Bill May’s historic mansion tour offers a step back in time
Harold and Karen Faust consider themselves to be avid history buffs. Though not originally from Butler, the couple has become captivated by the rich history and mystique of one of the area’s most iconic landmarks — the Phillips Mansion.
“I’ve always loved this place,” Karen said while standing just outside the ornamental iron gate in the Elm Court courtyard. “I have a passion for this.”
The Fausts were two of more than 50 people who received a wealth of knowledge during historian and speaker Bill May’s Historic Mansions of Butler Walking Tour on Saturday, June 28.
Severe weather held off just long enough for participants to complete the nearly two-hour, mile-long tour of 20 historic homes in Butler’s Cultural District, an area known for some of the city’s most distinguished residences.
It was the 11th time May led the tour, which he touts as far more than just a pleasant evening stroll.
“One of the big purposes is to promote pride in the city of Butler,” he said. “There’s a lot of history here, and a lot of houses that have been restored and kept up. I want people to know that there’s a lot to be proud of here and that we should take pride in our community.”
As the group winded its way down the sidewalks along North McKean, East Fulton and East Pearl streets, May paused to deliver some tantalizing background information and short anecdotes about each home.
None of those stops were more anticipated than the one at the famous Elm Court, the Tudor-Gothic mansion that served as the former residence of Benjamin D. Phillips, the son of T.W. Phillips, who founded T.W. Phillips Gas & Oil Company.
Frederick Koch, the eldest son of Koch Industries founder Fred Koch, bought the estate for $1 million in 1988. He died right before the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. The 40-room private residence is now owned by the Frederick R. Koch Revocable Trust.
“That’s the whole reason we came,” Karen Faust said with a laugh. “But I did learn some other things, and there was a lot learned here. We just love history.”
Other residents like Katya Smith, who moved to the United States from Russia about 16 years ago, have had a desire to soak in as much information as possible through May’s passionate storytelling abilities.
“He’s very much in love with Butler and his history,” said Smith, who went on the excursion for the second time. “I’ve been living in Butler for almost four years. I just see how spirited he is and his love for Butler and its people.”
May hosts other tours around the county, including one at the famed Alameda Park in Butler Township. He referred to the expeditions as one of his greatest joys and something he doesn’t take for granted.
“I’m very, very appreciative of the people from Butler that care enough to come on the tour,” he said. “Without them, it wouldn’t have much meaning. So I really enjoy that they come and listen to my stories and will hopefully tell those stories to other people.”
