I feel as if every other day from 2008 to 2013 I had found myself looking at this mansion as I passed it as I would be getting on the freeway. The Gale Estate was located off of Norton Parkway in Mentor, OH. I first discovered this section of abandoned land around the year 2008, during a random drive and hike around the area. The city tends to keep most buildings in better shape, so the pristine look of a large section of this land held me away from the massive mansion, until about 2010. Years of overgrowth from 2008 and on had nearly covered the mansion’s front face hiding it from many passersby. Some still marvel at how they could have been so unaware of such a large home sitting in a huge open field.

From 2008 to 2010, my friends and I would hang out in the old carriage house across the road from the mansion, or venture off into the forest to climb the old water tower, which was probably a horrible idea…but hey. Finally, in 2010 we took a walk over to the decaying home, seeing that vines had now found their way up some of the outside, and the beautiful porch had been falling into ruin. We decided to check for a way in. To our surprise, the front door happened to be open, so we invited ourselves in.

The home was beautiful, and in nearly pristine condition. Sun would shine beautifully through the tall arched windows in the evening, and night time would bring an entirely different stillness to the atmosphere inside its walls. By the summer of 2013 the property had been trashed by vandals, and eventually purchased and demolished by the Cleveland Clinic. It was one of the most incredible rooftops in the area to watch the sunset from, and one of the most relaxing and memorable abandoned places I have ever known.

The property was built in 1948 and initially belonged to David Z. Norton – the man who the road itself (Norton Parkway) was named after. The estate and home was then known as Woodnorton, or Norton Wood. David Norton was known for founding the Ogelbat-Norton Company. He had built the property as a place to use as a getaway from the big city life.

Years later, Robert and Frances Gale purchased the property, and it had then become known as the Gale Estate. Robert Gale passed away in 1977, and by 1994 Mrs. Gale had moved out of the estate and to Waite Hill. Frances Gale passed away on January 28, 2017 at the age of 98.

OHIO’S FORGOTTEN HISTORY PART 1:

My 6th book, and first in a series of abandoned Ohio books will be released in June of this year. This first book will be the start to a 3-part series of books showcasing Ohio’s abandoned, forgotten history. Pre-orders are now closed, but you can find more info about the book HERE. Orders will open back up in June!