Hayes Center to close nearby Dillon House

7/4/2012

FREMONT -- In a further effort to reduce operating costs at the Hayes Presidential Center, trustees have decided to sell the 1873 Dillon House across the street from the center.

The center bought the house in 1962 in part for storage space and to partner with the Sandusky County Historical Society to restore the home. The partnership never materialized.

The center began opening the house for tours in the 1980s and eventually began renting it for parties, meetings, and other gatherings.

Thomas Culbertson, executive director, said the Dillon House did not have a strong tie to President Hayes. It was built by Charles and Anne Dillon. Mrs. Dillon's father, Ralph P. Buckland, shared a legal practice with the 19th president from 1845-49.

Mr. Culbertson said the house is to be listed with a local real estate agent, and its contents are expected to be sold at auction.