The 1913 constructed mansion and carriage house both sit on nearly 4 beautiful acres in a residential neighborhood near downtown Sheridan. Built by and once home to Texas born cowboy turned self made man John Kendrick who became a Wyoming State Senator, Governor and then in 1916 Wyoming's US Senator, the property is now owned by the State of Wyoming as a historic site. One of the things that makes this such a well maintained, fabulous tour back in time is that it was owned continually by the Kendrick family until the last member, John Kendrick's son Manville, moved on in the early 1960's at which time the state acquired it.
Although the carriage house is now leased to a theater group and no longer open to tour, the entire 13,748 square foot mansion and all of the grounds are open to the public. See their website for hours which change seasonally.
GOT A KICK OUT OF THIS "DO AS I SAY..."
My husband and I noted during our walk about of the house that although Governor Kendrick supported legislation in Wyoming that limited alcohol and then as U.S. Senator he voted in favor of the January 1919 ratification of 18th Amendment which resulted in Prohibition effective January 1920 (until repeal in 1933 through passage of the 21st Amendment) neither he nor his wife believed Prohibition applied to them or their guests. In fact there was a grand for its' time liquor storage cabinet built in behind paneling in the main entry hall. In addition, an elevator shaft they built but in which they did not install an elevator, was used for storage for their fine wine collection.
There you go. I will suspend my "isn't that just like a politician for do as I say not as I do" commentary. :-)
FAVORITE ROOMS & FEATURES
Worth a linger for me were the butler's pantry and kitchen on the first floor, the stellar for its' day powder bath on the first floor and the maid's quarters and bath on the upper floor. Oh, and that liquor storage behind the paneled wall of the entry of course. :-) Plus the detail and craftsmanship in the woodwork throughout the house, in particular the office, living room, main hall and ballroom, are beautiful. Photos are allowed but without flash so couldn't capture this for postiing images.
BOTTOM LINE:
Touring this house and the grounds was a delightful way to spend a couple of hours in Sheridan and the highlight of our relatively lowlight stop over there. We recommend it.
THIS N THAT:
1) ENTRY FEE: into the mansion is only four bucks, two bucks if you have a Wyoming driver's license. Go. No fee required to walk the lovely grounds.
2) PARKING: two spots of accessible (aka ADA) parking are at the back of the mansion near an accessible ramp. Otherwise you need to park on street in the neighborhood in which the mansion is located and walk up the driveway to the front door.
3) ACCESSIBILITY: All four floors of the mansion are accessible by an (small and ancient but it works) elevator. You can park at the back of the mansion (two ADA spaces there). There is a ramp at the back entry to avoid the stairs at the front. You'll enter the back door at which there is a button to push to ring the docent who will promptly let you in. Nice.
4) TIME: They are open until 6p. Plan on spending a couple of hours. read more