Beiger Mansion
Mishawaka

In the heart of Mishawaka, Indiana, stands a testament to opulence and resilience: the Beiger Mansion. This grandiose structure, with its stately columns and intricate architectural details, beckons visitors to step back in time and explore a piece of local history that has withstood the trials of time and tragedy.

The History of Beiger Mansion

The story of Beiger Mansion begins with Martin Valentine Beiger, Mishawaka's first millionaire. Born on February 3, 1847, Martin made his fortune with the Mishawaka Woolen and Rubber Manufacturing Company, a venture he embarked on with his father, Jacob Beiger, in 1867. This small mill, which initially employed just three workers, grew exponentially under Martin's leadership. By 1903, the company had around 2,000 employees, producing the iconic Ball Band boots, which featured a distinctive black band and red ball.

With his newfound wealth, Martin and his wife, Susie Higgins Beiger, aspired to build a home that mirrored the grandeur of the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. Planning for the mansion began in 1900, and construction commenced in 1903. Tragically, Martin Beiger passed away later that year from complications following an appendicitis operation. Despite this, Susie decided to continue with the construction, and the mansion was completed in 1908 at the cost of $100,000—a considerable sum at the time.

A Glimpse into the Mansion's Grandeur

The Beiger Mansion, designed by the architectural firm Durham and Snyder, is a 4½-story neoclassical marvel. Spanning 21,790 square feet, the mansion originally boasted around 40 rooms, including 11 unique fireplaces, 11 bedrooms, two dining rooms, two kitchens, two sitting rooms, a billiards room, a library, a breakfast room, a solarium, a reception room, a ballroom, a one-lane bowling alley, a museum, and a music room. The music room, in particular, was a highlight, featuring a three-manual Aeolian organ that cost $25,000 at the time (equivalent to about $700,000 in 2012).

The mansion was not just a symbol of luxury but also of modernity. It was equipped with electric lighting throughout, an internal bell system for summoning staff, a central vacuum system, and both radiator and forced air heating. Originally designed with an elevator, the shaft was repurposed to house larger safes, a decision that proved significant later on. The main safe on the second floor encompasses several hundred square feet of storage, all provided by the Mosler Safe Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The mansion's interiors featured prized woods such as African mahogany, bird's eye maple, and teak. Several rooms were adorned with large murals hand-painted on silk, including an Italianate scene in the dining room, a depiction of the birth of Christ from Ben Hur in the library, and a sunrise motif in the breakfast room.

From Lavish Home to Historic Landmark

Susie Beiger, along with her two nieces and nephew, moved into the mansion in 1908. She lived a life of luxury, with six servants and a penchant for lavish entertainment. Susie is even reported to have owned the first car in Mishawaka. She resided in the mansion until her death in 1927, following a fall down the main staircase that resulted in a broken hip and subsequent complications.

With no children to inherit the estate, Susie bequeathed the mansion as a home for elderly women, along with $210,000 of her $1.55 million estate for its maintenance. The home for elderly women operated until 1967, when it ceased due to financial constraints. Over the years, the mansion's grounds were sold off, and by the late 1960s, the mansion faced the threat of demolition. However, thanks to the efforts of the local community and the Mishawaka Historical Society, the mansion was saved and placed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 7, 1973.

A Phoenix from the Ashes

In the early morning of January 20, 1975, disaster struck when the mansion was burned to the ground in an unsolved arson. The terracotta roof collapsed, and nearly the entire home was destroyed, with only the limestone walls, chimneys, and safes remaining intact. The mansion was underinsured, with a policy of only $75,000, leaving its future uncertain once more. However, the community rallied again to save the mansion.

Restoration efforts were slow, taking four years to replace the roof. By the mid-1980s, the Historical Society had lost support and finances for the mansion's preservation. On August 1, 1989, Ron Montandon purchased the mansion and has since worked tirelessly to restore it to its former glory. The current floor plan matches the original, and much of the interior has been reproduced from photographs and accounts of the original home. To finance the ongoing restoration, the mansion now operates as a six-bedroom bed and breakfast and an event facility known as the Beiger Mansion Inn.

Visiting Beiger Mansion Today

Today, the Beiger Mansion stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Visitors can experience the grandeur of a bygone era while enjoying modern amenities. The mansion's beautifully restored rooms and meticulously maintained grounds offer a perfect setting for weddings, corporate events, and romantic getaways.

In February 2014, the Beiger Mansion Inn was awarded the Mishawaka Business Association award for Business of the Year for 2013, a testament to its significance in the community and its enduring appeal.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a unique place to stay, the Beiger Mansion invites you to step into its storied past and be part of its ongoing legacy.