Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Compost Then and Now

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 2, 2023

1. Compost Then and Now Marker

The marker has replaced an earlier version with the same wording and photos.

Inscription.
Then Every year in March, when the Fords lived here, truckloads of sod from nearby fields were brought to Fair Lane along with cow manure from farms. These items were mixed in layers with grass clippings and leaves. Two months later, this blend was ready for use in the greenhouse and gardens.

The original compost pile was approximately 30 feet square by 8 feet high and low in the center, so the rain would not run off.

Now Compost made at Fair Lane today consists of dry leaves (from fall raking), green grass clippings, flower bed cuttings, and a small amount of last year's compost, which provides beneficial micro-organisms for the decomposition of the leaves and green material. The organic material is turned several times a season, then allowed to "rest" over the winter prior to use.

Source: Louie Hagopian, Henry Ford Estate Gardener from 1942-1950

Erected by Henry Ford Estate and and MotorCities National Heritage Area.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list.

Location. 42° 18.784′ N, 83°

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13.873′ 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, and downhill to the Rouge River. 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 (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoring Fair Lane Infrastructure (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bur Oak and the Vegetable Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); A House in a Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Harnessing Nature's Energy (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoring Fair Lane Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); What Happened to the Lilacs? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dearborn.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 1, 2010

2. Compost Then and Now Marker

Photographed By Joel Seewald, March 16, 2023

3. Compost Then and Now Marker

The marker was replaced in a new location in 2023. The marker was down the hill behind the gate close to the Rouge River, about 100 feet away.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 1, 2010

4. Compost Then and Now Marker

Composting Area at Fair Lane image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 1, 2010

5. Composting Area at Fair Lane

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 215 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 3, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on February 26, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3. submitted on July 17, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on February 26, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.