Livonia in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Joshua Simmons Farm

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 13, 2021

1. Joshua Simmons Farm Marker

Clearer

Inscription. In 1824 Joshua Simmons of Bristol, New York, obtained a patent from the federal government for 160 acres of land in Livonia Township. Simmons and his wife, Hannah, were among the township's earliest white settlers. Their first home was a log shanty, built in 1826. In 1841 they constructed this house in the Greek Revival style, popular in New York State. The farm was named Meadow Brook. Joshua Simmons (1801-1882) hewed lumber to build the earliest barns and mills in Livonia, Farmington and Plymouth. He continued to acquire acreage, becoming one of Livonia's most prominent landholders. In 1920 Sherwin and Jean Boyd Hill purchased the farm and renamed it Greenmead. The city of Livonia acquired the property in 1976 as a park. The Joshua Simmons Farm is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected 1997 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L139.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.

Location. 42° 26.267′ N, 83° 25.177′ W. Marker is in Livonia, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is on

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Joshua Simmons Drive, ¼ mile west of Newburgh Road. Located in Greenmead Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Livonia MI 48152, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Kingsley House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Cranson-Hinbern House (about 400 feet away); The Shaw House (about 500 feet away); Joshua Simmons (about 500 feet away); Friends Meeting House (about 700 feet away); The Detroit United Railway Waiting Room (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bungalow (approx. 0.2 miles away); A.J. Geer Store (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Livonia.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Cranson-Hinbern House in background. Used as gift shop and staff offices. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 13, 2021

2. Cranson-Hinbern House in background. Used as gift shop and staff offices.

Joshua Simmons Farm Marker and Farm image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2010

3. Joshua Simmons Farm Marker and Farm

Joshua Simmons Farmhouse<br>(also known as Hill House) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2010

4. Joshua Simmons Farmhouse
(also known as Hill House)

Joshua Simmons Farm image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 13, 2021

5. Joshua Simmons Farm

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2010

6. Joshua Simmons Farm Marker

Farmhands House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2010

7. Farmhands House

Greenmead Farms image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 13, 2021

8. Greenmead Farms

Joshua Simmons Farm is the main attraction of Greenmead Historical Park, which was added to the NRHP March 24, 1972

Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,542 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on February 1, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3, 4. submitted on August 27, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 5. submitted on May 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 6, 7. submitted on August 27, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 8. submitted on May 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.