Inside the home of President James A. Garfield in Mentor, history in our backyard
MENTOR, Ohio (WOIO) - It’s something only a handful of cities can claim in America, having a president of the United States live in your town.
Mentor is one of those lucky communities. It was home to President James A. Garfield.
His iconic property, turned historical site, sits on Mentor Avenue. Now run by the National Park Service, it welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
Tim Garfield has chosen to cherish and preserve his family’s history. He’s the great-great-grandson of President Garfield.
“We came here as teenagers and children, raked leaves, mowed lawns, and did things to keep the house up. It’s been an ongoing family project for three or four generations,” said Tim Garfield.
The gorgeous, breath-taking home earned the nickname “Lawnfield” during Garfield’s presidential campaign in 1880 because he would speak to reporters from his front porch. The 20th president’s campaign room is still intact to this day.
“The majority of the furniture that you’ll see is still existing from his time. Some of it is stuff that he actually sat on,” said Tim Garfield.
The former First Lady, Lucretia Garfield, has one thing in common with her great-great-great-grandson, Tim.
They both have found ways to honor the former president’s legacy.
When James Garfield was assassinated just five months into office, Lucretia built a presidential library in the home.
This started the tradition of each former president having their own presidential library.
“For me, the value of this house is how it represents my family history,” said Tim Garfield.
You can tour the Garfield home from May to October.