The Anchorage
The Anchorage was built in 1925 by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Litchfield. Litchfield was the long-time president and chairman of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, and later of Goodyear Aircraft. He developed the land between Portage Path and Merriman called Ridgecrest. The development included the streets of Mayfair, Genesee, Delaware and Ridgecrest. The Anchorage was built on Merriman to take advantage of the views across the valley.
The Litchfield home was designed by Akron architects Good and Wagner. The English tudor design is in keeping with the tone set by Stan Hywet Hall and many of the fine homes built in the 20s and 30s in the Ridgecrest neighborhood.
The spacious home has 10,600 square feet of living area that include nine bedrooms. There is a servant’s area over its four-car garage. The first floor of the home has a large front hall that is over 45 feet long. A large living room has its original oak paneling and beams including one of the homes five fireplaces. The library has built-in oak bookcases with leaded glass doors and ornate beams overhead. The dining room still features its original mural wallpaper from Paris, which dates back to 1925. The house also has a secret staircase hidden in the wall.
Old photos of each room in the home from the Goodyear archives provided guidance to support a historically sensitive restoration that began in 2002. The renovations included updates to all the mechanical systems; heat, insulation, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, bathrooms and kitchen. The redo has each room looking very much like it did many years ago and yet fresh.
The three acre grounds are fenced and gated and extensively replanted with trees, bushes, flowers and gardens including a birch alley. The backyard has a large swimming pool and entertainment area. In the 30s and 40s the employees of Goodyear called this home “Little Stan Hywet,” reflecting the Seiberling’s important role in Goodyear and the life-long friendship of the two men.
The dining room has played host to many famous diners during the Litchfield’s time. James Cash Penny, of JC Penney, dined there when he came to town to buy tires for his stores.
Amelia Earhart was in Akron for Goodyear sponsorship and tires for her infamous flight around the world. President Woodrow Wilson’s first lady was there the day Goodyear showed the world the largest airship ever, a blimp called the Akron. The chiefs of all the auto companies also visited. During the war it was navy big wigs buying airplanes and blimps. After the Hindenburg crashed, the German inventor of the passenger blimp, Von Zeppelin dined and discussed the future of blimps and air travel. Litchfield was a big promoter of Goodyear’s famous blimps.
In the mid 70s the home was opened to the community as the Junior League sponsored a designer showcase. 25,000 viewed the many rooms decorated for the event by the 15 different interior design firms.