Historic Northville cabin is moved to new location
Progress sometimes threatens history and Northville resident Dan Stedem and preservationist bill Stockhausen have helped move the 86-year-old historic Mary Gilbert Cabin to safety.
The cabin is being installed at a new location on River Street, thanks, in part, to the fundraising efforts of the Northville Historic Society.
The cabin was constructed in 1936 near the banks of the Middle Rouge River for retired kindergarten teacher Mary Gilbert, according to historic records. The non-descript — but historically significant structure, preservationists insist, will remain at the new 318 River St. address or be moved, either intact or by being disassembled and reassembled, to an alternate space in Northville.
"We're optimistic now that it will survive after hearing initially there were plans to demolish it," said Stedem, who has partnered with preservationist Stockhausen in efforts to save the building that sat on 1.6 acres of the Northville Downs property now being redeveloped.
The historic log cabin was used at Northville Downs to house temporary employees at the racetrack. Research conducted on the history of the cabin revealed it was built with 1930s-patented hollow logs that don't shrink or crack in freezing temperatures, extending the life of the building. The home is also adorned with a chimney made of massive stones that Stedem learned extend into a width of the north interior wall fireplace.
"This building, even as insignificant as it seems and even though it's off the beaten path, is a treasure," said Stockhausen, who also played a key role in saving a Civil War-era structure at 341 E. Main Street in Northville.
"If this building were located in Livonia, Westland, or Canton, it would be prized. I think that because we have so many historic buildings in Northville, we tend to ignore ones like this."
Stockhausen said he would like to see the structure remain at the location.
"If the cabin is relocated, any chance of it being officially recognized as a historic site are erased and it would not be eligible to receive historic grants," Stockhausen said.
Developer at the Downs property, Hunter Pasteur, has committed to pay $125,000 — an estimated half the cost of restoration and relocation — with the remainder of the fee left to private donations and/or grants.
"I think it is incredibly gracious of Hunter Pasteur to offer as much as they have," Stockhausen said. "It's a gesture they didn't have to make."
Stockhausen and Stedem have arranged for "Grizzly" Bob Kenel, a log cabin expert who lives in St. Charles, to visit the cabin and determine whether it can be moved intact or if disassembly/reassembly is required.
Potential relocation sites are on the west side of the river, not far from where the structure currently sits, or Ford Field.
