Wales Township in Goodells in St. Clair County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Murphy/Ryan Farmhouse
Photographed by Joel Seewald, September 26, 2026
1. Murphy/Ryan Farmhouse Marker
In 1862, Hugh and John Ryan, two Irish speculators from Canada, bought 80 acres of farmland one mile east of Emmett. Sometime between 1862 and 1865, Peter Murphy, his wife Catherine and infant daughter came to reside on the property. In May of 1865, the Ryans sold the property to Peter Murphy, an Irish immigrant and farmer.
The Murphy/Ryan farmhouse was built in 1872 for Peter Murphy's family. In 1998, Norbert Leach donated the house to Goodells County Park. It was moved to the historic village at the same time as the Lynn School and set on a new foundation.
Over the next decade, the farmhouse was carefully restored to its 19th century appearance. During the restoration, some unique features were discovered. Paneling that was removed during restoration efforts covered original woodwork that was painted with a beautiful faux finish. In the kitchen, damaged plaster and lath were removed, revealing 19th century wallpaper. The wallpaper was directly glued to 24 inch wide wood planks that covered the walls and ceilings of the kitchen. Because the kitchen was considered a private part of the house in the 19th century,
this page online
Restoration was completed in 2010, and the house now contains artifacts related to 19th century life on the farm. Most of the items on display are on loan from the St. Clair County Farm Museum.
Erected by St. Clair County Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1865.
Location. 42° 59.108′ N, 82° 39.529′ W. Marker is in Goodells, Michigan, in St. Clair County. It is in Wales Township. It can be reached from County Park Drive 0.4 miles Goodells Road, on the left when traveling east. Marker is in the historical village in Goodells County Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8310 County Park Dr, Goodells MI 48027, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was
Photographed by Joel Seewald, September 26, 2026
2. Murphy/Ryan Farmhouse and Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mudge Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Lynn Township School (within shouting distance of this marker); C.C. Peck Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Columbus Bible Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The County Farm (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The County Farm (about 600 feet away); Wales Township Hall (approx. 3.2 miles away); Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish / John F. Farrell (approx. 5.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goodells.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, September 26, 2026
3. Murphy/Ryan Farmhouse and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 20, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
