Columbiaville in Lapeer County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The William Peter Mansion
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017
1. The William Peter Mansion Marker
Inscription.
The William Peter Mansion. . This structure, completed in 1896, was the home of William Peter (1824-1899). Peter, a prominent Columbiaville businessman, was a rags-to-riches character. Around 1847 he came to the area from Germany via New York state, a penniless immigrant. Immediately he began working in a local sawmill. He invested his earnings in large tracts of land and platted the village of Columbiaville in 1871. From 1879 to 1899, Peter developed the community. He built a gristmill, a woolen mill, houses for his workmen, a school, a church and several commercial buildings. Most of Columbiaville was owned and dominated by him. His wife, Roxanna, planned this Italianate residence, which still displays its original hardwood floors and decorative woodwork in oak, mahogany, walnut, cherry and maple.
This structure, completed in 1896, was the home of William Peter (1824-1899). Peter, a prominent Columbiaville businessman, was a rags-to-riches character. Around 1847 he came to the area from Germany via New York state, a penniless immigrant. Immediately he began working in a local sawmill. He invested his earnings in large tracts of land and platted the village of Columbiaville in 1871. From 1879 to 1899, Peter developed the community. He built a gristmill, a woolen mill, houses for his workmen, a school, a church and several commercial buildings. Most of Columbiaville was owned and dominated by him. His wife, Roxanna, planned this Italianate residence, which still displays its original hardwood floors and decorative woodwork in oak, mahogany, walnut, cherry and maple.
Erected 1981 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L751.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 43° 9.362′ N, 83° 24.689′ W. Marker is in Columbiaville, Michigan, in Lapeer County. Marker is at the intersection of Second Street (County Route 44) and Water Street
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, on the right when traveling south on Second Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4707 Water Street, Columbiaville MI 48421, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . The Mansion. History of the mansion on the William Peter Mansion Bed and Breakfast website. (Submitted on February 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017
2. The William Peter Mansion and Marker
View from Second Street.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017
3. The William Peter Mansion Marker
View from Water Street.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017
4. The William Peter Mansion Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 575 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.