Mrs. Hayner's Legacy
Interested in renting the facility? Interested in the history of the house? Wondering who maintains the building and brings you the classes, exhibits and music?
Built in 1914 by Mary Jane Hayner in the Romanesque style. Designed by Cincinnati architect Leonard Willeke of the Allyn Engineering Company.
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Mrs. Hayner's Legacy
Mrs. Hayner left her home to the community in the care of the Troy City Schools. Her will specified that her lovely home could be used as a library, a museum or for other cultural or educational purposes. The mansion was the home of the public library for 33 years. In 1976 a new library was built and a community committee set forth a proposal that the home might be used as a community cultural center, funded primarily by a local tax levy. Voters approved the plan and have renewed the levy every five years since.
Taking care to preserve and maintain the beauty of the historic landmark, the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center has become a lively center for community and cultural activity. The Center offers art exhibits, performing arts programs, classes in art and a variety of other subjects, and a wide range of other cultural and educational offerings. It is an important gathering place for civic groups and community events.
The first time the Center opened its doors to the public was for a Holiday open house on the first full weekend of December 1976. This event has become an annual tradition at the Center. Saturday is “Children’s Day” with a performing arts event the whole family can enjoy and an appearance by Santa Claus. On Sunday local musicians perform throughout the afternoon. The entire house is decorated with more than seven trees and an exhibit that relates to the annual holiday theme. All of the open house activities are free and open to the public.
The Hayner Center is operated by a Board of Governors made up of citizens who reside in the Troy City School District. One member is a representative of the School Board. One is a member of the Troy Historical Society. About one hundred volunteers serve on committees, as receptionists at the front desk and provide support for the activities and operations of the Center. Friends of Hayner is a membership organization open to anyone interested in providing additional support for the Center.
The Hayner Center has a supportive to ensure its efficient operation and maintenance and to provide support for programming and community activity. Over 40,000 people visit and participate in the Center’s activities annually.
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Mary Jane Hayner, the Woman, the Fortunes, the Legacy by Joanne Duke Gamblee
This biography chronicles the non-traditional life style of Mary Jane Harter Coleman Hayner, detailing her scandalous divorce and the cultural influences that closed the doors of both businesses. Books are available at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center for $32.10 (includes tax). Proceeds benefit Friends of Hayner. 
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