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History

A home yesterday, a Club today

Built in 1890 as the summer home of Samuel Mather, the lakefront mansion serves as the main clubhouse for this Member-owned Club. Designed by noted architect Charles Schweinfurth, the 25-room mansion was restored to its original grandeur and is now the social quarters of the Club. The newly renovated third floor has five luxuriously appointed guest rooms for Members' out-of-town company.

Samuel and Flora Stone Mather were the owners until 1931. Samuel Mather was Senior Partner of Pickands, Mather & Company, an iron ore and Great Lakes shipping firm and a founding Director of U.S. Steel. From 1931 to 1990, there were approximately six subsequent owners. During prohibition, after the death of Mr. Mather, the new owners of Shoreby created a shoreline receiving spot for Canadian "deliveries" and lively parties.
  • Built: 1890
  • Architect: Charles Schweinfurth
  • Origin: 25-room summer home called Shoreby (“by the shore”)
  • Owners: Samuel and Flora Stone Mather until 1931
  • Business: Senior Partner of Pickands, Mather & Company, an iron ore and Great Lakes shipping firm and a founding Director of U.S. Steel
  • 1931-1990: Approximately six subsequent owners
  • Lore: During prohibition, after the death of Mr. Mather, the new owners of Shoreby created a shoreline receiving spot for Canadian “deliveries” and lively parties!
  • Groundbreaking: May 22, 1992
  • Opening: May 8, 1993
 
 

Renovation Process
  • Chemical stone cleaning
  • Re-fitting existing window frames with thermopane
  • Removal of six layers of roofing material (by pitchfork) and installation of slate roof and copper gutters
  • New heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection sprinkler systems
  • Substantial reconfiguration of second floor, including removal of many closets and bathrooms
  • Retention of original millwork and fireplaces
Points of Interest
  • Mather Library: originally only a porch, but was later enclosed. Mr. Mather is reputed to have used binoculars to count his ships coming to the Port of Cleveland, which earned him the title of Ohio's wealthiest industrialist.
  • Fireside Dining Room: there are four carved faces over the mantle.
  • Sunset Dining Room: was formerly the billiard room, although the cabinet was also used to display elephant guns of Amasa Mather's African trip taken early this century.
  • Newport Dining Room (second floor): was the original master bedroom with northeastern light, fireplace, sitting niche and porch.
  • Lakeview Dining Room: the original tile surrounding the fireplace includes an inscription favored by Mr. Mather ("Sleepe not til u hath considered how thov hast spent ye day past if thov have well done thank god if otherwise repent ye").
  • Basement-level tunnel: connects the mansion to the Harbor Grill.
  • Newport Harbor: (to the west of the Grill) was excavated in the bed of Shaw Creek by the removal of approximately 8,000 truckloads of earth.