Hope everyone had a nice Christmas, today we head out to Riverside to pay a visit to the Senator McMillan house at 6425 Riverside Drive East.
From the 1908 edition of “The Detroiters“:
- McGRAW, William T.; born, Lavonia Township, Wayne Co.; Mich., May 12, 1860; son of Richard and Jane (Chapman) McGraw; educated in Plymouth, Mich., and Detroit Business University; married at Plymouth, Mich., June 15, 1897, Miss Harriette Fuller. Began active career in First National Bank, Plymouth, continuing for two years; removed to Detroit and became traveling salesman Globe Tobacco Co., later organizing the Detroit Tobacco Co., with which he is still connected; since 1906, vice president Mexican Crude Rubber Co.; director National Twist Drill Co., Globe Tobacco Co. State senator, 1898-1900. Republican. Mason, Knight Templar, Shriner. Clubs: Detroit, Country, Detroit Boat, Automobile. Recreations: Outdoor sports. Office: 612 Penobscot Bldg. Residence: 1477 Grand River Av.
The picture above ran in the Border Cities Star June 21, 1924
As you can see the house is very much as it was when built in 1915.
His obituary ran in the April 30, 1937 issue of the Windsor Daily Star.
- EX-SENATOR DIES
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WAS NATIVE OF MICHIGAN
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Late William T. McGraw
Lived in Riverside
For Many Years
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Was Industrialist
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Passes Away At Home
Following Lengthy Illness
William T. McGraw, former Michigan State Senator, and a resident of Riverside for almost a quarter of a century, died last night at his home, 1905 Riverside Drive, following a lengthy illness. He was in his 77th year.
HIS PERMANENT HOME
A member of the Michigan Legislature during the administration of the late Governor Hazen Pingree, Mr. McGraw was well known in both the Detroit and Windsor districts. He built his home on Riverside Drive 22 years ago. Although at first he only lived there in the summer, the past few years, Mr. McGraw had made his permanent home on this side of the river.
A former member of the old Windsor Club and the Essex Golf and Country Club. Mr McGraw was a close friend of many of the older residents of the (illegible)
In Detroit he was recognized as a prominent industrialist and real estate owner. He was head of the Security Account Register Company and a director of the National Twist Drill Company.
One of my fav houses in Windsor. Thanks for a bit of background on this beauty Andrew.
How we seem to forget our connection to our American brethrens who built industry, homes and ” cottages ” in our town and surrounding areas. They helped fuel our economy and maintained some classy homes. We are richer in many regards for it. We are not americanized from this liason only more aware of its existence. Let’s be thankful for our very close neighbours past and present cross border financial forays.
Very nice house. Nice to see a Livonia connection, where I live also. Livonia in 1860 was a very small farming community, mostly orchards and dairy farms. I am a big fan of symmetrical structures, this one appears to be so. It looks like it is built to last forever too.
Having grown up in 6383 (two homes to the west of 6425) from 1954 until 1974, I knew this house well. Its long driveway, complete with a backyard roundabout, provided an excellent venue for bike races. The sloping yard on its east side was perfect for tobogganing during winters. The owner, during the late fifties and early sixties, was an elderly chap named Dwyer from Detroit. He would summer there and was a dedicated practitioner of the “Get Off My Lawn” method of diplomacy when dealing with young neighbours. Thanks Andrew for rekindling some pleasant memories.
i always liked this house i never knew americans once owned it, it kind of has a southern look to it with the columns and 2nd floor balcony thanks andrew
Always lived this place.
Thanks Andrew!
I love that mansion. Every time I drive past it, I always think to myself that it must have once belonged to the most powerful and influential guy in the city like the most influential politician or a major industrialist. I imagine the original owner looking like a plantation owner with his southern belle on the porch. It’s a mansion that just screams high status. It’s good to finally know who lived there.
I’ve been noticing when I walk by lately it seems in dire need of repair. I remember the porch overhanging the front porch is slowly falling down. I seem to remember someone I went to high school with had family who lived there. Can’t remember what her name was though.
Too bad we didn’t focus on a much more important building historically right next door to the west.
Pierre Belleperche’s French home built in 1812.
A brick home in the frontier in this area in 1812 was VERY rare, and it still stands today in perfect shape painted white.
Lived in Windsor for many years, never knew the history of this house. Came across the article while researching Globe Tobacco Co, as I have one of their tins…
When I was growing up and my dad would take a ride down Riveside Dr. I always thought
that home looked like an old plantation house from the American South..