Felt Estate seeking community input through survey

What comes to your mind when you think of the Felt Estate in Laketown Township? What is the most important part of the historic mansion’s mission?

The Friends of the Felt Estate is seeking your opinions to help shape the group’s strategic plan for the facility for the years ahead.

“Your responses to this brief survey are critical to our planning process and help ensure that the Felt Estate continues to inspire, educate, and serve our community for generations to come,” said Elizabeth McEwen, executive director of the Felt Estate.

The survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J3DMNCH

“Aside from maintaining the estate for public use as required by the purchase agreement with the state, we are interested in how we can most benefit our community — Educating youth? Social opportunities for seniors? Community connection and collaboration?” McEwen said.

“I have thoughts and ideas, but I need to know what Laketown residents value, and what needs exist that we might help address,” she said.

The 19-question online survey covers aspects of the Felt Estate’s mission, priorities and community needs. It also asks open-ended questions such as what words come to mind when you think of the Felt Estate and what your vision for the facility is.

Responses are anonymous, but if you choose to share your contact information, you’ll be entered to win one of three prize packs, which include a household membership and a Felt Estate gift basket.

The survey will remain active through mid-December.

About the mansion

Construction on the mansion, 6597 138^th Ave., began in 1925 by Dorr Felt, inventor of the Comptometer, the first machine that could do all four math functions — add, subtract, multiply and divide. The building was finished in 1928.

Felt’s wife, Agnes, died in 1928, only two weeks after the house was complete. Dorr died two years later.

The property went on to serve as a minor seminary for the Augustinian order (attended by Pope Leo XIV), a state prison, and a Michigan State Police post before the property was purchased by Laketown Township.

Today, following years of restoration by the Friends of the Felt Estate, the mansion is a top cultural, educational, and event destination, welcoming thousands of visitors annually.

A Centennial Celebration

The Felt Estate is marking its centennial with a fundraising gala linked to the 1925 release of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” The anniversary will be celebrated at the “Holiday Unveiling: Glitz. Glamour. Gatsby!” from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Participants will don 1920s-inspired attire and step back into the glamour of the Jazz Age to celebrate the season with live entertainment, period-themed experiences, and festive holiday décor. Jeanette Watts will teach the Foxtrot and Charleston.

Tickets are $115 and include roaming appetizers, two drink tickets, and a commemorative ornament to take home. There will also be a silent auction and raffle for a weekend stay at the mansion. All proceeds will support the mansion’s restoration.

For more information or tickets, visit https://www.feltmansion.org/unveiling

December will see the holiday tours and Winterfest from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

For more information, visit www.feltmansion.org