Depot Town in Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
220 N. Huron
A Home Becomes a Museum
This lovely building has been many homes.
It was built in the Italianate style in 1860, as our nation's Civil War approached, for the family of bank president Asa Dow. It continued as a home for families until 1922. As apartments, it provided vital housing for production workers at the Willow Run bomber plant during World War II and for Eastern Michigan University students in the 1960s. Since 1970 it has been nurtured back to loveliness as the home of the Ypsilanti Historical Museum.
"James, Edwin L. fctywkr Ford (Gen) h220 N. Huron
Lenix, Flortta fctywkr Ford (WR) h220 N. Huron"
Ypsilanti City Directory 1945
These are two of the WWII war production workers who lived in apartments in the 220 N. Huron building in 1945. Edwin James made electrical parts at the Ford Generator plant for jeeps, tanks, and other war vehicles. Floretta Lenix worked at the Ford Willow Run bomber plant.
"Meissner, Diane student
h220 N Huron apt 6"
Ypsilanti City Directory 1967"
This is one of the students who lived in apartments in the 220 N. Huron building in 1967. Diane Meissner was a student during dramatic growth in the student body of Eastern Michigan University.
You Auto Know
Visitors will find the best collection of Ypsilanti area history and genealogy in this museum and archives.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 42° 14.684′ N, 83° 36.777′ W. Marker is in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Depot Town. Marker is at the intersection of North Huron Street (State Highway 17) and Emmett Street, on the right when traveling north on North Huron Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 North Huron Street, Ypsilanti MI 48197, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ypsilanti (a few steps from this marker); In Loving Memory of Carpenters Post No. 180 (within shouting distance of this marker); Ladies' Literary Club House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ypsilanti Area Sesquicentennial (about 400 feet away); First Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away); 107th Field Signal Battalion U.S.A. / World War Memorial (about 400 feet away); First City Hall (about 500 feet away); Facing the Fire (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ypsilanti.
Also see . . . The Story of the House at 220 North Huron Street. (Submitted on August 19, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 489 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 19, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.