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

Merrill-Morris House

Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 18, 2016

1. Merrill-Morris House Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1846, this Greek Revival residence was erected just nineteen years after Romulus was first settled. Originally the home of pioneer Harvey W. Merrill, the house is believed to be the oldest still standing in the city. Large walnut beams, hewn with an adz (a cutting tool), support the wood frame structure. Small frieze windows with grilles decorate the front entrance. This refined farmhouse became the home of Ray V. Morris and family in 1912.

The Morris family made several additions to the house and surrounding grounds, including a large barn, which was the center of many social activities for the community. Fire destroyed the barn in later years. In 1931 the family erected a fruit and vegetable stand on the southeast corner of the property. Produce, dairy products and maple syrup were available. During the 1930s the family stand attracted hundreds of weekend visitors from Detroit.

Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L606.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 42° 12.109′ N,

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83° 24.27′ W. Marker is in Romulus, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is on South Huron River Drive, 0.6 miles south of Northline Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13880 Huron River Drive, Romulus MI 48174, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Morris Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Boys Who Served In The World War (approx. 1½ miles away); Romulus Memorial Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Romulus Memorial Cemetery Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.9 miles away); French Landing Dam and Powerhouse (approx. 2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.7 miles away); New Boston Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.8 miles away); Nowland Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Romulus.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 6, 2021

2. Merrill-Morris House Marker

Side 1

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 6, 2021

3. Merrill-Morris House Marker

Side 2

Merrill-Morris House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 18, 2016

4. Merrill-Morris House and Marker

Merrill-Morris House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou

5. Merrill-Morris House

The southeast corner of the property still has the modern version of the fruit and vegetable stand mentioned on the marker along Huron River Drive.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 591 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on November 21, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1. submitted on October 18, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on November 21, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on October 18, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 5. submitted on January 24, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.