Sharon PA's Legacy of Grand Homes

The Minnie Bachman and William Kranz Mansions, both erected circa 1910-12, were built on East State Street between Euclid and Case Avenues. Sharon’s East Hill blossomed with these large mansions and country estates as the wealthy sought refuge farther from the booming mills they owned. The Bachman Mansion was built in the Tudor Revival/Shingle style adapted to local materials of red brick and stucco, with a false-thatched roof and a castle-like tower. The Kranz Mansion, on the left, was built in the Dutch Colonial style featuring a gambrel roof, brown brick, and dentil work. These homes became a new standard in residential architecture on the East Hill, showing the true power and wealth of the steel industry in the Shenango Valley. Information provided by: Taylor Galaska

The splendid J. M. Willson Mansion, erected in 1875, was built on about an acre purchased from Dr. J. M. Irvine on the corner of East State Street and North Oakland Avenue. Willson was a furniture maker, starting his company J. M. Willson & Sons Furniture store in 1845 lasting until the 1990s. Finished by Christmas 1875, the Mansion has 10-rooms with 6 fireplaces. It was designed by architect A. Kanengeiser. Wallis & Carley, successor to Faas, Kanengeiser & Co., contractors, ...built the residence as one of its first jobs. The style of architecture is Italianate, characterized by the hoods over the windows, ornate brackets under the eaves, mansard roof on the central entrance tower, and iron detailing on the roof lines. The wrought iron fence was made by Lake Erie Iron Works and installed sometime after this photo circa 1875. Information provided by: John Zavinski and Taylor Galaska Photograph provided by: Sample ODonnell Funeral Home See more

The distinctive Heinz Mansion, erected in 1913, was built on the corner of East State Street and Flowers Avenue. The residence was a wedding gift from Frederick Charles Heinz to his daughter who married F. F. Marquard, a Sharon industrialist. Frederick Charles Heinz was a cousin of H. J. Heinz, and co-founder, of what became the food processing firm, Heinz Company, of Pittsburgh. The home was a mix of styles such as Queen Anne, Craftsman and Tudor Revival. The home featured a turret, half timbering, a terra-cotta tile roof, and a large porch with a rotunda. Brick, rough-faced stone, wooden shingles, and half timbering were used in the construction. Information provided by: Taylor Galaska Photograph provided by: Bruce Boycan

Happy Thanksgiving!! We’ve taken a break for a month or two but we are coming back with some really cool homes!! Catch our new post in the next week or two!! #oldhouse #oldhomelove #architecture

DON’T MISS IT Join us for our BEST Downtown Sharon History Walks to date!! We will explore the rich history of the Upper East Hill on East State Street and Oakl...and Avenue. This section was once a premier residential area full of big homes and mansions!! Never before seen photographs, unique styles of architecture, and tales of the owners and builders will be featured in our FREE Booklets!! Meet us at Daffin's Candies on WaterFire Sharon, PA Sept 21st at Noon, 2pm, and 4pm!! See more