Merry Manor House Christmas draws hundreds to Quail Hollow

A follow-up to Quail Hollow’s Merry Manor House Christmas may be in order. The event took place Dec. 11-13, and between 350 and 400 people attended, even though the weather, particularly on Sunday, was not ideal. The rooms sparkled with twinkling lights and festive garland.

Twenty-five volunteers were on hand daily to care for guests in the Manor House, preparing complimentary beverages and treats and working in the Christmas Shoppe. Pam Severa said, “We had continuous entertainment all three days coordinated by Julie Connair. When I look at the photos, I am so thankful for the amazing team effort it took to put the event on and the gift we gave to the community.”

All proceeds from the event went to the Stewart Manor House to support programs and upkeep of the property, particularly the replacement of the 30-year-old carpeting on the second floor. Severa, Quail Hollow Volunteer Association chair for the Christmas Hollow event, a board member, membership chair, docent and volunteer coordinator, said the event has been offered for more than 40 years as a tradition for the community. She also thanked the volunteers who participated each day.

Severa added, “According to a recent survey done by Stark Parks, Quail Hollow is the second-favorite park of county residents, with Sippo being number one. Quail Hollow is unique with bike, horse and human trails and a historic home, too. Caring for it requires many hours of labor and a heap of money.”

An interesting detail about the Stewart family was also shared. Mary Stewart, wife of Harry Stewart, attended Buchtel College, the predecessor of the University of Akron, to study architecture, not to earn a degree, but to learn construction and design prior to building the Manor House. The home features a number of unique elements not commonly found in houses of that era.

Founded in 1982, the mission of the Quail Hollow Volunteer Association is to promote and enhance Quail Hollow Park facilities, offer opportunities to discover the area’s natural and cultural history, and encourage historical research of the property while collecting, preserving, restoring and protecting the legacy of the H.B. Stewart family. The association supports the park by assisting staff, raising funds, acquiring grants and accepting donations to aid park operations and improve facilities. Brad Vincent currently serves as president of the board.

The former H.B. Stewart family home is used for educational and community programs and events. Fishing is available at the 2-acre pond near the main park driveway, with a valid Ohio fishing license required. Picnic areas with tables and grills are located in the center of the park. A Wind Phone Booth is located off the Nature for All Trail, offering visitors a quiet, private space to process grief.

Quail Hollow Park is located at 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville. The park marked its 50th anniversary in 2025. It features more than 700 acres of rolling meadows, marshes, pine and deciduous woods surrounding a 40-room house. Scenic woodland trails, gardens and the Stewart Manor House offer a range of natural and cultural experiences. The property was sold to the state in 1975 to become a nature and educational center and has been managed by Stark Parks since January 2016.

For more information about the Quail Hollow Volunteer Association or Stark Parks, visit their respective websites.