Area less than one acre NRHP Reference # 72000650 Opened 1832 | Built 1832 (1832) Designated MSHS November 14, 1969 Added to NRHP 13 January 1972 | |
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Location 60 W. Wattles Rd., Troy, Michigan Architectural style Greek Revival architecture | ||
The Caswell House is a single family house located at 60 W. Wattles Road in Troy, Michigan in the Troy Museum and Historic Village. It is an especially well-preserved example of Greek Revival architecture. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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History
In May 1823, pioneering farmer Solomon Caswell and his wife Hulda moved to a farm near what is now the intersection of Big Beaver and Adams Roads, and in 1823 built a log cabin to live in. In 1832, the couple built this house to replace the log cabin. Huldah died in 1844, and Solomon quickly remarried to Melinda Marvin. The Caswells constructed an addition to the house in 1850; Solomon Caswell lived in the house until his death in 1880.
After Solomon Caswell's death, his descendents continued to live in the house. A porch was added in 1920. Solomon Caswell's descendents occupied the house until 1965, when William Caswell, Solomon's grandson, died as a bachelor. William Caswell willed the house and property to a friend, who sold it to North Hills Christian Reformed Church. In 1968, the house was threatened with demolition, but the church donated the home to the Troy Historical Society, who moved to its present location and fully restored it. The house is now part of the Troy Museum and Historic Village.
Description
The Solomon and Hulda Caswell House is a two-story frame Greek Revival house with clapboard. The foundation is now built of concrete block faced with fieldstone. A 1-1/2 story addition is built on the rear. The front facade has a central entrance flanked with pilasters and surmounted with a heavy entablature.