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Gate Lodge attracts Founders’ Day attendees

6/14/2012 - West Side Leader
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By Kathleen Folkerth

Photos: Dale Dong
WEST AKRON — The historic Gate Lodge at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — the site of the first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) founders Bill W. and Dr. Bob — attracted hundreds of visitors during this year’s Founders’ Day activities the weekend of June 8.

Shown at right top during their June 10 visit are Gary G., Sherman M. and Heidi M., of Angleton, Texas. The three examine historical items housed in a display at the Gate Lodge.

Terry C. and Brenda C., of Dubuque, Iowa, are shown at right bottom as they read up on AA history and the significance of the Stan Hywet site. Many visitors enjoyed the chance to see and spend time in the room where the two founders originally met, shown at right middle.

Stan Hywet officials said the Gate Lodge was originally built as a residence for the property’s superintendent. Fred and Henrietta Seiberling later moved into the lodge, and Henrietta oversaw the meeting of the two AA founders on Mother’s Day in 1935. The lodge was restored in 2004 and opened to the public for the first time in 89 years, according to Stan Hywet officials. It now features interpretive panels that detail the historic importance of the site.

The Gate Lodge is open for tours from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at Stan Hywet, 714 N. Portage Path. Admission is $8, but free for members. For more information, call 330-836-5533 or go to www.stanhywet.org.

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