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 1760. Under the new flag many of the French settlers, who had arrived in the region around 1701, left the city and moved to Grosse Pointe to join the large French contingent that had made the area their home.
Many of the French families in Grosse Pointe occupied the farmland that was so important to the area. During this era, it is believed the area was heavily wooded and swampy, however it proved to be a great location for farming. Several of the early farms generally had around 300 feet of water frontage, ran a mile inland, and were owned by some on the area’s more prominent families including the Beaupré’s.
The origins of the Beaupré name possible stems from "Le Beaupré" or "Le Beau Pré", which are names of places, or it was a topographic name meaning "beautiful meadow". It would appear the origins of the family began in France, however at some point part of the Beaupré family moved to Quebec. The earliest member of the family we can find in North America is Eugene Beaupré Sr., who was born in Quebec on May 6, 1847. He married Catherine Cecilia Trombley (born in Grosse Pointe on 4 July 1850) on 17 February 1874, in Grosse Pointe. It appears the couple had seven children (four sons and three daughters). Eugene’s eldest son Eugene Jr. was born in the community on 26 Jan 1875. The couples’ other sons were William Frederick (born 11 Jan 1876) Michael Charles (born 26 August 1877), and Albert Eugene (born 28 December 1880).
We understand Eugene Sr. lived on Kerby Road (address unknown) and owned a significant amount of land. It is reported “in October 1894, the city council purchased land from him as a new site, and, by the end of the year, the former Protestant Church, located on Kerby Road by the lake, had moved to the new site for use as a village hall.” Source: grossepointefarms.org. In the proceeding years many of the Beaupre family had a notable presence in the Grosse Pointe community:
• Albert Eugene Beaupre - Treasurer of Grosse Pointe Farms (1914) and highway commissioner (1918)
• Michael Charles Beaupre founded the Beaupré Studio in 1930 (The studio initially operated from a basement in Detroit and later moved to Grosse Pointe Park, staying on Kercheval Avenue for 60 years).
• Ralph E. Beaupre, Clerk of Grosse Pointe Township (1936).
Ralph resided at 39 Lakeview. It was reported he was one of the most popular individuals in Grosse Pointe Township and was a welcoming figure in the township offices. Aside from serving fives terms as clerk, he also owned a hardware store at 326 Grosse Pointe Boulevard.
• Russell J. Beaupre, Treasurer of Village of Grosse Pointe Farms (1936)
• Theo. Beaupre, Building Inspector - Village of Grosse Pointe Farms
• Beaupre Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms is named after the family.
• The Beaupre family held an annual golf tournament at the Plum Brook Golf Course (Utica) that was operated by Michael Beaupre. The club was established and developed by three of the Beaupre brothers (William, Michael, and Albert) during the early 1920’s. It was reported the tournament always attracted more than 100 members of the Beaupre family. Source: Grosse Pointe Review (October 1936).
It appears the Beaupre family had a presence on Kerby Road for many years and owned a large amount of land. It has been reported the plot of land for the sewage pumping station was purchased in 1920 from Eugene Beaupre Sr. The property, known as lots 1-4, between Chalfonte and Mack on Kerby Road, was used to build a sewage treatment plant. It was completed in 1929. Prior to its completion, Eugene Beaupre Sr. passed on 26 November 1928.
Also, on Kerby Road, is the former home of Albert Eugene Beaupré. 274 Kerby was completed in 1925, on what was presumably part of the land owned by his father, Eugene. The property is a stately Georgian Colonial style 3,672 sq ft home.
Albert Eugene Beaupré was a builder and land developer. During his career he was also treasurer of Grosse Pointe Farms (in 1914) and highway commissioner of Grosse Pointe Farms (in 1918). He married Catherine Elizabeth Beaufait (her family was also from Quebec) on 21 October 1903, in Grosse Pointe Farms. The couple had ten children - six sons and four daughters. Following the death of his wife Catherine (on 18 December 1963), Eugene listed 274 Kerby for sale in December 1965. It was the first time the house had been listed for sale. Over the years the house has only had three owners - the second owner came in July 1985. Albert Eugene Beaupré died on 13 January 1969; aged 89 years old. At the time of his death he was living at 34436 Jefferson, Mount Clemens.
The phenomenal story of the Beaupre family in Grosse Pointe began with Eugene Beaupre Sr. Having moved to Grosse Pointe, the head of the Beaupre family established quite a life for himself and the many family members who were and have had a noted presence in the community.
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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