Mason, Frank H., House
Also known as: Brighton Farm; Turkeyfoot Manor; Healthhaven
Why it's listed
Built in 1913-1914, this 43-room brick and stucco mansion on Akron's Turkeyfoot Lake was the centerpiece of Brighton Farm, a 746-acre estate. Architects Harpster & Bliss designed it for Frank H. Mason, a chief officer of the B. F. Goodrich Company, blending Tudor and Craftsman influences in a Free English Manorial manner. Solid masonry and steel-frame construction supports beige brick walls, field stone foundations, half-timbered upper stories, a green English tile roof and a baroque-gabled porte-cochere. Inside, the large first-floor rooms draw on Tudor, Jacobean, Renaissance and Adamesque styles, with oak paneling, plaster ceilings and original bronze chandeliers. The house was later used as a nursing home and, since 1991, for administrative offices and meeting space. It is recognized for its architecture, for the standing of its architects as Akron's leading firm of the period, and for Mason's role as an industrialist and civic benefactor during the rubber boom years.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house is significant for its architectural character and the quality of its design and construction. It also recognizes the importance of its architects, Harpster & Bliss, described as Akron's premier firm from 1907 to 1925. Its original owner, Frank H. Mason, a chief officer of B. F. Goodrich, was an industrialist during Akron's rubber boom and a civic leader and benefactor.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 95000499, listed April 20, 1995. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 615 Latham Ln., Franklin Township, Akron |
|---|---|
| County | Summit County |
| Listed | April 20, 1995 |
| Reference number | 95000499 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1913-1931 |
| Architect / builder | Milton E. Harpster and John F. Bliss, Architects |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and Early 20th Century Revivals/Tudor Revival and Craftsman |
| Criteria |
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| Areas of significance | Architecture, Industry |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Used as a sanitarium and nursing home; since 1991 it has housed administrative offices and reception and meeting areas. The kitchen and some service rooms have been altered. |
| Acreage | 16 |
| Coordinates | 40.96422, -81.54507 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 95000499.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q113831109
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.