Mid 1800s

Hanna Homestead Stained Glass Window

During 1844-1845, Fort Wayne pioneer and entrepreneur Samuel Hanna built one of Fort Wayne's grandest homes. Hanna hired Henry Williams, Fort Wayne's first prominent architect, to design the Greek Revival style mansion. Located at 1002 East Lewis Street, between Gay and Chute Streets, the Hanna Homestead was the center of social life for Fort Wayne's elite for many years. Mrs. Frederick J. Hayden (Eliza Hanna) was the last Hanna descendant to live in the house. After she passed away in March 1937 the homestead was acquired by Fort Wayne Schools. From 1938 to 1942 the building was used as the Hanna Homestead Children's museum and later a school for physically handicapped children until it was abandoned in the 1950s. The structure was neglected and allowed to deteriorate to the point where it had to be demolished in 1962.

This section of stained glass was a window from the Homestead. The background pieces are pink and amber blended together. At the top there are two floral sections with green leaves and sections of am-ber and white blended; near the middle are more green leaves. The leaded glass window may have been used to light a stairwell, because the piece is so narrow. A metal frame has been secured around the glass to help stabilize the piece and hooks have been added to the back for hanging.