The Forgotten Ford Mansion in Grosse Pointe, MI (Stonehurst)
Legacy of Luxury
The Greater Detroit area once had lavish mansions, symbols of opulence and success. Among them, a particularly magnificent mansion was largely forgotten.
Its walls, once echoing with grandeur, now stood silent, shrouded in whispers of a bygone era.
In 1811, John Ford was born in a log cabin in Danville, Kentucky. His early life reflected frontier living, yet his future aspirations were evident.
A Young Apprentice
When the War of 1812 called, Jonathan answered but never returned, leaving young John and his mother, Margaret, to navigate the world.
At twelve, John began an apprenticeship with a local saddle maker, learning the craft that would shape his future.
Each stitch and saddle honed his skills and determination to honor his father’s memory and his dreams.
The grind of managing their small dry goods store was challenging yet enlightening for John.
Day in and day out, he learned the meaning of hard work as he met the needs of the community.
Though the job was often thankless, each hour instilled in him an appreciation for diligence.
These lessons became the foundation for expanding their business into a thriving saddlery and flour mill.
Finding His Path
After completing his apprenticeship, John supported his mother, forging a bond.
With determination, he ventured into the world, eventually arriving in Greenville, Indiana.
There, he met Mary Bower, a schoolteacher. Together, they built a future united by love and a shared vision.
Mary became an invaluable teacher to John, imparting skills for their future.
In their dry goods store, her wisdom shaped Johns ambitions.
He mastered customer service and business strategies.
These skills were essential as their ventures expanded into saddlery and flour milling, aiding Johns dreams beyond Greenville.
Expanding Horizons
In Greenville, John and Mary started with a dry goods store, expanded into a saddlery, and then operated a flour mill, each step reflecting Johns growing ambitions.
As time went by, John felt an insatiable yearning that stretched far beyond the borders of Greenville.
What began as a modest life with Mary, including their quaint dry goods store that catered to the local community, blossomed into a series of ambitious endeavors.
They successfully operated a bustling saddlery and even managed a busy flour mill, yet with each passing year, John’s dreams expanded, igniting a fire in him that could no longer be contained within the familiar streets of their beloved town.
A New Chapter in Industry
In 1854, John relocated his family to New Albany, Indiana, to start a new chapter and expand their enterprises beyond Greenville.
This move marked the beginning of a significant venture.
In New Albany, John established an iron mill, branched into shipbuilding, and commanded a fleet of steamboats, earning the title of Captain.
Each venture transformed New Albany, leaving a mark on the town.
Founding PPG Industries
John Fords interest in glassmaking, inspired by his son Emory, led to the creation of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in 1883, now known as PPG Industries, establishing a lasting legacy.
John and Mary established the first successful plate glass factory in America, breaking Europes grip on the market.
Their business success ignited local pride, showcasing American ingenuity could rival European competitors, marking a turning point in the industry.
Building an Empire
With each business success, John Ford accumulated wealth and influence, expanding his family’s reach into various industries, including glass and chemicals.
Soda ash production in Michigan proved especially lucrative, supplying vital resources for his glassworks.
By 1903, John Ford had transformed from a shopkeeper into an industrial titan.
Beginning with a dry goods store in Greenville, his ambition expanded into a saddlery and flour mill, creating an industrial empire beyond the town.
The Rise of Stonehurst
Among the recipients of Johns legacy was his granddaughter, Stella Ford. In 1914, she married Joseph Schlotman, and together they crafted Stonehurst, an estate on Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe.
Drawing from European design, John and Mary crafted an establishment blending practicality with elegance.
This was a testament to their hard work. Their dry goods store blossomed into a thriving operation, envisioned as a beacon of success in Greenville, soon becoming the backdrop for a new chapter in their lives.
Creating a Dream Home
After a honeymoon in Europe, Stella and Joseph returned to Michigan, eager to create Stonehurst.
By 1917, their 40-room mansion stood as a testament to early English Renaissance architecture, symbolizing their determination and success.
Their home balanced cozy family nooks with areas for hosting gatherings.
Each room fostered togetherness and space for entertainment, reflecting the couples commitment to intimacy and community.
It was a sanctuary where laughter echoed, setting the stage for the life John and Mary built in Greenville.
Welcome to the Estate
Nestled amidst landscaped gardens and lawns stood the estate, a masterpiece of architecture.
A curved driveway led to a grand porte-cochère at canal level, leading through ornate iron doors to a world of elegance.
The harmony of nature and human ingenuity suggested the aspirations behind John and Marys legacy beyond their simple dry goods store.
Visitors entering the Great Hall were enveloped by intricately carved oak paneling and marble accents under chandeliers.
The air, filled with history, invited pauses to take in the elegance.
The space reflected the couples efforts and dreams—a testament to their life in Greenville and their future vision.
Refined Elegance
Guests stepped into the atrium, a stunning space with marble and stone, framing views of the lake.
The hall extended into the music room, where oak paneling and a cove ceiling created an atmosphere of luxury.
It reflected John and Mary’s hard work and ambition.
The craftsmanship in the carved wood crests and knights showcased intricate artistry, reflecting the skill and dedication of its creator.
Each detail told a story, from the knights armor to the crests on the walls.
John and Mary admired these pieces, reflecting their communitys pride and heritage. It reminded them of their ambitions in Greenville.
Elegant Interiors
The librarys built-in bookshelves in rich paneling created a warm sanctuary.
The dining room, with its tracery ceiling and grand stone fireplace, captured Jacobean elegance.
Each detail hinted at countless stories and memories.
The breakfast room, a cozy haven, opened into the dining room with a charming view of the colorful fireplace.
Each morning, flames cast warm shadows, filling the room with laughter and freshly brewed coffee.
John and Mary created lasting memories here, amidst the unspoken tension of aspirations beyond Greenville.
Grandeur of the Great Hall
As visitors returned to the Great Hall, they were greeted by the elegance of the grand staircase.
The plasterwork shone beneath the stained glass windows, each pane telling its story.
Ascending to the second floor, the milky finish on the woodwork invited exploration.
It was as if the walls were eager to share tales of those who had walked them before.
Their bedroom suite mirrored the estates sophistication, a tranquil retreat with tasteful furnishings.
Each piece held a story of their journey—from their dry goods store to flourishing ventures.
Soft light through sheer drapes created gentle shadows and an inviting ambiance, a testament to their shared dreams and life crafted together.
Separate Spaces
Stella and Joseph preferred separate beds, an unusual choice for upper-class couples.
Their bedroom had adjoining rooms that reflected their personalities—Stellas cozy sitting room and Josephs austere study filled with papers and books.
This setup allowed them personal retreats while sharing a life built on respect and understanding.
In Grosse Pointe, Stonehurst was a community hub where laughter echoed, friendships flourished, and events brought neighbors together.
It hosted dances, soirées, art, family celebrations, and reunions.
Stonehurst was a symbol of connection, promising warmth and camaraderie.
The Final Gathering
After Josephs passing in 1951, Stella hosted gatherings in their mansion, maintaining their traditions.
Stonehurst embodied their life together, and Stella guarded their legacy until her passing in 1974.
That year, following Stellas passing, Stonehurst prepared to open its doors to the public for the last time.
The halls and gardens echoed with memories, ready to share their stories.
As the community gathered, a sense of nostalgia marked the end of an era for Stonehurst and all who had experienced its splendor.
End of an Era
Visitors wandered through the mansion, taking in the intricate architecture and furnishings. Each corner felt like a step back in time.
In April, the mansion’s contents were auctioned, marking the end of an era.
Soon after, heavy machinery arrived, and the sound of destruction marked the beginning of new development.
The 30-acre estate, once John and Mary’s pride in Greenville, was now divided, marking change over time.
Each parcel echoed their legacy—a thriving life once filled with laughter and industry—now quiet, awaiting new dreams.
The Ghosts of Stonehurst
Each smaller parcel held fragments of a once-thriving legacy. Today, Stonehurst was a whisper, preserved in memories and faded photographs.
Stories of laughter, hard work, and dreams now echoed like ghosts, kept alive by those who remembered. The spirit of Stonehurst lingered in the hearts of its former residents.
In Grosse Pointe, street names honor the towns past. Each avenue commemorates its founders, reflecting their dreams and sacrifices.
John and Mary contributed to Greenvilles growth, transforming a dry goods store into a hub of progress. The street names invite all to remember those who dreamed big.”