Homes and venues on the 2006 Home tour

Riley-Valentine House – 605 Hickory

This charming Victorian-Gothic house was built in 1866 by Charles T. Riley, a local grocer who had a store on the west side of Main Street. Charles came to Milford in 1845 from England with his first wife, Sarah. He married his second wife, Mary Ann Potts in 1867 (her third marriage) in Milford and lived in this home. It passed through several other owners, belonging in 1881 to James Watkins, a partner in Weaver & Watkins, who were grocers and grain dealers who built the Weaver & Watkins block of three stores on the west side of North Main Street. James Watkins had been a farmer in Milford Township before he moved into town to become a partner with Weaver. He passed the house on to his son, John.

Reid-Skalski House – 2095 W. Commerce

Nestled on 2.5 acres about two miles from downtown Milford, this lovely English-type home was built in 1930 by Floyd Sands for Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Reid. Originally this was a five acre parcel purchased from Clayton Sherwood.

When it was built, it was praised in the newspaper for its brick veneer and many modern conveniences, such as a large living room, sunroom, bedroom and bath on the main floor and two bedrooms and bath upstairs. The grounds were a beautiful garden with views from all the windows.

Lamphere-Welton House – 608 E. Commerce St.

This luxurious Victorian Gothic house was built in 1875 by Milo Lamphere, a local carpenter and joiner to replace his original home which burned down. A hops yard to the south and east of the home was owned by his brother Orville. Hops are used in the brewing of beer and the yard can still be seen.

This home is now owned by Jim and Hannah Welton. Jim is a direct descendent of the Ruggles brothers who founded Milford back in 1832.

Eis-Yauch House – 633 Union

Originally this property was owned by Richard Forbes and family who came to Michigan in 1871 from Ireland, and moved to Milford between 1880 and 1900. He built his home here and operated a blacksmith shop on North Main. Richard Forbes was also a member of the Milford Fire Department. After his death in 1919, His wife raised their children and took in boarders while son Thomas took over the blacksmith shop. Thomas inherited the house in 1926. When the house was sold in 1932, it had no electrical, nor indoor heating.

The Eis family, Walter and Dorothy, purchased the property in 1932 and tore down the house. They then contracted with Walter C. Tressler and sons to build this lovely house. Mr. & Mrs. Eis moved into the house in January of 1933.

Fergin House – 514 Grand Vista

This unique lakeside villa is the home of Allan and Mary Lee Fergin. The house had been a dream of the couple since Allan first purchased the land in 1984 from a neighbor who purchased many lots in the 1940’s.  For eight years, the couple visited the site, making plans and enjoying picnics. The picnic table still stands on the patio – the first piece of furniture, now updated with chartreuse green paint. It was here that they became engaged and their dreams came true.

The home was designed by architect Celest Novak of Ann Arbor and built by Harold Oliver. All the details that make this home so unique were planned by the owner Mary Lee Marcus Fergin.

The Beam-Waara Home – 804 First St.

Unique historical displays will be shown at this house as part of the 30th Home Tour Special events program.

Vintage wedding dresses and antique cameras will be on display at the house.

The Ford Powerhouse

Located just north of Central Park this art deco design served as a powerhouse for the Ford Carburetor Plant that was built in Milford in the 1930’s as a part of Henry Ford’s commitment to “Village Industries”. See the write up about all of the work that has been done by the Milford Historical Society to save and restore this wonderful part of Milford’s heritage.

Plan of visiting it as part of your 2006 Home Tour experience. The powerhouse will be open to visitors on Sunday September 17th only.

A special walking tour of Oak Grove Cemetery will be conducted by members of the Friends of Oak Grove. Milford history, all the way back to the founding Ruggles family is reflected in this cemetery. For a sample of some of the plots that you can look for follow this link. To read the June, 2006 newsletter of the Friends of Oak Grove click here.

For the Home Tour a special program is planned, with both the mausoleum and the crypt open for viewing. Also the tour guides will show visitors the grave sites of the first owners, or prior owners, of the historic homes that are on the tour. Plan on spending some time at this venue for a fascinating look at some of Milford’s history. The War Memorial for Milford soldiers who died in the Civil War  is there.

Privy Dig

Don’t miss the Privy Dig, one of the special events being held in conjunction with the Home Show. Be there as a trained privy archeologist unearths a part of Milford’s past. The dig is planned on the site of the home on the tour that is on Hickory Street

Hands on Activities at the Log Cabin. The replica log home next to the Milford Fire Station on GM Road will feature activities for all ages during the home tour. Be sure to visit.

There will be programs both days, so plan on getting to the log cabin with your children.