Livonia in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Shaw House
Built 1843 • Moved 1981 • Opened 1983
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 11, 2020
1. The Shaw House Marker
This eight room Greek Revival house was built in 1843 for Thomas Shaw, his wife Hannah, and their three children. The Shaw family was from the village of Wysall, Nottinghamshire*, England and made the decision to move to America to own their own land. A rain delay near Plymouth Corners lead to a series of events causing the Shaws to stay in Michigan. Thomas bought 80 acres in section 18 in 1836 and after prospering in America, found a workman to build this house. The farm stayed in the family until the early 1920's.
*Nottinghamshire is known for its connection with the legend of Robin Hood, and is home to Sherwood Forest.
A unique feature in this home is the spiral staircase which is the first architectural feature you see when entering the home. It is 57 feet wide and 53 feet deep with 12 steps. It is nearly perpendicular, similar to a ladder.
The Shaw House was originally located on Six Mile Road, west of Newburgh Road in Section 18.
Erected by City of Livonia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.
Location. 42° 26.292′ N, 83° 25.068′ W. Marker is in Livonia, Michigan, in Wayne County.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Kingsley House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cranson-Hinbern House (within shouting distance of this marker); Friends Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Detroit United Railway Waiting Room (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bungalow (about 300 feet away); A.J. Geer Store (about 400 feet away); The Newburg School (about 400 feet away); Alexander Blue House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Livonia.
Also see . . . Explore the Buildings. According to the description on this website, the "steep winding staircase, with 12 steps, is 57 inches wide and only 53 inches deep," not 57 feet by 53 feet as the marker states. (Submitted on June 18, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 11, 2020
2. The Shaw House Marker
The Shaw House, circa 1876
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 11, 2020
3. Middle image
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 11, 2020
4. The Shaw House Marker
John Shaw,
Son of Thomas Shaw
Son of Thomas Shaw
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 11, 2020
5. The Shaw House and Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2010
6. The Shaw House
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 11, 2020
7. Historic Greenmead sign
Sign on the west side of Newburgh Road for the historic village.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 272 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 18, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
