The mansion is undergoing significant exterior and interior renovations, which began in March, said Food and Beverage Manager Allison Rhodis.
“They feel very strongly that this property being as unique as it is kind of sets us apart from other courses,” Rhodis said of facility is owned by Eagle Golf Management. “It offers more of an experience.”
The house is also a selling point for events at the mansion, said Ken Johnston, Walden Ponds general manager and Eagle Golf regional vice president.
“They say we don’t build things like they used to, that’s the case here,” he said. “You can’t tear something like this down. It’s a neat building and it adds something to the community itself.”
The mansion was built in 1831 and was part of the John D. Millikin estate. George Adam Rentschler purchased the estate, known as The Farm, in 1883 after Millikin’s death, according to documents provided by Walden Ponds.
The renovations were needed because of damage to the exterior and interior of the building, much of it water damage. Rooms that can be kept in their original states, or close to original as possible, will, Rhodis said.
Many rooms have a fire place and there are tunnels throughout the mansion believed to be a part of the Underground Railroad. Rhodis said they have not confirmed it, however.
The mansion also had a number of notable visitors, including Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Wilbur and Orville Wright, John Burroughs and Charles Kettering.
The hope is to have the renovations complete by next November or December, Johnston said. But that depends on how much money is allocated from the course’s corporate office. More than $250,000 has been spent on the mansion to date, Johnston said.
Weston Lengerich is on the Walden Ponds cart staff and said first-timers to the club usually say, “Wow.”
Despite not having a big banquet hall, Johnston said the mansion is enticing for people to have parties, weddings and other functions.
In addition to the building improvements, the course will get an upgrade. Johnston said the 82 bunkers will be updated over the next two months.
“There’s a huge amount of capital being invested into the golf course,” Johnston said. “We’re just trying to elevate it back to a position where it was 10 years ago.”
For more information, call (513) 785-2999.
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.
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