Hower House Museum
DBA Approved: Y
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60 Fir Hill
Akron, OH 44304
Phone: (330) 972-6909
Open to the public: Yes
https://www.uakron.edu/howerhousemu...
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PANICd#: 2238
Publication date: 03/24/2026The Hower House was completed in 1871 and was built by John Henry Hower, a leading Akron industrialist who was active in the milling, reaping, and cereal industries. The founding father of the company that later became Quaker Oats.
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 10
Evidence: 0
Resources: 2
Retrievals: 27
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History
History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
The Hower House Museum in Akron, Ohio, was built in 1871 by wealthy industrialist John Henry Hower. After moving to Akron in 1865, Hower became successful in industries such as milling and cereal production, allowing him to construct an elaborate home that reflected both his wealth and status. Architect Jacob Snyder designed the house, which became one of the most impressive residences in the region.
The mansion was built in the Second Empire Italianate style and featured a distinctive mansard roof and a tall tower that could be seen from a distance. With twenty-eight rooms, the home was filled with imported furnishings and decorative items collected from around the world. The layout of the home was also unique, based on a design known as the Akron Plan, which was commonly used in churches during that time.
The Hower family lived in the home for over one hundred years, using it as both a residence and a symbol of their social standing in Akron. The family was known for hosting gatherings and entertaining guests, and the home became a central part of the local elite social scene. Over time, multiple generations of the Hower family lived and died within its walls.
As Akron grew and changed, the house remained a lasting reminder of the city's industrial past. By the late twentieth century, the home was no longer used as a private residence and was eventually donated to the University of Akron. This marked a new chapter in the building's history as it transitioned from a family home into a preserved historic site.
Today, the Hower House operates as a museum open to the public. It showcases the lifestyle of the Hower family and the history of Akron during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The home remains one of the best-preserved examples of historic architecture in the area and continues to attract visitors interested in both history and mystery.
Added by: sdonley on 03/24/2026
DB#:820
Source(s):
various
Stories & Folklore
Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.
Over the years, the Hower House Museum has developed a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Akron. Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences that suggest the house may still be occupied by unseen residents. These stories have become an important part of the building's legacy and add a darker layer to its elegant past.
One of the most commonly reported phenomena involves mysterious orbs of light that appear in different rooms of the house. People have reported seeing these glowing lights floating through bedrooms and hallways, sometimes vanishing as quickly as they appear. Early members of the Hower family themselves reportedly witnessed these lights and were unable to explain their origin.
Another popular legend connected to the property involves a tragic love story tied to the nearby servant quarters. According to the tale, a young servant girl fell in love with one of the Hower sons. Upon discovering and forbidding the relationship, the girl succumbed to grief and ended her own life. Many believe her spirit lingers near the property, unable to move on.
Inside the mansion, staff and guests have described hearing footsteps when no one else is present. Doors have been known to open or close on their own, and some people report the feeling of being watched while walking through the rooms. These experiences have led many to believe that members of the Hower family may still reside within the home in some form.
There are also darker stories passed down through local lore that speak of shadowy figures and uneasy presences within the house. Some claim that certain areas of the mansion feel heavier than others, as if something unseen is watching from the shadows. Whether these stories are based in fact or imagination, they continue to fuel the mystery surrounding the Hower House.
Added by: sdonley on 03/24/2026 DB#: 1780
Source(s):
various
Paranormal Claims
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.
| Claim # | Added | Added By | Claim |
| 4383 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Unexplained orbs of light appear in bedrooms and hallways |
| 4384 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Footsteps are heard when no one else is present |
| 4385 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Doors open and close on their own |
| 4386 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Visitors report feeling watched inside the house |
| 4387 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Cold spots are experienced in various rooms |
| 4388 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | A female spirit linked to a tragic love story is seen near the property |
| 4389 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Shadow figures have been reported moving through the mansion |
| 4390 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Objects have been known to move without explanation |
| 4391 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Uneasy or heavy feelings are sensed in certain areas of the home |
| 4392 | 03/24/2026 | sdonley | Strange sounds are heard throughout the house at night |
Additional Resources
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| John Henry Hower (1822-1916) - Find a Grave Memorial
Added: 03/24/2026 By: sdonley |
He began as a young man teaching school. Later on he helped organize the Excelsior Mower and Reaper Co. in Doylestown, Ohio in 1861. They manufactured the reaper that had been invented by John F. Seiberling. That lead John Hower to becoming vice president of the J.F. Seiberling Co. in 1865. Hower bought an interest in... |
| Susan Youngker Hower (1821-1896) - Find a Grave Memorial
Added: 03/24/2026 By: sdonley |
Aged 75 yrs, 13 days. |
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