Garden City in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Henry Ford's Honeymoon House
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 23, 2015
1. Henry Ford's Honeymoon House Marker - Side 1
Side 1
Henry Ford and Clara Bryant were married on April 11, 1888. Soon afterwards, construction of this house, known as both the Honeymoon House and the Square House, began in Dearborn. Ford built the one-bedroom house himself using timber cut and sawed at his sawmill. The specifications for the kitchen, sitting room, parlor and bedroom were provided by his bride. Later, Ford added his workshop, where he often experimented with gasoline engines.
Side 2
In 1891 the Fords left this house for Detroit where Ford's career as an automaker began. They kept the house as a summer cottage until 1937. Ford then gave it to a friend, Robert Smith, now known for his soybean research. After the Fords died, the land on which the house stood was acquired by Ford Land Development Corporation. Smith was told to move the house or tear it down. He moved it here on the anniversary of Ford's birthday, July 30, 1952. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Erected 1981 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S527.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 11, 1888.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. History of the Straight Farmhouse (approx. 0.8 miles away); A Nankin Pioneer (approx. 0.8 miles away); Perrinsville School (approx. 1.3 miles away); Perrinsville (approx. 1˝ miles away); Cooper School (approx. 1.7 miles away); Nankin Mills (approx. 2.3 miles away); a different marker also named Nankin Mills (approx. 2.3 miles away); Nankin Millers House (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Garden City.
Also see . . . Henry Ford’s Square House. Motor City Garage website entry:
More information about the Honeymoon House, including mention that it originally stood near the northeast corner of Ford Road and what is now the Southfield Freeway (State Route 39) in Dearborn. (Submitted on November 3, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 23, 2015
2. Henry Ford's Honeymoon House Marker - Side 2
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 23, 2015
3. Henry Ford's Honeymoon House
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 3, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
