Over the past couple of weeks, we have presented the history of two prominent families in Grosse Pointe – the Beaupre's and the Kerby's  – both have had a noted presence in the community.

This week we conclude the series (for now) with the history of the Vernier family. The earliest decedents of the Vernier family can be traced back to 1701. It was around this time that Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac found the area we now call Detroit and took possession of the land for France.

The origin of the Vernier name can be traced to Grenoble, France, a city in the southeast of the country at the foot of the French Alps. Genoble’s history dates back more than 2,000 years, and it has been the capital of the Dauphiné since the 11th century. Vernier is a…

211 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we presented the story of the Beaupre family in Grosse Pointe. Eugene Beaupre Sr. moved to Grosse Pointe, he was the head of the Beaupre family and established quite a life for himself and the many family members who were and have had a noted presence in the community.

This week we stick with family history as we explore the Kerby family. As we mentioned last week Grosse Pointe has a rich French heritage that stems from some of the earliest families to inhabit Grosse Pointe, including Vernier, Cadieux, Trombley, Moross, Renaud, Beaufait, Poupard, Beaupre’s, and the Kerby’s. 

It is acknowledged the Kerby family are one of the community’s earliest settlers. John Kerby Sr. was born 1754 in Albany, New York, the son of Thomas Kerby (who…

251 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we concluded our two-part series on the work of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls with some of the fine residences they created in Grosse Pointe between 1909 and 1925.

This week we are going to present the story of the Beaupre Family, one of Grosse Pointe’s most historic families. It is well known Grosse Pointe has a rich French heritage that stems from some of the earliest families to inhabit Grosse Pointe, including Vernier, Cadieux, Trombley, Moross, Renaud, Kerby, Beaufait, Poupard, and the Beaupre’s.

During the period of 1701 through to 1796, three flags were flown over Detroit, firstly France, then Britain, followed by the United States in 1796. Having been occupied primarily by the French, Detroit surrendered to the English around…

324 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we began a two-part series on the work of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls (SHG). This esteemed firm created many fine homes in Grosse Pointe over several decades. In part one of the two-part series, we explored three properties they designed between 1909 - 1918 including 35 Fisher, the first telephone exchange for the Home Telephone Co.

This week, in part two, we continue with four more residences, created between 1919 and 1930. All these properties are located on some of the most esteemed streets in Grosse Pointe and were created for noted clientele.

390 Washington – 1919

Designed for Richard Matthew Heames, 390 Washington was created in a Mediterranean style – an approach that was gaining in popularity in Grosse Pointe during this…

248 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post