The Hower House Museum presented the Artisan Fair, which featured numerous vendors, many of whom are native to the Akron and Northeast Ohio area.

The fair sold a wide range of artisan products including chocolates, jewelry, purses, and soaps.

The fair filled the antique three story house.

Sherrell Rapawski, a familiar visitor to the house, spoke on what she loves about it, “The beautiful woodworkings… and the furnishings in the home. And of course the stories.”

Rapawski and her father said they often visit historical houses around Ohio, and come to the Hower House at least a few times a year.

This year, “Future Story” was a unique shop on the third floor of the house. This shop helps remove women from poverty by offering textile training classes. The classes are offered through a collaboration between the First United Methodist of Akron and the Harvest Home, which is a part of Akron’s Haven of Rest Ministries.

A few of the stores featured in the fair have permanent locations, such as Gypsy Moon Lane, which sells a variety of women’s clothing, and The Cellar Door Store. Others are featured exclusively at craft and artisan fairs such as Nature’s Lavender specializing in soaps and lotions, and Designs by Debra who makes and sells handcrafted jewelry.

The fair lasted for two days, Friday and Saturday April 10 and 11 this year. Proceeds made by the Hower House at the fair this year will be used for the preservation of the house.

The Howers, who had been one of the founding families of Akron, built the house in the late 1800s, and also owned Quaker Square. The family filled the house with ornate and varied objects, much of which still remain in the house. The artifacts in the house are items that the Hower family found during their travels across the world.

Along with the yearly Artisan Fair, the Hower House hosts weddings and tea parties in the tradition of Mrs. Hower’s. A large public event is also held at Christmas.