South Side in Saline in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Davenport House

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 28, 2017

1. Davenport House Marker

Inscription. This handsome two-and-a-half story residence, constructed in 1875, was the home of William H. Davenport (1826-1909), prominent Saline citizen. In 1851, Davenport entered into a partnership with H.J. Miller in a general store. He bought out Miller's interest in 1853 and became a leading city merchant. Later, Davenport started a private bank in 1885. Since 1902 this bank has been known as the Citizens' Bank of Saline. Well-known Detroit architect William Scott designed Davenport's elegant Second Empire home, built at a cost of $8,500.

Erected 1979 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L210.)

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 year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 42° 10.165′ N, 83° 46.515′ W. Marker is in Saline, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in the South Side. It is on East Michigan Avenue (U.S. 12), on the right when traveling east. Marker is halfway between Davenport Street and Old Creek Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 East Michigan Avenue, Saline MI 48176, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home (about 500

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feet away, measured in a direct line); The Fire Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saline Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Seats of Our Heritage (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Union Block (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Citizens Bank Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Salt Springs / Saline (approx. 0.4 miles away); In Memory Of All American Veterans (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saline.

Also see . . .
1. Davenport-Curtiss House. Saline Area Historical Society web page about "The Davenport-Curtiss House and the influence of William H. Davenport in Saline." (Submitted on March 1, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

2. Saline's Mansion. 1995 article by Grace Shackman in the Community Observer "Scott designed the house in the Second Empire style (named for the reign of the French emperor Napoleon III), with a tower and a mansard roof. It was one of the first homes in the city with indoor plumbing." (Submitted on March 28, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

3. William H. Davenport House.

Davenport House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 28, 2017

2. Davenport House and Marker

The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. An excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places Inventory — Nomination Form:

About 1875 Davenport hired William Scott, a Detroit architect, to design a residence befitting his position in the community and the needs of his family. A commodious two-and-a-half story Second Empire residence was constructed of the finest materials.... Howell Taylor, an Ann Arbor architect, studied the house in 1945, stating that it was "thoroughly well done both in point of construction and workmanship and in functional planning....As an expression of the period there could be no finer example. The very best materials and workmanship were put into it." ...the Davenport House is an imposing Second Empire-style structure featuring a slate mansard roof and matching carriage barns. The house is in mint condition and decorated in the original hardwood furnishings and woodwork.

(Submitted on December 2, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Davenport House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 28, 2017

3. Davenport House

Saline Historic Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, March 25, 2021

4. Saline Historic Building Marker

The Saline Historic Building Marker is found on both of the original carriage barns behind the house

Davenport House Carriage Barns image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, March 25, 2021

5. Davenport House Carriage Barns

These are the two original carriage barns with the Davenport House seen in the distance.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, March 25, 2021

6. Davenport House

West carriage barn showing Saline Historic Building marker with Davenport House behind.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 2,285 times since then and 159 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 1, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 28, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.