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The Reed Mansion & the History Behind the Erie Club

The present-day Erie Club is housed in one of Erie’s most historic and architecturally significant buildings: the former home of General Charles Manning Reed, one of the city’s most influential figures of the 19th century.

Born in 1803, Charles Reed was the only child of Rufus Seth Reed, one of Erie’s earliest settlers, who arrived in 1795. Seth Reed helped shape the foundations of the growing city by establishing several early businesses, including a trading post, general store, and hotel. Charles followed closely in his father’s footsteps, expanding the family’s reach into nearly every major industry driving Erie’s early economy.

Over his lifetime, General Reed held interests in trading posts, grist mills, distilleries, banks, stagecoach lines, railroads, the Erie Canal, shipbuilding, and shipping operations. His influence extended well beyond the city, and when he passed away in 1871, he was rumored to be the wealthiest man west of New York City. 

The Reed Mansion was constructed between 1846 and 1848, originally built as a home for General Reed and his young bride. At the time, he intentionally chose a location “up and away from the center of town,” on a tree-lined rise overlooking what was then known as the town “diamond," today known as Perry Square.

General Reed selected Edward Smith of Buffalo as the architect, a designer responsible for many prominent buildings in western New York. Construction was carried out by James and William Hoskinson, builders well known in Erie for projects such as the local U.S. Bank (now the Old Custom House), the Reed Hotel, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. For the mansion’s interior woodwork, Reed appointed the master carpenter from his own shipping operations, a decision reflected in the intricate and well-preserved wood carvings found throughout the home today.

Architecturally, the mansion is a striking example of Greek Revival design, a style popular in the mid-19th century and associated with ideals of permanence, strength, and civic pride. The home’s classic columns and the two welcoming figures near the Peach Street entrance (often described as “goddesses,” each holding symbolic torches) remain as defining features

Today, the Reed Mansion continues to stand as a living piece of Erie’s history. Through ongoing preservation efforts supported by the Charles Manning Reed Mansion Historic Preservation Corporation, the Erie Club is proud to protect and maintain this landmark, ensuring it remains a place where Erie’s past, present, and future come together.

What is the Reed Fund?

The Charles Manning Reed Mansion Historic Preservation Corporation, often referred to as the Reed Preservation Fund, was established in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the long-term care and preservation of the historic Reed Mansion, home of the Erie Club.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982, the Mansion is recognized for its architectural significance and its deep ties to Erie’s early history. More than a clubhouse, it is an irreplaceable piece of the city’s cultural heritage.

While membership dues support the day-to-day operations of the Erie Club, the Reed Preservation Fund exists for a distinct and focused purpose: to protect and preserve the Mansion itself. The Fund supports historically appropriate maintenance, restoration, and stewardship of the building, its craftsmanship, and its artifacts, thus ensuring this landmark endures for future generations.

Established as the Club looked beyond its centennial milestone, the Preservation Corporation reflects a lasting commitment to honoring the past while responsibly caring for one of Erie’s most significant historic homes for the future.

Membership Dues vs. the Reed Preservation Fund
Membership dues sustain the daily operations of the Club, but the Reed Preservation Fund exists exclusively to protect the Mansion itself, including its architectural features, historic artifacts, and the legacy of the Reed family.

Support Through Annual or One-Time Giving
Individuals of any age may support the Reed Preservation Fund. Contributions may be made by check or other approved methods and are directed solely toward preservation efforts, separate from Club operations.

We also participate in Erie Gives, hosted by The Erie Community Foundation, where donations receive a percentage of the match pool. This giving day takes place on the second Tuesday of August and is a great way to maximize your impact.

Gifts Through Financial Planning
Some supporters choose to include the Reed Preservation Fund as part of broader financial or charitable planning. This may include gifts of appreciated stock or other planned giving strategies. These options can offer tax advantages while making a lasting impact on the Mansion.

We recommend consulting with your financial advisor to determine the approach that best aligns with your personal goals and financial plans.

Giving Through IRA Distributions (Age 73+)
For individuals age 73 and older who are subject to a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an IRA, it is possible to donate part or all of that distribution directly to the Reed Preservation Fund. This option allows you to fulfill your RMD requirement while supporting preservation efforts.

If you’re interested in learning more or discussing the giving option that’s right for you, please contact Marketing and Membership Director, Kailey Pisani, at [email protected].
COMING SOON.