James N. Gamble House Faces Potential Demolition
February 2010
Bids are being taken for the demolition of the historic Gamble House, located at 2918 Werk Road in Westwood.
The grand Victorian home located at 2918 Werk Road, fondly referred to as the Gamble House by local residents, is being scheduled for potential demolition, perhaps as early as March of this year. Ownership of the property was transferred in late 2009 from the Louise Dieterle Trust to the Greenacres Foundation. Faced with two minor city code violations (peeling paint and a sidewalk in need of repair), the owners of the property have decided not to comply with the orders against the house and have begun taking bids for its demolition.
The home, a 2,644 sq ft clapboard-style Late Victorian with strong Italianate influences, is believed to have been originally constructed in the 1830s. Significant additions and alterations were done after 1875, when James Norris and Margaret Penrose Gamble purchased the property. Local architectural historians have speculated that the addition is suggestive of the work of James McLaughlin (Victorian with Italianate influences). Several outbuildings on the site are not part of the demolition plan. Of these supplemental structures—which include a barn, carriage house, greenhouse, and caretaker's house—the barn has perhaps the most historic significance, as it was designed by Solo Spencer Beman, and possesses the same roof structure and window style he used in designing Ivorydale (late 19th century).
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE PRE-DATES THE GAMBLE FAMILY
Although widely-known as the Gamble House, the property has historic significance that reaches back before the Gamble legacy—to the very beginnings of Westwood. James Goudy, the first known settler in Westwood, was the original owner of the land. Richard Gaines, referred to as the “Father of Westwood”
also owned the property. Gaines, a native of London, England, migrated successively to Burlington, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and finally to Cincinnati, where he originally settled in Green Township, which was sparsely populated at the time. By 1820, Gaines began to find this location to be too far from the city proper so he purchased a farm of 160 acres on the west side of the Harrison pike in the western portion of the village of Westwood. It was upon this parcel that the Gamble House was constructed. John Gaines—the very first mayor of the Village of Westwood—also lived in the home. Thomas Morgan is listed as the property owner in 1873; in 1875, ownership transferred to James N. Gamble, the very last mayor of the Village of Westwood, before its annexation in to the city of Cincinnati.
1856 Map of Hamilton County (Alfred West Gilbert)
Currently situated on 21 acres of partially wooded rolling hills in the heart of Westwood, the original size of the parcel when Richard Gaines was its owner has been recorded in various sources as being anywhere from 60 to 160 acres in size. There a number of references which state that James N. Gamble's father, James Gamble—co-founder of the Procter & Gamble Company—had the original structure built in 1832, but no source to substantiate these references have been found.
The property has remained in the Gamble family since 1875. In 1961, upon the death of the last full-time resident of the house, Olivia Gamble, the home was passed to Louis Nippert, who was Olivia's nephew. From 1961 to 1992, Mr. Nippert ensured that the property was well-maintained during his tenure of ownership. He hired a full-time caretaker to oversee the building and grounds, and the main house was mothballed in a perfectly-preserved state during this time. Mr. Nippert's responsible and compassionate care for this historic property is believed to be due to his love for his grandfather, James N. Gamble. Mr. Nippert, once a part-owner of the Cincinnati Reds, and a two-term member of the Ohio House of Representatives, died on November 17, 1992. The condition of the property—particularly the main house—has been in gradual decline ever since this time.
In 2006, the majority of the interior furnishings were removed due to the risk of water damage inside the house.
JAMES N. GAMBLE: PATRIARCH OF THE WESTERN HILLS
James Gamble, co-founder of the Procter & Gamble company, and father of James N. Gamble.
James Gamble (father) emigrated from Dublin, Ireland in the early part of the 19th century. Why he chose Cincinnati as a final destination is unknown, but references indicate it was the accident of sickness that arrested his journey in the Queen City, as it is believed he was originally headed for a point further west. James Gamble started his soap manufacturing business in 1829. He went into partnership with his brother-in-law, William Procter, to form Procter and Gamble in 1837. James and Elizabeth Gamble raised 9 children, the oldest of whom was James N. Gamble.
James N. Gamble, a resident of Westwood for more than sixty years, is honored and revered to this day as the ultimate civic leader. He lived in the house at 2918 Werk Road from 1875 until his death in 1932.
James N. Gamble was born at the southwest corner of Fourth and Central in 1836. He attended Kenyon College, graduating in 1854 with a degree in Bachelor Arts. While at the college he was involved in building the first fraternity house in the US (a log cabin). He went on to school in the East to study chemistry. James N. returned to Cincinnati and joined the law firm of Rutherford B. Hayes but left to join the family firm (then at Court and Main Streets). He became involved in the manufacturing end and is credited with developing Ivory Soap in 1879, although research suggests that the invention of the famous “floating”
soap actually came many years earlier. While hunting through company archives during the process of compiling a book about Procter & Gamble's history, researchers found the diary of James N. Gamble. One entry, dated 1863, reads: “I made floating soap today. I think we'll make all of our stock that way.”
James N. Gamble married Margaret Penrose of Ireland in 1862. They purchased the property at 2918 Werk Road in 1875.
Procter & Gamble's first large manufacturing plant was located at Central in the Mohawk area. After a fire destroyed that plant, James N. Gamble was given the responsibility for rebuilding—but on a larger scale to accommodate the increase in business. Construction of Ivorydale began in 1888 in the Millcreek Valley.
An entry from James N. Gamble's diary, dated 1863, reads: “I made floating soap today. I think we'll make all of our stock that way.”
James N. Gamble gave Thomas A. Edison one of his first jobs when he hired him to develop a device to allow the main offices to communicate with the plant about 2 miles away. Edison developed equipment which was a forerunner of the teletype machine.
In 1915, James N. Gamble helped create the first coordinated community campaign for charities. That charitable organization, known today as The United Way, is the leading community-based fund-raiser in the United States.
Mr. Gamble was very active in the Cincinnati community. He served on the Board of Directors of a number of organizations including the Central Trust Company and the University of Cincinnati. He helped to found the Young Men's Christian Association in Cincinnati and assisted in the formation of the YWCA. He was on the first non-partisan Board of Park Commissioners, which was instrumental in laying out a plan to connect suburbs with parks and boulevards. He was an enthusiastic supporter of connecting Cincinnati to other cities via rail and pushed for the canalization of the Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Cairo. Connecting the Western Hills to the city was another of Mr. Gamble's driving ambitions, so it was only fitting when, in January of 1932, at 95 years of age, he served as the guest of honor for the opening ceremonies of the Western Hills Viaduct.
He was known for his generosity to a wide variety of charities regardless of creed or color. After the Civil War, he was a sponsor of the Freedmen's Aid Society to provide education and industrialization to slaves throughout the country. Christ Hospital was the major beneficiary of his philanthropic gifts. In 1927 he created and endowed Christ Hospital with an Institute of Medical Research. When his grandson James Nippert died, he saw to it that the stadium at the University of Cincinnati was completed and named in James' memory.
James N. Gamble was a true visionary; he oversaw the building of Ivorydale in the Mill Creek Valley in 1888; he was an enthusiastic supporter of connecting Cincinnati to other cities via rail; he resurrected and modernized the Cincinnati & Westwood Railroad with substantial investments of his own money; he worked diligently to connect the Western Hills with the City proper, and in 1932, at 95 years of age, he served as the guest of honor for the opening ceremonies of the Western Hills Viaduct.
In the community of Westwood, Gamble was equally involved. When the local narrow gauge Cincinnati & Westwood Railroad connecting Westwood with Brighton failed financially, he invested large amounts of his own money to help resurrect it, and then convert it to standard gauge so it could be extended. He was actively involved in building up the area of Westwood that is now a district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. His name is associated with the planning for the Westwood Town Hall and Westwood School. He was actively involved in the Cheviot Lodge No. 140 which built a meeting hall in that area and he provided a significant amount of financial assistance to build the Westwood Methodist Church. The cost of that beautiful church, which sits majestically on the corner of Epworth and Urwiler Avenues was $50,000 in 1896 dollars—and was made possible with a congregation of only 150 members because James N. Gamble matched every dollar contribution with five dollars of his own.
The first concrete sidewalks in Westwood were said to have been laid in front of his home on Werk Road and one of the first telephones to ring was his. He and his wife were instrumental in having street trees planted in Westwood. His graciousness was legendary in Westwood. He served as the last mayor of the Village of Westwood, and as such was involved in the transition of Westwood from a village to an annexed suburb of Cincinnati.
FUTURE OF THE PROPERTY
The current owners of the property—the Greenacres Foundation—have been developing a plan to bring environmental and agricultural programming to the grounds. The Greenacres Foundation is a non-profit, private, operating foundation established in 1988 by Louis and Louise Nippert (Mr. Nippert was the grandson of James N. Gamble). The Nipperts purchased Greenacres Farm in Indian Hill in 1949 with the desire to preserve the land for the education and enjoyment of future generations. According to their website, the mission of the Greenacres Foundation is:
The most recent issue of the Greenacres Foundation newsletter provides a glimpse into the Foundation's plans for the property. Sadly, it appears those plans do not include saving the main house.
- To preserve for the public an area reflecting the traditional environment of Indian Hill and its historical significance by preserving Greenacres in its current state of woodland and farmland.
- To encourage conservation and appreciation of nature by providing the public, particularly children, opportunities to study plant and animal life in their natural settings.
- To encourage appreciation of music and culture by providing facilities and an atmosphere that will encourage artists to display their talents for all age groups.
In their most recent newsletter (Winter 2009), the foundation provides a glimpse into their plans for the Gamble property, which would be transformed into a site for early childhood education programming. Sadly, these plans do not include any use for the main house. The owners have communicated clearly to the City that their intention is to demolish this incredibly important piece of Cincinnati history.
The Greenacres Foundation received an Preservation Award of Merit in 2008 for their $3 million dollar restoration of the historic Fleischmann Estate in Indian Hill. The property has been adapted for public use as part of the Greenacres Foundation education program in Indian Hill. Westwood residents wonder why a similar use can not be found for the arguably more historically significant Gamble House.
Ironically, in 1998, Louise Nippert purchased Winding Creek Farm, the 1927 estate of philanthropist Julius Fleischmann, to preserve it. She turned it over to the Greenacres Foundation, for eventual preservation and use as a cultural arts center. Beginning in 2006, the foundation spent nearly $3 million dollars to sensitively restore the property while adapting it for public use. The work included restoring damaged architectural features and faithfully recreating missing ones that had been removed long ago. Original radiators were cleaned and reconditioned for use with a new boiler; leaded casement windows and hardware were carefully restored and reinstalled. The Ohio Historic Preservation Office awarded the foundation a Preservation Merit Award in 2008 for their efforts. The mansion is now used to host fund-raisers and other events that support arts organizations such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Corporate and non-profit meetings are held at the restored Fleischmann estate, and musical education programs for inner-city children are also offered. The facilities have also been used for small wedding receptions.
Westwood residents wonder why a similar use can not be found for the arguably more historically significant Gamble estate, whose smaller footprint and less expensive building materials could be restored—or at the very least stabilized—for a sum far less than the cost of the Fleischmann preservation project.
OTHER HISTORIC GAMBLE PROPERTIES ACROSS THE U.S.
The Gamble House, Pasadena, California.
The Gamble House in Pasadena, California is a National Historic Landmark. An outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture, the house and its furnishing were designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble. The house is recognized worldwide as a masterpiece of the Arts & Crafts movement, and is owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by the University of Southern California. It has been the subject of many architectural studies and is open for public tours.
In Port Orange, Florida, the Gamble Place Historic District was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1993. The district consists of 6 historic buildings, 5 structures, and 14 objects. James N. Gamble built a grand “Cracker”
home on this site near the Spruce Creek—along with a replica of Disney's Snow White cabin—and all 175 acres were deeded to the Nature Conservancy of Florida in 1983. Now fully restored, it has become a popular cultural and ecological resource to the area and attracts tourists from around the world.
COMMUNITY EFFORTS TO SAVE THE HOME
The Gamble House at 2918 Werk Road posesses strong Italianate influences, such as this gracious tower, seen in the view from the rear of the house.
As early as 1992, discussions took place between Louise Nippert and a host of community leaders, local preservationists, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation regarding a long-term use for the house and property. None of the suggestions offered were deemed an acceptable use. One arrangement included a deal for the land to be turned over to the Cincinnati Park Board as a passive park. Under this deal, the buildings would have been razed once several rooms were dismantled and reconstructed as an installation in a special exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. A videographer filmed the complete interior and exterior of the property, with the intention that the video would become part of the Museum Center display. Eventually the Museum Center had a change of heart and stated that the exhibition didn't fit into their future plans.
As part of a more recent effort to find a use for the house, members of the Westwood Historical Society board have been allowed to tour the property on two separate occasions, a limited visit in January of 2007, and a more thorough tour in July of 2008. The 2008 tour group included a structural engineer with experience working on historic structures, and a representative from the Cincinnati Preservation Association. The group was allowed to tour the entire home—from basement to attic. The group concluded that the house was distressed but structurally sound. An addition on the rear of the building had some structural problems that needed to be addressed, as did the front porch and roof. Total restoration to the highest standards could cost significant amounts of money; however, the cost to restore the home to a state that retains much of its character but allows it to be functionally useful would likely be significantly less. Current estimates and proposals would need to be obtained to be able to make an accurate assessment.
Photograph of bathroom interior, taken during the 2008 tour of the home.
Carter Randolph, Executive Vice President of the Greenacres Foundation and representative of the Louise & Louise Nippert Charitable Foundation has detailed the acceptable use criteria as laid out by both the Trust and the Foundation. These include:
- Property would not be sold
- No commercial use
- Not to be used for housing (retreat, Bed & Breakfast, residence)
- No house museum
“Assembly use”
not practical due to problems related to municipal codes- Must be sustainable
- No funds (private or public) to be invested without a viable long-term plan
BROKERING A SUSTAINABLE LONG-TERM PLAN
Community leaders want time to develop a long-term plan for the home that is acceptable to the Greenacres Foundation. The work that the foundation is doing in Indian Hill is noble; it would be a fitting tribute to the Gamble family heritage to see such an initiative take hold here in Westwood. Ideally, those plans would also include a long-term use for the main house—perhaps in a supporting role as offices or a library.
While residents are very receptive to the idea of bringing the Greenacres philosophy and educational opportunities to Westwood, it would be a bittersweet moment if the historic home of our patriarch could not be spared.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
This is a watershed moment for historic preservation in Cincinnati. Help us save the Gamble House.
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