OUR STORY
Where we are
Overlooking Dayton’s revitalized downtown and converging five rivers, the Bossler Mansion and its grounds sit atop the historic district of Saint Anne’s Hill, a hidden gem of Victorian splendor and community charm. To the west, the Bossler's views reach over Stiver’s School for the Arts to the city center. To the east lie charming turn-of-the-century houses and businesses nestled amidst small volunteer-maintained parks. As you stroll through St. Anne's and exchange warm greetings with neighbors walking their dogs and tending their gardens, you'll feel a sense of the old-fashioned neighborhood spirit that drew us here.
Our remarkable history
The Bossler Mansion was built in March of 1869 under the direction of prominent contractor and stone-mason Marcus Bossler and local architect M. Rumbaugh. Constructed in the then-contemporary architectural style of French Second Empire, the exterior is made of cut Delphos stone from the family quarries and a soft brick with limestone moldings. The interior features a central grand split curved staircase, thirteen fireplaces, numerous embellishments of massive butternut woodwork, and what could have been the first indoor bathroom in the city of Dayton.
Our enduring legacy
More than a hundred years later, the Bossler Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and restorations began under previous owner, Lee Drannan Smithson. That work continues to this day as Lee has passed along the stewardship of this magnificent building to Alona Burns, who has continued its restoration and modernization.
From here, the story of the Bossler Mansion is yours to experience and tell! Beyond restoring floors and maintaining chimneys, the memories made by you and your guests are our true enduring legacy.
We welcome you in.