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 Hazle Buck Ewing
Born December 25, 1880, in Cleveland, Ohio, Hazle Buck Ewing 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.
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. 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." 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, and
he never returned to the property.
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. 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.
Her will designated the property to be used as a School of Nations
Museum, and in 1969 the University transferred the property to
the Illinois
State University Foundation for ownership and administration.
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