Novi in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Sharing the Bounty
Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate
Photographed By Joel Seewald, January 9, 2021
1. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker
The Michigan State University Tollgate Farm
is the latest in a line of stewards of this precious land. 160 acres were first settled by John and Ervilla Bassett in 1837 here at Twelve Mile and Meadowbrook Roads. The farm grew with access to the main route of Grand River Avenue a mile away, and the Bassett family nurtured the property until 1951. New owners Adolph and Giner Meyer owned auto supply companies in southeast Michigan. The Meyers maintained Tollgate as a working farm. In 1978, the Meyers established the Americana Foundation to promote farmland preservation. In 1987 this foundation donated a portion of the farm to Michigan State University as a living education center.
You Auto Know
Over the years, the farm has included an orchard, dairy, livestock and row crops.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Novi Historical Commission.
Erected 2014 by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 42° 30.003′ N, 83° 27.414′ W. Marker is in Novi
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Built for Fun (approx. 1.2 miles away); Worth the Drive (approx. 1.3 miles away); Pavilion Shore Park (approx. 1.3 miles away); Walled Lake Casino (approx. 1.3 miles away); Grand River Avenue (approx. 1.6 miles away); Approaching "Novi Corners" (approx. 1.6 miles away); Charles Wixom House (approx. 1.6 miles away); Grand River Bridge (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Novi.
Also see . . .
1. Americana Foundation Founders. Information about Adolph H. and Ginger Meyer on the Americana Foundation's website. (Submitted on January 13, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. About Us. Information about Michigan State University Extension's Tollgate Farm and Education Center, including a history of the farm. (Submitted on January 13, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photo courtesy of MSU Tollgate.
2. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker — top left image
One of the oldest farms in Novi, Tollgate is now a center for agricultural and natural resources education.
Photo courtesy of MSU Tollgate.
3. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker — middle left images
John and Ervilla Bassett built the farm and raised eight children there.
Photo courtesy of Novi Public Library.
4. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker — bottom left image
The Bassett home and farm along Meadowbrook Road shown in this 1877 illustration.
Photo courtesy of MSU Tollgate.
5. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker — center image
Edna and Charles Bassett, grandchildren of John and Ervilla, at the farm about 1910.
Photo courtesy of Novi Library.
6. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker — top right image
The Bassett farm is indicated in yellow in this 1908 map of the Novi area, little more than one mile north of Grand River Avenue.
Photo courtesy of MSU Tollgate.
7. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker — middle right image
Many advertising photographs for vehicles have been taken in the beautiful rolling terrain of the farm.
8. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker — lower right image
The farmhouse was built by John Bassett in 1845, facing Meadowbrook Road for easy access. Access to nearby roads and freeways still offers advantages, as the homestead and farm buildings now house classrooms, demonstration projects and offices for MSU Extension.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, January 9, 2021
9. Sharing the Bounty: Novi's Agricultural History at Tollgate Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 136 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 13, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
