White Lake Township in White Lake charter Township in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Haven Hill Gatehouse
Crossing the Threshold to the Estate
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 22, 2016
1. Haven Hill Gatehouse: Crossing the Threshold to the Estate Marker
The Gatehouse was the formal entryway
into the 2,422 acre Haven Hill Estate, Edsel Ford's chosen "weekend getaway." While Edsel gathered property for his country estate in the 1920s, Packard Motor Car Company and General Motors bought large parcels of land in the area for development. Packard eventually sold its land to a farmer, but General Motors established its 4,000 acre proving grounds in the hilly, rural landscape.
The Gatehouse was security for the Fords and their guests.
Security was heightened in the 1920s and 1930s for such prominent families, arising from stresses including the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, gangsterism during Prohibition, and labor unrest in Flint and Dearborn.
You Auto Know
The Gatehouse housed the Haven Hill farm administrator and family.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list.
Location. 42° 38.899′ N, 83° 32.672′ W. Marker is in White Lake charter Township, Michigan, in Oakland
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Genevieve Gillette (within shouting distance of this marker); Haven Hill (approx. 0.6 miles away); Haven Hill Farm (approx. 0.8 miles away); Many Friends, Many Flags (approx. 0.8 miles away); Haven Hill Barn (approx. one mile away); Haven Hill Lodge (approx. 1.1 miles away); Haven Hill Carriage House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Edsel Ford's Leadership (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in White Lake charter Township.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 22, 2016
2. Left image
The drive approaching the Gatehouse as you leave the estate. Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 22, 2016
3. Upper middle image
At approximately 1,800 square feet, the 1927 Gatehouse included a 3-bedroom home. Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 22, 2016
4. Lower middle image
The Gatehouse in 2009, near the entrance to the Highland State Recreation Area.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 22, 2016
5. Right image
The German Shepherd dogs that once patrolled the estate were not simply family pets. They were also part of the security network at the estate. Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 22, 2016
6. Haven Hill Gatehouse: Crossing the Threshold to the Estate Marker and Gatehouse
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 358 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 23, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
