History is not just one moment, but a series of significant moments or a collection of events. Each has a unique beginning,and ours starts here.
The Glidden House was commissioned by Francis Kavanaugh Glidden (Frank to those who knew him) and his wife Mary in 1910. Frank was the eldest son of Francis Harrigton Glidden, the famous Clevelander and founder of The Glidden Paint Company. This historical home was Frank and Mary’s private family residence.
The Glidden House was designed by reputable Cleveland architect Edward Hughes Glidden, a cousin of Francis Harrington. This was one of three homes the Glidden’s kept in addition to a winter home in Palm Beach Florida and a summer farm in Rock Tavern New York.During the time the home was built, Cleveland was bustling with the activity of the families of American Industry such as John D. Rockefeller who had a residence on Euclid Avenue (also known as Millionaires’ Row.) Frank and Mary preferred a more residential feel and built in a newly developing neighborhood. While the property was technically situated on Ford Drive, Mrs. Glidden insisted on having the more prestigious Magnolia Lane address and added a second door to the front of the home making the address 1733 Magnolia Lane.
