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Townsend North House: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 43°22′31″N 83°34′33″W / 43.37528°N 83.57583°W / 43.37528; -83.57583
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North lived in Vassar and contributed to the economy of the town. He established the first sawmill in 1849, selling it in 1865. He founded a woolen mill in 1867, and by 1875 opened the first bank in Vassar and the first successful general store. He also held public office, ranging from serving as the Tuscola County Register of Deeds in 1850 to serving as State Senator from 1874 to 1875.<ref name = "nom"/>
North lived in Vassar and contributed to the economy of the town. He established the first sawmill in 1849, selling it in 1865. He founded a woolen mill in 1867, and by 1875 opened the first bank in Vassar and the first successful general store. He also held public office, ranging from serving as the Tuscola County Register of Deeds in 1850 to serving as State Senator from 1874 to 1875.<ref name = "nom"/>


In 1880, North constructed this stylish mansion, located on a high bluff overlooking Vassar. The house had the first central heating system in the town, as well as its own hot and cold water system.<ref name = "nom"/> Townsend North died in 1889. The house is currently owned and occupied by Roger and Pat Goggins.<ref name = "vass">{{cite web | title = Discovering Vassar | author = Collette Forster| url = http://websites.delta.edu/michiganremembers/stories/discovering_vassar.htm | accessdate = January 24, 2018}}
In 1880, North constructed this stylish mansion, located on a high bluff overlooking Vassar. The house had the first central heating system in the town, as well as its own hot and cold water system.<ref name = "nom"/> Townsend North died in 1889. The house is currently owned and occupied by Roger and Pat Goggins.<ref name = "vass">{{cite web | title = Discovering Vassar | author = Collette Forster| url = http://websites.delta.edu/michiganremembers/stories/discovering_vassar.htm | accessdate = January 24, 2018}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==

Revision as of 13:43, 24 January 2018

Townsend North House
Townsend North House is located in Michigan
Townsend North House
Townsend North House is located in the United States
Townsend North House
Location325 N. Main, Vassar, Michigan
Coordinates43°22′31″N 83°34′33″W / 43.37528°N 83.57583°W / 43.37528; -83.57583
Arealess than one acre
Built1880 (1880)
Architectural styleQueen Anne, Eastlake
NRHP reference No.77000723[1]
Added to NRHPApril 13, 1977

The Townsend North House is a private house located at 325 North Main Street in Vassar, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.[1]

History

Townsend North was born in 1814 in Ulster County, New York. In 1835, his family moved to Washtenaw County, Michigan, where North and his father established a construction contracting company which, among other things, built the first dormitory on the University of Michigan's campus. North's father retired in 1839, but Townsend North continued in the contracting business until 1845, when he moved to Flint. There, he became part of a venture to construct a bridge across the Cass River at Bridgeport; his payment for his contribution was 3000 acres of land, to be located in any portion of Michigan. North chose this location in Tuscola County, and established the town of Vassar.[2]

North lived in Vassar and contributed to the economy of the town. He established the first sawmill in 1849, selling it in 1865. He founded a woolen mill in 1867, and by 1875 opened the first bank in Vassar and the first successful general store. He also held public office, ranging from serving as the Tuscola County Register of Deeds in 1850 to serving as State Senator from 1874 to 1875.[2]

In 1880, North constructed this stylish mansion, located on a high bluff overlooking Vassar. The house had the first central heating system in the town, as well as its own hot and cold water system.[2] Townsend North died in 1889. The house is currently owned and occupied by Roger and Pat Goggins.[3]

Description

The Townsend North House is a 2-1/2-story Eastlake structure with asymmetrical massing, dominated by an narrow, ornate center with a steeply sloped hip roof. To the left of the tower is a two-story, two-bay section capped by a gable roof with the eavesline to the front. To the right of the tower is another two-story, two-bay section capped by a gable roof, but with with the gable end to the front. Shutters covering the four bay windows. Two front porches haves paired support columns and heavy cornices.[2]

On the interior, the house has hardwood woodwook of cherry, walnut, and oak. Doorframes are elaborately carved, with fine Eastlake detail. In the master bedroom, the fireplace surround displays the ornate carving, and an ornately crafted mirror surround is located above the fireplace. [2]

References

  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e Trevor Gardner; Janet Kreger (October 15, 1976), NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY-- NOMINATION FORM: Townsend North House
  3. ^ Collette Forster. "Discovering Vassar". Retrieved January 24, 2018.