles north of Red Trail, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Toledo OH 43615, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. The Story of Stranleigh (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Horse Stables / Visitors Center (about 400 feet away); Clay Tennis Court / Staff Parking Lot (about 600 feet away); Lusk / Mewborn Riverview Boardwalk (about 800 feet away); River Diversion / Island / Air Intake Tunnel (about 800 feet away); Limousine Garage / Metroparks Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Formal Gardens (approx. 0.2 miles away); Swimming Pool (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toledo.

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 12, 2021

2. Ballroom / Riding Area Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 12, 2021

3. Ballroom / Riding Area Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 180 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 19, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.