Birmingham in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Hunter House
Photographed by Joel Seewald, December 27, 2022
1. Hunter House Marker
John West Hunter built this house in 1822 on Saginaw Street (Woodward). He was one of four original landowners in Birmingham. In 1819, Hunter's original crude log cabin was actually on Elijah Willits' property, this was his second house. The basic frame is of heavy timbers, the walls were built of heavy slabs of wood, set vertically on the foundation plate and then pegged together. These slabs are covered inside with lath and plaster and outside with clapboard and finished in the Greek Revival style.
John West Hunter was involved in many different things. In addition to farming he had a blacksmith shop and established a foundry. He is credited with casting the first iron plow in the Michigan territory. He was also active in Oakland County government. Hunter opened a tavern in his home for a short time.
In 1893, the Hunter House was moved from its original location on Woodward to 264 West Brown Street where it sat for seventy years. In 1968, James K. Flack offered the house to the City of Birmingham, and in July of 1970, it was again moved to its present location.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
Location. 42° 32.803′ N, 83° 13.173′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. 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: The John W. Hunter House (here, next to this marker); John West Hunter Park (a few steps from this marker); Hill Building Bell (a few steps from this marker); Allen House (within shouting distance of this marker); Baldwin Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Field Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Quarton Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Also see . . .
1. John W. Hunter House. Wikipedia article (Submitted on December 28, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. Michigan SP Hunter, John W., House. The National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form indicates that the house is one of the oldest buildings in Michigan. It was originally located at what is now 168 South Woodward. The Nomination Form also indicates that the house was moved in 1893 to what is now 264 West Brown Street and a wing that was added to the original structure was not included
Photographed by Joel Seewald, December 27, 2022
2. Hunter House and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 594 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 28, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
