Stoney Creek in Rochester Hills in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Before lawn mowers...

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 16, 2018

1. Before lawn mowers... Marker

Inscription. Believe it or not, we have a good reason for not cutting the grass! When the Red House was built in 1850, manicured lawns were not as common, especially for farming communities. While the lawn mower was invented in 1830, it wasn't until the 1860s that this invention really took off. Prior to this, lawns would have looked similar to what you see here at the Red House with the addition of grazing livestock.

Erected by Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 42° 41.82′ N, 83° 6.909′ W. Marker is in Rochester Hills, Michigan, in Oakland County. It is in Stoney Creek. Marker is at the intersection of Van Hoosen Road and East Tienken Road, on the right when traveling south on Van Hoosen Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1009 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester MI 48306, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1850 Red House (here, next to this marker); 1840 Van Hoosen Farmhouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stoney Creek Village (about 300 feet away); 1927 Van Hoosen Dairy Barn (about 500 feet away); Winkler's Mill (about 500 feet away);

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1927 Van Hoosen Calf Barn/1927 Van Hoosen Bull Barn (about 600 feet away); Stony Creek Masonic Lodge No. 5/Mount Moriah (about 600 feet away); Stoney Creek School (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester Hills.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 16, 2018

2. Left image

Sarah Van Hoosen Jones (right) front of the Red House

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 16, 2018

3. Right image

Glasser residence in Stoney Creek Village, ca. 1900

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 16, 2018

4. Before lawn mowers... Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.