Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
From State Fair to Fair Lane/Peony Garden
Photographed By Joel Seewald, March 17, 2022
1. From State Fair to Fair Lane/Peony Garden Marker
From State Fair to Fair Lane
Henry Ford had the miniature farmhouse, along with a miniature barn, steam engine and threshing machine, constructed for the 1924 Michigan State Fair to educate children living in an urban area about life on a farm. After the fair, the buildings were brought to the estate (known as Fair Lane) for the enjoyment of the Ford grandchildren - Henry II, Benson, Josephine and William Clay. The farmhouse was moved to Greenfield Village in 1938 and returned to Fair Lane in 1983.
"We spent oodles of time out there, and we had our own little farm...and we raised crops." - Henry Ford II
Peony Garden
The butterfly-shaped peony garden is a smaller-sized version of Mrs. Ford's original one-acre peony garden, which was located (circa 1921) approximately 50 feet northeast of this site. At the time of its completion, the peony garden, with its nearly 1,200 plants and 40 varieties in shades of white, pink, and crimson, was considered by garden experts to be among the finest of its kind in the country.
Erected by Fair Lane and MotorCities National Heritage Area.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included
this page online
Location. 42° 18.883′ N, 83° 13.913′ W. Marker is in Dearborn, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is on Fair Lane Drive, 0.3 miles west of Evergreen Road. This marker is found on the grounds of the Henry Ford Estate, Fair Lane, near the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn MI 48128, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Out in the Orchard (a few steps from this marker); Fair Lane (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fair Lane (within shouting distance of this marker); From Farmland to Great Estate (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate (within shouting distance of this marker); A Trail Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate (about 300 feet away); The Path of the Setting Sun (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dearborn.
Additional commentary.
1. New marker
In 2022, the new marker, with the same text and images, replaced the old one that was erected
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 1, 2016
2. Peony garden, marker, and miniature farmhouse
— Submitted January 13, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 1, 2016
3. Miniature farmhouse and marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 1, 2016
4. From State Fair to Fair Lane/Peony Garden Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 13, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 29, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
