Elyria Woman’s Club raising funds to preserve historic Monteith Hall

ELYRIA — Charlotte Norris delicately descended the steps to the basement, pulled a thin cord to shine a light and made her way to a small room near the back of Monteith Hall.

Then, she walked into a small, dusty room with a low ceiling and pointed to the concrete block wall.

It stood out from the other sandstone walls of the room.

“We think it was right here,” she said. “It faces the back of the house and the Black River. It could have easily been the place where slaves came in on the Underground Railroad. All John Monteith would have to do is hide the door to the room and no one would know he was an abolitionist hiding slaves.”

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The tunnel or any remnants to definitively tell historian where the tunnel may have been had since been closed up, but Norris, a longtime member of the Elyria Woman’s Club, the home’s owner since 1954, was happy to show off the spot that helped to solidify the home’s place on the National Register of Historic Homes.

It is also that bit of history that Norris would like Elyrians to remember because Monteith Hall, sometimes simply described as the “old white house on East Avenue with the big pillars” is in need of work to maintain the 177-year-old historic gem.

“This home has gone through a lot of remodeling over the years, but people are still very impressed when they see the house,” she said. “There is so much history here worth preserving.”

That is why the Elyria Woman’s Club will hold three fundraisers in coming months to raise money for the soon much needed repairs.

Norris said the money will be used to fund the repair and restoration of the pillars and pilasters on the front of the house. They are peeling and cracking. The last time they received any work was at least 20 years ago. Now, the work that needs to be done will cost between $20,000 and $30,000.

“There are no other structural problems with the home. It has held up well over the years because all of its owners have taken good care of it,” she said.

Built in 1835, the home is one of the oldest homes in Elyria. It was built by the Rev. John Monteith, an ordained minister and a staunch abolitionist.

Norris said Monteith gave fiery anti-slavery sermons and speeches and was never silenced by the threats of those who opposed his views. He worked with other abolitionists in Oberlin and Elyria, and he used his home as a place were runaway slaves could receive food, rest and hide until going on to Lake Erie.

Monteith Hall then became the home of former Elyria Mayor Nahum B. Gates. He married Sarah Monteith in 1841. Their son William N. Gates and his wife, Ada, totally remodeled the house in 1898. That is when the pillars and pilasters were added on the front porch.

After Gates’ death in 1913, his widow donated $25,000 to help build the Gates Hospital for Crippled Children, now the Gates Medical Center, which is a part of EMH Medical Center in Elyria.

Norris said a lot of work — much of it completed by club member Betty Bergman Camp — was done to document and preserve the home’s history. Restoring the pillars and pilasters is just another step in that process.

ELYRIA WOMAN’S CLUB FUNDRAISERS

For reservations or information on any event, call (440) 322-0524 or (440) 322-3644.

WINE TASTING EVENT

What: There will be a variety of wines, a hors d’oeuvres buffet, a Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle and a special guest, a survivor of the “Titanic.”

When: 7 to 9 p.m. March 24.

Where: Monteith Hall, 218 East Ave.

Cost: Tickets are $20 each with advance reservations, or $25 at the door.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

What: Caterer Jennifer Ehlke will prepare the meal. Guests are allowed to bring their favorite wine (and glasses) to the event.

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. April 21.

Where: Monteith Hall, 218 East Ave.

Cost: Tickets are $12 for adults, and $6 for 12 years and younger.

FASHION SHOW AND LUNCH

What: The show will begin with fashions from Midway Mall’s Christopher & Banks. Lunch will follow at noon. There will be musical selections by area singers and door prizes.

When: 11 a.m. May 12.

Where: Monteith Hall, 218 East Ave.

Contact Lisa Roberson at 329-7121 or lroberson@chroniclet.com.

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Elyria Woman’s Club raising funds to preserve historic Monteith Hall