The True Mansion - Linda Higgins

The True Mansion has graced the corner of Fulton and Perry Streets for more than a century. The property, now fully developed as a residential area, was once owned by the True family. The True Farm, “consisting of rivers and barns,” ran from Perry Street (known then as Sand Road) to Railroad Street, and from Fulton Street to the east side of what later became Lakeview Park. The portion of the farm known as True’s Woods was given to the city by the Trues to use as a park. The lakefront portion was an orchard, lined with thousands of apple, peach, and quince trees. The South strip, stretching over two blocks from Elm Street to the railroad, was donated to use for railroad buildings. In True’s Woods sat a large well that pumped water to the railroad station. Travelers used the well to pull up drinking water on their way through the area.

George A. True, who platted this area, was born in 1865 to Oliver J. True and Eunice (Sanderson) True, Port Clinton residents since1864. One of seven siblings, after finishing school in 1886, George worked awhile at the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company. Then, in 1887, he began teaching at Port Clinton High School, soon becoming principal. He was appointed county school examiner in 1890, then read law for T.J. Marshall, a local attorney. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1893, was admitted to the Ohio bar later that year, and to the Michigan bar the following June. He opened a law office and was elected city solicitor in 1895. He commissioned the building of the home for his family while he was superintendent of schools.

The exact start date for construction isn’t clear. Suggested beginning construction dates run from the late 1890s to the year 1903. Finish dates are as early as 1901 (the date on the roof tiles) or as late as 1906. The original building had thirteen rooms and three fireplaces. It was thought that the third floor attic was used as a ballroom when the Trues lived in it, but since the attic wasn’t finished, this is unlikely. The attic has a 30-foot-high ceiling at its peak, so it’s suitable for uses other than balls.

The mansion was built of quarried limestone from Berea, processed in the front yard. The stone finish is referred to as ashlar stone: finely cut stone chisel-dressed to remove all unevenness. All the stones are cut to the same size, shape, and surface texture, then they’re placed to fit smoothly, parallel, and tightly together. This is a long, tedious process usually reserved for castles, palaces, and churches. Some of the pyramids were built using this process.

The house style is considered French Colonial. The roof type is steep hip, and the material used is clay tile. The house abounds in leaded glass and dormers, Ionic and Tuscan columns, and the front gable has a Palladian window. It boasts five bay windows in front and three on the side.

George’s son Oliver, a prominent Port Clinton lawyer, raised his family in the home. Then, through the decades, changes were made. The second floor was divided into two apartments in the 60s. By 1978, when Carol and Jeff Morgan bought it, it had seen better days. Ceilings in some areas were duct-taped in place, while in others, some walls were missing! Undaunted, the Morgans tackled the majority of the restoration themselves. One of a surprising number of outstanding historic homes in Port Clinton, the True Mansion has been cared for unusually well, and is well worth its preservation. Many thanks to its present caretakers!

Photos by M Love