Mason in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John Rayner House

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 23, 2021

1. John Rayner House Marker

Inscription. This handsome brick structure, said to be the oldest remaining house in Mason, is one of the most elaborate and best preserved Greek Revival houses in Ingham County. Pioneer John Rayner, a native of New York State, began construction of this farmhouse in 1840. The original Rayner farm totaled 320 acres. The ponds in the park opposite this site were dug to supply ice for early Mason. The remaining outbuilding contains a blacksmith shop and an icehouse. The twin sons of Chief Okemos played here with Rayner’s oldest son, William. The Rayner family had a major impact upon early Mason, owning the slaughterhouse, ice ponds and the Rayner Opera House. At the time of his death in 1879, John Rayner was called “one of the most opulent men of the county,” having acquired thousands of acres of land in Ingham and adjacent counties.

Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L0668.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission

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series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 42° 34.684′ N, 84° 25.865′ W. Marker is in Mason, Michigan, in Ingham County. It is at the intersection of East Ash Street and Country Park Road, on the right when traveling west on East Ash Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 725 E Ash St, Mason MI 48854, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan

and in Greater Lansing.

It is also in the American Midwest.

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: Honor Roll 1914-1918 (approx. 0.6 miles away); God Bless America (approx. 0.6 miles away); Honor Roll 1957-1972 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Honor Roll 1941-1945 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Honor Roll 1950-1953 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Co. F. 31 Mich. Vol. (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ingham County Courthouse (approx. 0.6 miles away).

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 23, 2021

2. John Rayner House Marker

Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mason.

John Rayner House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 23, 2021

3. John Rayner House

View from street

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 431 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 25, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.