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Traveling with PugsleyTonks

What is Traveling with PugsleyTonks all about?? My goal is the pursuit of that little slice of Americana. It's not big name or high-cost tourism. PugsleyTonks likes to find that diamond in the rough or go to the out of the way small town. I want to visit the oldest bar in every state with hopes that they serve some PBR on tap. Find that unique "ma-pa" restaurant with an interesting blue collar atmosphere and large portions to match. Or, perhaps its as simple as a little walkabout in the city to discover that strange little statue or other oddities. So, please come and join me in my search for Americana. Discover some obscure attraction or learn some useless information. All are welcome and its really just good, clean travel fun. PT

HIDDEN GEMS

Great Castles of Ohio – Silver Medal Winner

PT

Previously, I awarded the bronze medal in the Great Castles of Ohio series to Squires Castle in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. Now, the excitement continues with yet another great Ohio castle. With COVID taking out our summer Olympic Games…I give you the next best thing. Its time to move up the podium. So, in honor of the postponed Olympic Games, I give you the Great Castles of Ohio – Silver Medal Winner the GLAMORGAN CASTLE in Alliance, Ohio.

  • Just another fun filled day in Alliance, OH
  • The Glamorgan Castle and grounds
  • Where’s Waldo?

Yes, the Glamorgan Castle is a grand old fortification built in the style of the Wales castles. The castle was completed in 1904 at a cost of $400,000 by Colonel William Henry Morgan, owner of Morgan Engineering. But, Mr. Morgan was not a real colonel. The colonel title was an honorary thing bestowed upon him by the Governor of Ohio…probably after a nice campaign donation. Anyway, the castle remained with the family until 1938 when Mr. Morgan’s widow sold it for $25,000 to the Elks. The country was still suffering from the depression. So, the Elks got quite the steal and now had a killer Elks Lodge. Long story short…there were a couple more owners until ultimately the castle ended up with the Alliance City School system. From 1973 to present day, the Glamorgan Castle has served as the Administration Offices for this school system.

Unlike the Bronze Medal castle, the Glamorgan castle has quite the interior. As it is the administration office for the school, the castle has been modernized with all needed utilities. But, the caretakers did not ruin the place by going 100% administation decor. No, no, no…there are still plenty of rooms, fixtures, and furniture that preserve that age old “castlely” feel…

  • This table was one of the original 1904 furnishings
  • The look above the old table
  • Not your average school admin office

And, the best room of all…the Rathskellar, which is German for “beer cellar” (I think). The room has a good beer cellar feel, but sadly, they do not serve PBR…or anything for that matter. The Rathskellar is mostly just used for official meetings and gatherings of the administration.

  • The Rathskellar…I bet when this was the Elks Lodge…this was the place to be

Yes, the Glamorgan Castle is worth visiting. Sadly, due to COVID, all tours are now cancelled until further notice. So, its going to be awhile before you tour the interior. However, the grounds are well done and the exterior is open 24/7. Now, on a separate but related subject, let me give you a castle that you can visit anytime. To my knowledge, there are two great resorts in Ohio that have recreated the medieval experience. First, there is the Ravenwood Castle that was featured in an earlier post (see link below). Secondly, in Loudenville, Ohio, there is another resort with that medieval charm. I give you Landoll’s Mohican Castle…

  • Londoll’s Mohican Castle
  • Plenty of themed rooms for you to chose from

The quick version of the Landoll story is that Jim Landoll, an American veteran, did a stint in European. While serving his country in Europe, he fell in love with the castles. After he retired from the Army, Mr. Landoll made his fortune in the publishing business. He eventually sold his publishing company for a serious chuck of change. Then, Mr. Landoll took his fortune and created his castle dream. My wife and I had a great experience at Landoll’s castle. We hiked most of the day in the nearby Mohican State Park. Then, we returned to the castle grounds to enjoy the evening festivities.

  • Is that a king surveying his castle?
  • No, on closer inspection, its just some drunk tourist enjoying his balcony

There you go…two castles in one post. See, I told you Ohio was rich in castles. And, the Gold Medal Winner is still to come. But, for this post, we recognize the Great Castles of Ohio – Silver Medal Winner…the Glamorgan Castle. PT

Thank you for reading “Great Castles of Ohio – Silver Medal Winner” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks

Do you want to stay at Landoll’s Mohican Castle? https://landollsmohicancastle.com

Do you want to stay at Ravenwood Castle? https://www.ravenwoodcastle.com

You may also enjoy reading https://travelingwithpt.com/great-castles-of-ohio-revisited/

You may also enjoy reading https://travelingwithpt.com/the-great-castles-of-ohio/

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