Last week we explored the work of a lesser known, yet prominent Detroit based firm Palmquist & Wright who were known for designing Mid-Century Modern style homes, along with creating hundreds of house plans that were published in books and catalogues.
This week we move away from modern style houses to delve into the history of one of Grosse Pointe’s oldest homes, 864 Rivard, one of a few Saltbox style homes found in the community. The post was a request from Sandy Yarrington whose great-grandmother and grandparents once lived at the property.
It is believed 864 Rivard was built in 1908, however there is a distinct possibility it may have been completed during the late 1800’s or possibly earlier. It is not known who the original family was who lived there, however one of the earliest inhabitants was Elizabeth (Peters) Trombley (born on August 21, 1867). Elizabeth was Sandy Yarrington’s great-grandmother. It is possible the house was built for Elizabeth and her husband Victor J. Trombley (born on August 8, 1863). This would mean it was the homestead for members of the Trombley family, one of the earliest French families to inhabit Grosse Pointe. Victor and Elizabeth were married on 26 May 1890. Was 864 Rivard built as their marital home?
It appears Victor and Elizabth had ten children, their youngest daughter was Evelyn Mary Trombley (born on September 7, 1907). Sandy explained Evelyn was her grandmother, and her husband, Theordore Alfred Vernier, was her grandfather. Both Theordore and Evelyn came from families (the Vernier’s and the Trombley’s) that had owned some of the early ribbon farms in the community. They are also two of the oldest French families to move to Grosse Pointe – thought to be in the late 1700’s or the early 1800’s.
Theordore (born on April 11, 1900) and Evelyn were married on October 27, 1926. They moved in with Sandy’s Great-Grandmother, Elizabeth Trombley, with the knowledge they could keep the house if they cared for her (Elizabeth passed on June 22, 1942). Sandy has confirmed her grandparents resided at 864 Rivard until 1970. The house was listed for sale after her grandfather passed away (on August 10, 1970). It was also where Sandy’s mother Judith grew up.
Sandy’s family (on the Vernier side) are descendants of John Baptiste and Catherine Vernier who arrived in Grosse Pointe around 1808, when John Baptiste (a farmer) put in a claim for 220.05 acres of land in Grosse Pointe, which was granted and confirmed by the United States Commissioners. Catherine Vernier passed in 1831 and Jean Baptiste in 1834 – their head stones are thought to be the oldest stones in St. Paul’s Cemetery. You can read the full story of the cemetery here. And the story of the Vernier family here.
864 Rivard is a well-preserved example of a Saltbox Colonial, a style of home that was primarily found on the east coast of the United States. It is reported Saltbox houses are among the oldest examples of American Colonial-style architecture. They first appeared in New England circa 1650 and remained the go-to style through the 18th century. It is understood the name saltbox comes from the resemblance to the “wooden salt storage boxes that were a staple of Colonial kitchens. Hung on walls near the stove or sink, the boxes had slanted tops that opened on a hinge for easy access and resembled the slope of saltbox house roofs.” Source: thespruce.com
Typical traits of Saltbox style homes are an asymmetrical long-sloping roof (often called a "cat-slide") that creates a two-story front and a one-story rear. They are built around a large central chimney, have a timber frame with a clapboard siding, and have a simple, streamlined geometric look. It is believed these style homes were designed for durability, snow shedding, and expansion.
At only 952 sq ft, 864 Rivard is one of the smallest homes in Grosse Pointe. The house, constructed from cedar with a shingle roof, has two bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, and a laundry room, but no basement. It once had a country style garden with a patio and a potting shed. Image courtesy of GoogleEarth.com
In November 1970, shortly after Theordore Vernier passed, the property was listed for sale for $18,900 (around $158,000 today). By 1975 it was still on the market and was sold for $15,500 to Daniel R. Steffes.
864 Rivard is not only a wonderful example of a Saltbox home, but it is also one of the most historic homes in Grosse Pointe. Unfortunately, it is proving to be incredibly difficult to not only confirm the date it was built but to also uncover the history of this property. It is clear it has belonged to two of the oldest families in Grosse Pointe – The Trombley’s and the Vernier’s, and that alone makes it a very special residence.
If anyone has any further history on 864 Rivard, or if you know of any other Saltbox homes in Grosse Pointe, we would love to hear from you.
Finally, we would like to thank Sandy Yarrington for contacting us about her grandparents’ home.
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 © 2026 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
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