Ewing Manor and the surrounding property is a testament to Hazle Buck Ewing’s philanthropy and interest in promoting international understanding. The gift of her unique residence to the Illinois State University Foundation at the time of her death was in keeping with her lifelong interest in promoting cross-cultural goodwill.
Born Lillian Hazle Buck on December 25, 1880, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of Orlando J. Buck, an early partner in the chewing gum business with Chicago entrepreneur William Wrigley, Jr. Her formal education culminated with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago in 1902.
A born activist, she never watched from the sidelines, choosing instead to let her interest in environmental and international affairs carry her where it would—from the banks of McLean County’s Sugar Creek, where she helped plan bridle paths, to the nation’s capital, where she campaigned for women’s suffrage and world peace.
On October 22, 1907, Hazle married Davis Ewing, whose father had served as minister to Belgium during Grover Cleveland's presidency. The newlyweds took up residence at 1522 East Olive Street, where they lived for more than 20 years. Davis Ewing operated a concrete business in Bloomington, which he had founded in 1899 to meet the demand for sidewalks in the growing community.
Hazle and Davis Ewing adopted a son, Ralph, and also raised a second child, Nelson. After a yearlong trip around the world in 1924, the Ewings decided to build a home on the six-acre property that they had selected at the edge of Bloomington. They named the property “Sunset Hill,” which landscape architect Jens Jensen honored by creating a curving road where both sunrise and sunset could be viewed. Although Davis was heavily involved in the planning and building of the house, it does not appear that he lived there very long. The Ewings were divorced in 1931.
After the divorce, Hazle devoted her time and resources to numerous philanthropic causes, particularly those associated with education, the environment, and international cultural pursuits. Her longtime friend Julia Hodge returned from Paris to reside in the manor for the next 30 years as Hazle's companion. Mrs. Ewing entertained frequently in her home and encouraged guests to enjoy the home and surrounding gardens.
Hazle Buck Ewing died on August 29, 1969, at the age of 88. Her pioneering spirit and authentic kindness were woven into a lifetime of giving. As early as 1925, Hazle returned from a trip abroad determined to actively involve herself in the pursuit of international friendship. The School of Nations for international study at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, began through her philanthropic support. She served as a trustee of the college for many years, and, in 1962, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. The school provides scholarships for international study and funds the exchange of students, teachers, and visiting lecturers with world peace as its goal. Her generous donations founded the School of Nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University; the development of Victory Hall, an orphanage for boys; and supported the preservation of the Funk’s Grove nature tract by contributing the necessary right-of-way. She donated park lands surrounding Ewing Manor to the City of Bloomington to form Ewing Parks I, II and III.
Hazle Ewing’s philanthropy did not end with her life. Her will bequeathed more than $1 million. Illinois State University was the sole recipient of the Ewing Manor property and surrounding grounds, as well as a $200,000 trust fund. In 1969, the University transferred the property to the Illinois State University Foundation for ownership and administration. Principia College also received generous support from the Ewing estate.
Ewing Manor is open to potential clients by appointment only.
