Good Mansion

 

Lee Samuel Good was born in Gailingen, Switzerland in 1855, a son of German speaking Jewish parents. He left his family in 1873 and immigrated to America at the age of eighteen - virtually penniless. Good, whose given name was Lippmann Gut, arrived at Galveston, Texas, in 1873. Not successful in business there, it is believed that Good walked to Wheeling, where he found employment with the Jacob Dry Goods company. He began saving, and in 1884 he started the L.S. Good Company located in the Cotton Building on Main Street, just north of 12th. The store offered foreign and domestic dry goods, carpets, oilcloths, and various household items. The store prospered, and 1897 he moved to the large building at 1132-36 Main Street. It was one of the largest dry goods stores in the Ohio Valley.

 

Mr. Good married Miss Fannie Hanauer of Morristown, Ohio. They had three children, Samuel, Sidney and Bertha. He and his wife built their magnificent home at 95 14th street in 1904 for $7,000 The narrow lot and density of building in the neighborhood required the architect to design a tall edifice in order to contain the volume of space required by a socially prominent and wealthy client accustomed to entertaining. Mr. Good's house was also large enough to accommodate members of his immediate family, relatives and servants. The exterior is in the Neo-Classical Revival style and the interior is totally grand, sumptuous, and the perfect example of late Victorian and Edwardian opulence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local craftsmen and local materials such as lumber, brick, metal, tile, and glass were used in the construction. Attributed to Wheeling architect, Millard F. Giesey, the house was appointed with fine woodwork. The carpentry, for example, is credited to a Mr. Woods, and the stair hall mantel was designed and created by a Mr.Fortney from the Claysville/Little Washington area. Another example of interesting craftsmanship is the exquisite painting of a mischievous German gentleman holding a large beer stein painted on the wall beneath the main staircase of the house; the artwork is credited to a Mr. Kaufman, a native German artist. It is said Mr. Good much enjoyed the small room containing the painting because he could retire there in complete privacy to smoke or read.

 

In 1910, when Good’s sons were old enough, he brought his sons Sam and Sidney into the business and it became L.S. Good & Co.

 

Mr. Good became a leading philanthropist in Wheeling. The gifts were often given anonymously. Wheeling Park received much attention from L.S. Good, the twin lakes there were built as a result of his generosity.

 

While Good devoted himself to his business, during his later years, he toured extensively in Europe and the United States. He also loved farming. Although he was never actively engaged in agriculture, he found much pleasure and relaxation in visits to farming areas in the US, particularly in Eastern Ohio.

L.S. Good died February 21, 1927. Services were held at his 14th Street residence on February 22 and burial followed at Mount Wood Cemetery. At the hour of Good’s funeral, 2 – 3 PM, nearly every store in wheeling closed its doors in his honor.

 

One of Good’s sons, Samuel L. Good (1894-1983) who resided at 95 14th Street from about 1904-1920 continued his father’s interest in Wheeling Park, serving on the Park Commission from 1933 to 1972. Another son, Sidney S. Good, Sr. (died 1952) helped direct the operations of L.S. Good & Co. until it closed

 

A letter written to L.S. Good from his parents

Dear Son,

Accept the book of your fathers, strive to be pious and good things may go well with you. Pray with diligence and think of God, for he will help you in time of need. Omit evil companions, stay away from temptation. Think of your parents and walk in the way of the Lord. The eyes of God are upon you. The honorable name and reputation which you have attained will be accorded with every tongue. Continue in that way and let it blossom into a beautiful future. That you may find your way constructive and in service for the good of all mankind. The love you have shown to your parents shall be returned to you with God’s richest blessings.

May God watch over you, protect you from all danger and sorrow and bless your departure, and when you meet your new shore of life, live and continue in the way of your teaching.

Your loving parents

 

Researched and prepared by

Judi Hendrickson

 

The house is now home to "Good Mansion Wines." Interior photos show the beauty that remains.