Cherry Hill Village in Canton in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Cherry Hill Inn

An Enduring Landmark

Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 10, 2016

1. Cherry Hill Inn: An Enduring Landmark Marker

Inscription.
This beautiful Italianate-style Inn
was built by Abner Hitchcock in 1866 on speculation that a railroad spur would come through Cherry Hill and travelers would need a place to stay. The railroad never came, and Hitchcock lost the building to creditors in 1870. Purchased by the Gunn family in 1884, it was turned into a thriving general store where neighbors gathered to share news and trade their farm goods for store-bought items. On Saturday nights the second floor rocked with live music and country contra dancing.

Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service and Canton Community.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 42° 18.359′ N, 83° 32.262′ W. Marker is in Canton, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Cherry Hill Village. Marker is at the intersection of Cherry Hill Road and South Ridge Road, on the left when traveling west on Cherry Hill Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50545 Cherry Hill Road, Canton MI 48188, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Ford Village Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Cherry Hill School

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cherry Hill Cemetery (about 300 feet away); Cherry Hill Village (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Cherry Hill Cemetery (about 400 feet away); Cherry Hill United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Palmer Shed (approx. ¼ mile away); Farming in Canton (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.

Additional commentary.
1.
The former Cherry Hill Inn is now the Indigo Salon Spa & Boutique.

— Submitted November 11, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 10, 2016

2. Left image

Scott and Denise Colf purchased the old store building in 2001 and began its difficult restoration, returning it to its rightful place as a commerce center in Cherry Hill. The building reopened in 2003.

Middle image image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 10, 2016

3. Middle image

The James Gunn family maintained a grocery, business and dance hall in the building. They are seen here in a tin-type photograph taken about 1885. Photo courtesy of Canton Historical Society.

Top right image image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 10, 2016

4. Top right image

The sign above door reads: "Groceries, Provisions, JAMES GUNN, Tobacco and Cigars." Photo courtesy of Canton Historical Society.

Bottom right image image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 10, 2016

5. Bottom right image

The West family purchased the store in 1920 and operated it continuously until the mid-1960s. Tis is Jake West, the last proprietor. Photo courtesy of Canton Historical Society.

Former Cherry Hill Inn and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 10, 2016

6. Former Cherry Hill Inn and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 571 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 11, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.