Over the last couple of weeks, we have presented the history of 59 Lake Shore and 60 Lake Shore. Both homes were built around the turn of the century and were commissioned by Joseph Berry as wedding gifts for two of his daughters. The houses were located on the eastern end of Mr. Berry’s “Edgemere” estate, located at 50 Lake Shore. Both houses have been razed.
This week we conclude the story of the Joseph Berry homes as we present the history of his own residence, “Edgemere”. Completed in 1882, not only was it one of the first year-round homes to be constructed in Grosse Pointe, but it was arguably one of the communities more significant residences. Prior to its construction Grosse Pointe was primarily known for its summer homes where wealthy families from Detroit could spend the summer next to the lake. It has been suggested Berry's choice to establish a year-round home influenced the development of Grosse Pointe into a full-time community. Images courtesy of: digitalcollections.detroitpubliclibrary.org
Joseph Hooper Berry was born in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey on March 10, 1839. His parents were originally from Sussex, England. Research by the Grosse Pointe Historical Society (GPHS) explains, in 1855, when he was a teenager he moved with his family from Richmond, VA to Detroit. At the age of sixteen he began working for Theodore H. Eaton in a wholesale chemical house, where he quickly realized there was a need for better varnish and so he began experimenting. This subsequently led him to start manufacturing varnish. By 1860, he and his brother had established Berry Brothers Varnish, Inc. Source: Grosse Pointe Historical Society. During his career he held leadership positions in several companies, including the Detroit Linseed Oil Company and the Combination Gas Machine Company, this coupled with the success of his own company lead him to become one of Detroit’s wealthiest citizens. He married Charlotte Eugenia Dwight on 22 October 1868. Together they had five children, however their only son and a daughter both passed shortly after they were born. Sadly, on 26 September 1875, Charlotte passed aged just 31 years old. Image courtesy of: GPHS
In 1881, Berry commissioned Edgemere at 50 Lake Shore. The estate was to be situated on a colossal 15 acres of land, running from McKinley Road to Sunset Lane, and stretching from Lake St. Clair to Kercheval. He hired established Detroit architects George Mason & Zachariah Rice to design his new home. Around the time of creating the property Mason & Rice had been hired to design several prestigious buildings including the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island (1887); Belle Isle Police Station (1893); and the Hiram Walker Plant (Windsor, Ontario 1896). In 1898, following 20 years of working together, George Mason left the firm and went on to design many wonderful buildings in Detroit including the Detroit Yacht Club (1923) and the Detroit Masonic Temple (1926) along with several stunning homes in Grosse Pointe.
The house Mason & Rice created for Joseph Berry was typical of their Richardson Romanesque style, while also displaying multiple elements of the Queen Anne architectural approach. It was constructed from pressed brick and cut stone with dark masonry and detailed brickwork. Many of the walls were covered in ivy to replicate the English manor look, and it was the first of a long series of “English Manor Houses” to adorn Grosse Pointe during that era. Images courtesy of: GPHS
It is understood Berry led a secluded and private life; he avoided the busy social scene and devoted his time to raising his three daughters and tending to his garden. Source: Grosse Pointe Historical Society. Research by GPHS also states Berry became absorbed in the art of landscaping. The estate was awash with formal flowerbeds, luscious lawns, quiet lagoons, unusual varieties of trees, fruit trees, shrubs along with a huge greenhouse and potting shed. The greenhouses were home to Berry’s prized collection of orchids, and when not tending to his flowers Berry grew most of his own produce. The gardens and the greenhouses were open to the public on Sunday afternoons, and it is believed the property had one of the first automatic in-ground sprinkler systems in the area. Images courtesy of: GPHS
On 22 May 1907, Joseph Berry died suddenly after an infection - brought on by a broken ankle – that reached his heart. At the time of his death, it is rumored he possessed more property that any other individual Michigan resident. It is understood after Mr. Berry passed “Edgemere” along with his other properties were managed by his son-in-law, Dr. Edwin Lodge.
In 1941 “Edgemere” was demolished, however many of the beautiful trees Joseph Berry lovingly cared for are still visible in the neighborhood today. The property was subdivided, with part of the estate creating McKinley Place and Edgemere Road.
If you have a home, building or street you would like us to profile please contact Higbie Maxon Agney – homes@higbiemaxon.com - we will try and feature the property.
* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.
** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.
Written by Katie Doelle
Copyright © 2025 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
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