Chris Epting is a pop culture historian and author of multiple books including Led Zeppelin Crashed Here: The Rock and Roll Landmarks of North America. Chris lends his expertise on the subject as national spokesperson for Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark program.

Let’s just call this the “feel good event of the year.” After all, what better place to be on World Health Day that at the Mayowood Mansion in Rochester, Minnesota? Dr. Charles H. Mayo, a cofounder of the internationally known Mayo Clinic, created this spectacular 38-room mansion between 1911 and 1938. Presidents and kings visited over the years, but most importantly this was a family retreat where many Mayo kids (and grandkids) played on the acres of woodsy grounds among the Japanese Gardens, ponds, and exotic animals that Dr. Mayo brought in.

More than 20 volunteers from local Hampton Hotels in the area turned out to scrape old paint, polish, dust, and clean windows—lots and lots of windows! Snow had been forecast originally, but the day of the refurbishment was brisk and crystal clear which made everything sparkle the way it should.

The Mayor of Rochester, the honorable Ardell F. Brede, was on hand with many other local dignitaries and board members and they really appreciated all that we did—there’s nothing like watching that oversized “game show” check get presented to a place that needs some help.

Landmark #43 is now official. Thanks to all the hospitality we received in Rochester—next stop, Portland, Maine!