HISTORY OF THE WILLIAM PETER MANSION
William Peter came to Columbiaville in the mid 1800's as a German immigrant working for the lumber industry. Though he was young and spoke little english he was a man who worked hard, saved big, and took advantage of the opportunities that came his way.
In 1852 he married a girl by the name of Roxannea Clute. Just 17 at the time her father strongly disapproved of the union due to Peter's citizenship. Having no other choice the couple decided to elope. They worked hard over the years and built much of the town we know as Columbiaville. With business interests in the town of Toledo the couple decided to move. It was there that they bore and raised two children, Harriet and Alvin.
In 1892 the Peter's decided to move back to Columbiaville and the Mansion was begun. The materials used in the Mansion's construction came from Peter's own lumber yards. Peter's hired craftsmen and artists from all over to finish the woods and paint the walls and ceilings with gorgeous designs, birds, and flowers. The sixteen room Mansion took four years to complete.
The Mansion possesses a unique architectural style featuring the cubic form of the Italiante which was popular during that time. The main hall and entrance feature a rich paneled oak on the walls with a beautiful parqet floor made from hard oak. Mr. Peter was an expert on timber and enjoyed surrounding himself with its fine specimens.
The drawing room on the right, and living room on the left are finished in red mahogany. Each room has a fireplace with finely carved wood mantels enclosing ceramic tiles of different colors for various rooms. The picture windows and entrance doors are also of beveled glass.
The original chandeliers with their frosted globes were designed to utilize either electricly or carbon gas for illumination. The ceilings in several rooms are decorated with frieze in the plaster of intricate design.
The research of the building and history is credited to Rober Blue, a long time resident and historian of Columbiaville. Mr. Blue passed away several years ago. He is sadly missed by fondly remembered..
