While Jordy is at camp this week Mikey and I will go forth to have some adventures of our own. On the itinerary today is a trip to Glamorgan Castle in Alliance, OH.
50 acres of land was purchased by Col. William Henry Morgan, owner of Morgan Engineering Co. He hired architect Willard Hirsh to draw up plans for his castle. He even sent him to Europe to study, so it would be authentic. However, the family did have an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley and billiard room.
It was named Glamorgan Castle after his father’s birthplace in Wale. Construction began in 1904. The family moved in in 1907. It wasn’t done until 1909 and cost $400,000. After Col. Morgan’s death his widow sold all the land and house for oly $25,000.
After changing hands several times the castle is now home to the Alliance City School District. Armed with a $700,000+ restoration grant they have made the castle their offices.
However you can still see the splendor, craftmanship and detail in the castle. The receving room, dining room, solarium and entry way all contain period furniture and look as it did when the family lived there. I wish they would have left one of the bedrooms dressed. There are many rooms closed off - like the swimming pool and bowling alley.
Still worth a visit. If nothing else to help preserve a piece of history. During our self-guided tour we were free to wander around the entire castle, all three floors. It was fun. In the servants quarters on the 3rd floor and in the basement Mikey freaked himself out convinced that there were ghosts.
Self-guided tours are offered Mon-Friday after 2 p.m. for $2 for adults and $1 for children. 200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, OH.
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