Villa Lewaro facts for kids
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Villa Lewaro
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| Location | North Broadway, Irvington, New York |
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| Built | 1916–1918 |
| Architect | Vertner Tandy |
| Architectural style | Italian Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001289 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 11, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | May 11, 1976 |
Villa Lewaro, also known as the Madam C.J. Walker estate, is a large, beautiful mansion in Irvington, New York. It has 34 rooms and is about 20,000 square feet in size. This historic home is located about 30 miles north of New York City.
The famous businesswoman Madam C. J. Walker asked architect Vertner Tandy to design Villa Lewaro. It was built between 1916 and 1918. The house was designed in the Italianate style, which means it looks like old Italian villas. Madam Walker named it Villa Lewaro after her daughter, Lelia Walker Robinson. Lelia later became known as A'Lelia Walker.
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Villa Lewaro: A Historic Home
Who Was Madam C.J. Walker?
From 1918 to 1919, Villa Lewaro was the home of Madam C. J. Walker. She was an amazing African-American businesswoman and a generous person. She also worked to make social changes. Madam C.J. Walker was the first woman in the United States to become a self-made millionaire. This means she earned all her money herself.
She became one of the richest self-made women in America. She was also one of the most successful African-American business owners ever. Madam Walker made her fortune by creating and selling special beauty and hair products for black women.
Building a Dream Home
The mansion was designed by Vertner Tandy. He was the first African-American architect to be officially registered in New York. Many people think Villa Lewaro is one of his best designs. The house was built from 1916 to 1918. It cost about $250,000, which was a huge amount of money back then. The home was also filled with fancy furniture and decorations.
The name "Villa Lewaro" was suggested by a famous singer named Enrico Caruso. He took the first two letters from each word in "Lelia Walker Robinson," Madam Walker's daughter's name.
A Place for Important Meetings
Villa Lewaro was more than just a home. It was used as a place for important discussions about race relations. It also became a meeting spot for people involved in the Harlem Renaissance. This was a time when African-American art, music, and literature flourished. Famous people like W. E. B. Dubois and Langston Hughes visited the house.
Madam C. J. Walker passed away at Villa Lewaro in 1919. Her daughter, A'Lelia, inherited the house and owned it until she died in 1931. A'Lelia left the house to the NAACP. However, during the Great Depression, it was hard to pay for taxes and upkeep. So, the NAACP decided to sell the property and share the money.
Later, a group called the Companions of the Forest in America bought the estate. They used it as a home for members who were recovering from illness or were elderly. In 1976, the house became a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical place. Since the mid-1980s, it has been a private home again.
New Chapters for Villa Lewaro
In 1993, Harold Doley bought Villa Lewaro. He founded Doley Securities, LLC, which is the oldest African-American-owned investment banking company in the U.S. The Doleys worked hard to fix up the house. They updated its systems and restored old paintings. Mr. Doley hoped to turn the house into a museum one day.
In 2004, Villa Lewaro was added to the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County. This trail includes 13 important historical sites. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has called the mansion a "National Treasure." They have worked to find the best way to use the mansion in the future.
In 2018, the National Trust announced that the New Voices Foundation bought the estate. This foundation helps women entrepreneurs of color. Richelieu Dennis, who owns Essence magazine, founded the New Voices Foundation. He also bought Madam Walker's beauty brands in 2013. The foundation plans to fix up the estate. They might use it as a place for training or as a retreat to help women entrepreneurs.
What Happens at Villa Lewaro Today?
In August 2021, the New Voices Foundation shared their plans for the property. They want to create the Madam C. J. Walker Institute for Women of Color Entrepreneurs. This institute will help educate and support women of color who are starting businesses. They plan to hold workshops and special events there. They also want to offer private tours of the house.
In July 2021, a fashion designer named Kerby Jean-Raymond held his first couture fashion show at Villa Lewaro. Couture means high fashion, with unique, handmade clothes. This was a very special event. Jean-Raymond was the first African-American designer asked to show a collection during Paris Couture Week. He said that Madam Walker's wealth was more than just money. He believed she understood that true freedom and healing come from within and from supporting each other.
In July 2023, the local government gave Villa Lewaro a special permit. This permit allows it to be used as a historical, educational, and cultural center. It will be the home of the Madam C.J. Walker Institute. This is a big step towards the house fulfilling its new purpose.
See also
