House of Wills: Restoring the Legacy of John Walter Wills, an Iconic African American Entrepreneur in Cleveland
The House of Wills holds a significant place in Cleveland’s history as one of the most prominent funeral homes in the state. Founded by John Walter Wills, a distinguished African American entrepreneur, and his partner William Gee, the establishment became a symbol of excellence and grandeur in the funeral service industry. This article delves into the captivating story of John Wills and the remarkable journey of the House of Wills from its inception to its recent revival.
In 1904, John Walter Wills and William Gee joined forces to establish Gee & Wills Funeral Home, marking the beginning of their successful partnership. Situated on Central Avenue, the funeral home swiftly gained recognition for its exceptional services. However, in 1907, the business underwent a transformation due to the dissolution of their original partnership. It was renamed J. Walter Wills & Sons Funeral Home, signifying John Wills’ continued dedication to serving the community.
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As Wills’ enterprise flourished, he recognized the need for expansion. He relocated the business to a distinctive building at 2491 East 55th Street to pursue further growth. Originally designed by local architect Frederick William Stribinger in the late 1800s to early 1900s, this brick Gothic-style house became the new home for the thriving funeral home.
Before John Wills acquired the building in 1942, it had served various purposes, including an opera house and a venue for cultural events known as the Cleveland Gesangverein Hall. The building’s rich history and grand interior designs, reminiscent of its opera house days, provided a unique backdrop for the House of Wills. It featured a library, card rooms, a ladies’ reception room, and cloakrooms, showcasing its abundant heritage.
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The House of Wills stood out for its elaborately themed viewing areas and chapels, each exuding grandeur and elegance. Many remarkable spaces were formerly club rooms and banqueting halls, which added to their splendor. Notable among these was the Cloud Room, a large room initially designed as a banquet hall but repurposed into a casket showroom.
Visitors encountered many visually stunning chapels and viewing platforms within the House of Wills. One of the standout spaces was the Greek-style chapel, adorned with classic columns and lavish decor. Another noteworthy feature was the blue and yellow Egyptian slumber rooms, which incorporated sculptures of sphinxes, engraved columns, and decorative stucco embellishments inspired by Egyptian motifs. These architectural marvels created an enchanting and memorable atmosphere for mourners.
The House of Wills served various roles beyond its primary function as a funeral home. It was essential to the community. as a hospital for Hungarian immigrants and even as a speakeasy during the prohibition era. Additionally, it housed the Cleveland Hebrew Institute and served as a meeting place for high-level Freemasons. Notably, under John Wills’ ownership, the building became the organizational headquarters for the civil rights movement, providing a safe space for African Americans to gather and advocate for equality when many public institutions were inaccessible.
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John Walter Wills, the visionary behind the House of Wills, passed away in his bedroom within the house on April 23, 1971. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to his community, and commitment to civil rights left an indelible mark on Cleveland’s history. Following his demise, family members managed the business until 2005, when the house was ultimately closed down and left abandoned.
In 2010, the House of Wills faced the risk of demolition, as the decaying structure became a concern for local authorities. However, the historic funeral home was given a new lease on life when Eric Freeman, a Los Angeles resident specializing in rehabilitating houses, purchased the property. Motivated by the building’s gradual deterioration and rich historical significance, Freeman embarked on a mission to restore the House of Wills to its former glory.
Freeman’s restoration efforts initially focused on ensuring the structure’s safety and renovating the Cloud Room. Over several years, he and his friends dedicated themselves to repairing and preserving the building. In 2019, major milestones were achieved, including replacing the old roof and installing electricity and plumbing throughout significant portions of the property. Despite facing challenges such as theft and vandalism by scrappers, Freeman remained determined to honor the building’s legacy and bring it back to life.
Today, the House of Wills stands as a testament to Cleveland’s rich history and cultural heritage. Eric Freeman saved the building from imminent destruction and transformed it into a venue for architectural and ghost tours. Visitors can now explore the captivating spaces within the house, immersing themselves in its grandeur and connecting with the stories of the past. While Freeman himself may not believe in the paranormal, guests have reported ghostly phenomena, further adding to the mystique surrounding the House of Wills.
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The House of Wills represents the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of John Walter Wills, an African American pioneer in Cleveland. With its elaborate architecture, thematic chapels, and significant community roles, the House of Wills continues to captivate visitors and serves as a living testament to the city’s history. Thanks to the dedication of Eric Freeman, this historic funeral home has been given a new lease on life and remains a cherished landmark for generations to come.
Via: [abandonedspaces]
