Marvin Kent Family Homestead/Masonic Center, built in 1884
If These Walls Could Talk...
Historic homes in Kent have stories to tell
Desiree Bartoe, Kent State public relations student
The history of Kent State University would not be complete without the historic homes in the city of Kent that have unique ties to the college.
“Knowing the history of Kent — whether it’s through the historic homes or the different stories and events — helps [Kent Campus] students get in touch with the community in which they live,” says Dawn Carpenter, A.D.N. ’93, vice president of Kent Historical Society Board of Trustees. “It helps students, faculty and community members have a better understanding and appreciation for both the city of Kent and Kent State University.”
Among the better-known homes in Kent is the Marvin Kent home, located on West Main Street. Now known as the Masonic Center, it was built in 1884 by Marvin Kent. In 1910 Marvin’s son, William S. Kent, donated land for Kent Normal School, which would become Kent State University. William and his wife, Kitty, lived in the home with Marvin. Unfortunately, Kitty, at a very young age, was killed in a fire in the third floor ballroom after attempting to light a kerosene stove in preparation for a party. William remarried and remained in the home until his death.
“I think the Marvin Kent home is one of the most interesting homes in the city,” Carpenter says. “It is one of the most architecturally beautiful homes in Northeast Ohio. Plus, it is important to Kent State because the university may have had an entirely different location if William Kent had not donated the land to the state of Ohio for the university.”
Another well-known Kent residence is the 14-room Victorian home often referred to as the “haunted house on the hill,” as it was rumored to be a model for the Hitchcock movie Psycho. The house was built in 1867 by prominent businessman Freeman Underwood, and was continuously occupied by the Underwoods and their descendants, the Foote and Elgin families, until it was sold in the early 1950s. The new owner divided the home into apartments, which were mostly occupied by Kent State students. During the tragedy that took place on May 4, 1970, it was occupied by the underground Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), and served as headquarters for the war protesters who came to Kent State from all over the country. An elaborated communication system was discovered after the SDS moved out.
Because it was rental property for so many years, the house was in disrepair and began to have serious problems. The Vanags family rescued the home in 1989 and restored it to its original beauty.
The history of Kent State is found not only in the pages of books or documents from the past, but also within the walls, beneath the staircases and in the stories of these and other historic homes.
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