Dillon House
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center purchased the Dillon House in 1962 because of its historical link to President Rutherford B. Hayes. Several years of restoration and renovation followed. The home temporarily was used as a storage facility when the Hayes Museum underwent a major addition in 1967. Since 1968, the Center has continued to develop the home as a revenue-generating outlet.
HISTORY
The story of the Dillon House begins in 1873 when Fremont architect John C. Johnson began construction of an elegant home for Charles M. Dillon. Dillon had achieved much wealth through operation of his drug store business Dillon & Son (precursor of today's Grund Drug Co.). He sought to display that success by building a grand house. His selection of a site for the structure also was meant to demonstrate his status. The 164x330-foot lot was located directly across from the home of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Mrs. Ann Dillon’s family claimed acquaintance with the retired President. Her father Ralph P. Buckland shared a legal practice with Hayes beginning in 1845. The fact that the street in front of the Dillon House bears the Buckland name is no accident. In addition to his status as a lawyer, Ralph gained acclaim for his leadership of the 72nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Battle of Shiloh. He was promoted to Brigadier General for his actions and eventually earned the rank of Brevet Major General. Buckland also served as a Congressman and mayor of the City of Fremont.
The Dillon House represents one of Fremont’s finest Victorian-era homes. It was constructed over the course of two years and is of a Towered Second Empire design. Elaborate pediments surmount the windows. Dental molding and cornices accentuate the first floor roofline. The double front doors and paneled foyer were fashioned from black walnut, while the rest of the home’s woodwork is of butternut. Interior rooms feature elaborate plasterwork and ornate stenciling. A profusion of walk-in closets is further testament to the family’s wealth, since such closets were considered luxury items and subject to additional taxation.
Charles and Ann Dillon raised eight children. Their beloved home remained in the family’s ownership until the death of Charlotte (Dillon) Ickes in 1960. Two years later, the Hayes Presidential Center, Inc. purchased the property
Today, the Dillon House is used by the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center for special programming, educational and heritage tourism events, and rental by the general public. The home is filled with Victorian-era furnishings, some original to the Dillon family. Its downstairs rooms provide a unique setting for catered dinners and receptions for groups of 15 or more. Today, the home is experiencing a renewal of its former prestige thanks annual public events such as Victorian Teas, conducted annually from April to November.
MAILING ADDRESS
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
Attn: Dillon House
Spiegel Grove
Fremont, OH 43420-2796
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
1329 Buckland Avenue
(directly across the street from the Hayes Presidential Center)
PHONE
419-334-2763 (direct line)
419-332-2081 (via the Hayes Presidential Center)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Lisa Lamb Stuart, Dillon House Manager
lstuart@rbhayes.org