Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A House in a Tree
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 2, 2023
1. A House in a Tree Marker
This marker has replaced an earlier version. It contains the same words and photo.
Henry Ford built a large tree house approximately 200 yards beyond this point in a large oak. It is said Mr. Ford enjoyed its rustic natural setting, and he and his grandchildren used the tree house as a retreat. Archival records indicate Mr. Ford was never comfortable with the large size of his mansion, which he referred to as "The Residence." It is interesting to note the tree house was the first structure one would see after passing the gate house on the way to the residence.
According to a 1951 Associated Press article in the Peoria, Illinois, Sunday Journal Star:
"The men who knew him best say the little shanty in the tree house is a truer monument (than the mansion) to the man who made a billion dollars by putting the world on wheels. High up on a massive oak on Henry Ford's estate is this 10-by-10-foot shack which he fondly called his tree house. Ford often climbed the steep wooden steps to sit on a bench in the shack and meditate."This tree house replica was built in 1990.
Illustration source: John Carroll
Erected by Henry Ford Estate and MotorCities National Heritage Area.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
this page online
Location. 42° 18.77′ N, 83° 13.842′ W. Marker is in Dearborn, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker can be reached from Fair Lane Drive, 0.3 miles west of Evergreen Road. Marker is on the grounds of the Henry Ford Estate, Fair Lane, along a path that leads east from the potting shed and greenhouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn MI 48128, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nature's Refrigeration (a few steps from this marker); The Bur Oak and the Vegetable Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Compost Then and Now (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoring Fair Lane Infrastructure (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harnessing Nature's Energy (about 300 feet away); Restoring Fair Lane Gardens (about 400 feet away); What Happened to the Lilacs? (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dearborn.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 1, 2010
2. A House in a Tree Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 1, 2010
3. A House in a Tree and Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, March 16, 2023
4. A House in a Tree Marker
Public access to the marker has not been allowed for several years.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 1, 2010
5. Replica tree house
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 2, 2023
6. View into Tree House
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 375 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 3, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on February 25, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4. submitted on July 13, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 5. submitted on February 25, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 6. submitted on March 3, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.
