One hundred years have passed since Mohegan Manor opened its doors.
As one of Baldwinsville’s oldest surviving commercial structures, the building was originally built in 1910 and served as an Odd Fellows Temple in the upper levels, with the lower levels providing homes to the Baldwinsville Post Office and a restaurant. Restored to its original condition, Mohegan Manor now serves as an upscale restaurant, banquet, reception, wedding and meeting facility.
“[Mohegan Manor] was a substantial building then and is a substantial building now,” said owner Dennis Sick. “There were 4,000 members [of the Odd Fellows organization] when it was built in 1910.”
In recognition of the centennial celebration, Mohegan Manor will honor its designer and builder, Ward Wellington Ward, this Friday and Saturday.
“[Ward] was a substantial player in the architectural community,” Sick said. “He was very particular about materials [in his buildings]. He used heavier steel, heavier woods. With everything, he went to extremes.”
The event will feature a special exhibit of original Ward Wellington Ward drawings. (The exhibit will be open to the public Monday Oct. 4 through 7 for a nominal fee.)
“This is a 100-year celebration of this building,” Sick said.
Organized as a fund-raiser for the Onondaga Historical Association, which prepared the Ward exhibit, the event also offers a reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (with a cash bar), during which the exhibit can be viewed, followed by a 7 p.m. dinner.
Tickets are $75 a single or $125 per couple and patrons have the choice of selecting either Friday or Saturday evening.
The ticket also entitles patrons to return to Baldwinsville on a Sunday afternoon, at a time to be announced, to tour one of Ward’s largest private commissions, the McBirney estate in Baldwinsville. Commonly known as Applecrest, owners Bob and Sue Weichert will debut the mansion sometime in November. Tour guests will depart from Mohegan Manor, where they can enjoy the hospitality while awaiting their shuttle to the estate. Transportation will be by limousine to the estate for a tour. For more information and to register, call the OHA at 428-1864.
Mohegan Manor’s Club Sushi and Steak is also currently featuring an Edward Elhoff Exhibit in the establishment’s gallery.
About Ward Wellington Ward (1875-1932)
Ward Wellington Ward was an American architect who designed more than 250 buildings, of which more than 120 were built and survive in Central New York.
Born in Chicago, Ward’s decision to live and work in Syracuse was influenced by the presence of Gustav Stickley in Syracuse, who promoted the “Craftsman” style of architecture, furniture and other decorative arts in his magazine, The Craftsman, and Ward’s wife, whose family resided in the Syracuse area.
Using various styles, Ward’s homes most typically included crafts-like details such as decorative cutouts in shutters and almost always included garages, gateways and other small structures. Homes designed by Ward are concentrated in upscale neighborhood developments including Strathome, Scottholm, Berkeley Park and Sedgwick Farms.
