Historic Name

A. F. Dobler Mansion

Address

8340 W RIDGE RD

Municipality

Fairview Township

Tax Parcel

21067102001302

Historic District

Classification

Class 2 (Definitions of Classes)

State Key Number

15912

Historic Function

Domestic - single dwelling

Style

Queen Anne

Built

1894

Architect

Builder

Barn Type on property

Last Entry Update

5/18/2015

This elaborate and ornate house was built in 1894. The contractor was Constable Brothers of Erie who erected the mansion from the architectural plans of Ernest Hoffman of Albany, N.Y. where Dobler owned a brewery. The structure is of Queen Anne-Chateauesque design featuring a steep hipped roof and polygonal tower. The facade tends toward symmetrical organization with identical gables and verandas on both the east and west.The interior refinements include stained glass windows, a cut glass chandelier, and glazed tile fireplaces in each room of the five first-floor rooms. The frescoing in each room of the house was created by Harlan & Zoller of Erie. That in the master bedroom consists of barley and wheat in gold surrounded by morning glories and vines, inside a border of pansies tied with bow knots. A newspaper of the time states, " The plan of this house seems to be almost perfect, both as to comfort and convenience. A full view of the main road is obtained from every room, and no part of the house is deprived of sunlight". Dobler who emigrated from Germany in 1848 to assume management of his uncle's brewery lived in the house for only twenty years. It as later used as a hospital for tuberculosis patients and a nurse's residence.

Sources: 1980 Historic Resources Survey, Final Report

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Photo courtesy, Erie County Assessment Office