Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Preserving Fair Lane An Iconic American Estate
Photographed by Joel Seewald, September 1, 2015
1. Preserving Fair Lane An Iconic American Estate Marker
Inscription.
Preserving Fair Lane An Iconic American Estate. .
The Power of Water. Clara and Henry Ford situated their new home along the banks of the Rouge River to take advantage of nature's beauty and power. Construction of a dam and hydroelectric power plant provided the necessary electrical needs for the estate.
The water through the turbine tubes is delivered into the Rouge river fourteen feet below the bed of the river. From a scientific standpoint, and as an engineering development, this building stands unique as a most complete conception not only of the full supplying of every adequate means of power, etc, for the house, but a most practical and complete experimental department for Mr. Ford's private use. - Fair Lane architect William Van Tine, March 1916
The cornerstone of the Powerhouse was laid on October 28, 1914 by Henry Ford's mentor and close friend, Thomas A. Edison.
Thoughful Design. In 1913, the Fords engaged noted Danish-American landscape architect, Jens Jensen. Jensen is best known for his "prairie-style" design and his use of native plants. Jensen's plans, the first submitted in January 1914, were designed for wandering and discovery and included an expansive meadow and naturalistic garden areas. His approach to the to the riverbank included a stone dam with pathway across the top and layered limestone walls along the banks. Jensen did other projects for Henry Ford including the Dearborn Inn, the Henry Ford Hospital, Greenfield Village and the "Ford Pavilion" at the 1933 Chicago Century of Progress Exposition.
Reconstruction of Riverbank. In 2011, a 100 foot section of the riverbank, near the Main Residence, collapsed, undermined by years of the Rouge River cutting into the bank. In 2014, architects and engineers at SmithGroupJJR, Ann Arbor, MI, partnered with Henry Ford Estate staff, researched the original construction details and developed a reconstruction plan. In 2014, Faust Construction, Albaugh Masonry and Inland Lakes Landscaping began efforts to reconstruct the wall.
Reconstruction involved laying large irregular limestone rock to form multiple terraces, steps and walkways. A wooden foot bridge was replicated using historic aerial photography. To provide additional structural support, modern hidden sheet piling was utilized.
Reconstruction efforts will conclude by the end of 2015
The Power of Water
Clara and Henry Ford situated their new home along the banks of the Rouge River to take advantage of nature's beauty and power. Construction of a dam and hydroelectric power plant provided the necessary electrical needs for the estate.
The water through the turbine tubes is delivered into the Rouge river fourteen feet below the bed of the river. From a scientific standpoint, and as an engineering development, this building stands unique as a most complete conception not only of the full supplying of every adequate means of power, etc, for the house, but a most practical and complete experimental department for Mr. Ford's private use.
- Fair Lane architect William Van Tine, March 1916
The cornerstone of the Powerhouse was laid on October 28, 1914 by Henry Ford's mentor and close friend, Thomas A. Edison.
Thoughful Design
In 1913, the Fords engaged noted Danish-American landscape architect, Jens Jensen. Jensen is best known for his "prairie-style" design and his use of native plants. Jensen's plans, the first submitted in January 1914, were designed for wandering and discovery and included an expansive meadow and naturalistic garden areas. His approach to the to the riverbank included a stone dam with pathway across the top and layered limestone walls along the banks.
Jensen did other projects for Henry Ford including the Dearborn Inn, the Henry Ford Hospital, Greenfield Village and the "Ford Pavilion" at the 1933 Chicago Century of Progress Exposition.
Reconstruction of Riverbank
In
Click or scan to see this page online
2011, a 100 foot section of the riverbank, near the Main Residence, collapsed, undermined by years of the Rouge River cutting into the bank. In 2014, architects and engineers at SmithGroupJJR, Ann Arbor, MI, partnered with Henry Ford Estate staff, researched the original construction details and developed a reconstruction plan. In 2014, Faust Construction, Albaugh Masonry and Inland Lakes Landscaping began efforts to reconstruct the wall.
Reconstruction involved laying large irregular limestone rock to form multiple terraces, steps and walkways. A wooden foot bridge was replicated using historic aerial photography. To provide additional structural support, modern hidden sheet piling was utilized.
Reconstruction efforts will conclude by the end of 2015
Erected by Henry Ford Estate.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1914.
Location. 42° 18.853′ N, 83° 13.969′ W. Marker is in Dearborn, Michigan, in Wayne County. It can be reached from Fair Lane Drive 0.3 miles west of Evergreen Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
Photographed by Joel Seewald, September 1, 2015
2. Preserving Fair Lane An Iconic American Estate Marker
Closeup of "The Power of Water"
1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn MI 48128, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. 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 once the Viceroyalty of New France and also the Northwest Territory.
3. Preserving Fair Lane An Iconic American Estate Marker
Closeup of "Thoughtful Design"
markers in Dearborn.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, September 1, 2015
4. Preserving Fair Lane An Iconic American Estate Marker
Closeup of "Reconstruction of Riverbank"
Photographed by Joel S., September 1, 2015
5. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker
Closeup of pictures at lower right
Photographed by Joel Seewald, September 1, 2015
6. Preserving Fair Lane An Iconic American Estate Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 752 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 16, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
