Last week we visited a superb Mid-Century Modern home – 515 Lake Shore, designed by Wallace Frost for Almadus DeGrasse Wilkinson in 1956-1957. It was only one of two modern homes Frost designed in Grosse Pointe; the other was 280 Vincennes.

This week we stay with 280 Vincennes, to present the history of the world-renowned landscape architect Thomas Dolliver Church who designed the garden. Thomas Church was a coveted landscape architect whose reputation and influence were worldwide. During his career he completed over 4,000 projects - private gardens (primarily in California) and in 24 other states, along with many non-residential landscape commissions. 

280 Vincennes, completed in 1954, is a special property. Original owner Harry Lynn Pierson…

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Last week we presented the story of Dorothy Scherer. Aside from being a national figure in women’s golf, she was a descendent of one of the most noteworthy families in Detroit, and was the mother of HMA’s founder, our very own Hugo Higbie. She and her husband Harley G. Higbie resided at a magnificent estate named “Higbie House”.

This week we stay on Lake Shore to visit a superb Mid-Century Modern home – 515 Lake Shore, designed by Wallace Frost for Almadus DeGrasse Wilkinson in 1956-1957.

Wallace Frost was a versatile architect who designed at least 44 homes in and around Birmingham, Michigan. Yet despite working predominantly on the west side of Metro Detroit he also created at least nine homes in Grosse Pointe that spanned several…

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Last week focused on the life and career of Hugo Scherer, a prosperous businessman and real estate magnet. He worked closely with architect Louis Kamper on residential and commercial projects and was responsible for expanding the area nicknamed “The Cabbage Patch”, in the early 1900’s.

This week we turn our attention to Hugo’s youngest daughter Dorothy Clara Scherer – a prominent member of society who lived at 191 Lake Shore (later renumbered 201 Lake Shore) - a magnificent estate named “Higbie House”. Image courtesy of the Burton Historical Collection, circa 1926.

Dorothy Scherer, born 25 June 1901, was reportedly a “high spirited” young lady.  We understand she was a gifted sportswoman, and a very talented golfer - she won the Michigan…

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Last week we concluded our series on the Schmidt family “one of the oldest and eminently noteworthy families” of Detroit. The article touched on the life of Hugo Scherer, husband of Clara Schmidt.

This week we delve further into the life of Hugo Scherer, a prosperous businessman and real estate magnet. He was a prominent figure in Detroit and Grosse Pointe for over 40 years.

Born 9 October 1859, in Detroit, Hugo Scherer completed his education in the city and then spent six years studying at universities in Europe. Following his returned to the United States he embarked on a distinguished career. He married Clara Schmidt on April 11, 1888, and together they had two daughters, Marion (born in 1897), and Dorothy (born in 1901). The family resided…

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