Horse and Buggy in front of the Botsford Inn c.1900
Modes of transportation to these out-lying areas and
around Farmington changed and developed quickly. Originally, Shank's Mare
(walking), horseback, horse and buggy, wagons, and sleighs were the only
means of getting around, but this situation did not last long.
When Lansing was made the capital city of the state, the
need for a good road between Detroit and Lansing was created. Grand River was
the road, but definite improvements were needed. As a result, the
Detroit-Howell Plank Road was built. The road was built according to the
General Plank Road Act of 1850, which specified that it be sixteen
feet wide, ample shoulder on each side, and tollgates be established every
five miles, charging fixed rates by vehicle type. Construction began in
1851.
The oak planks were placed directly on the soil, not a wise decision as the
planks later rotted and became treacherous. Ditches were opened, culverts
were raised, and the entire surface was spread with lime coated gravel, which
acted as a protective covering.
In all, six toll stations were established; three were of importance to
Farmington history.
This road improvement and the tollgates led to the development of stagecoach
lines running the route, and inns to accommodate the road's travelers.
Indeed, stagecoach travel increased to two four-horse stages per day, which
could each accommodate twenty-four passengers, plus freight; however, it was
not unusual for nine of the passengers to ride perched on top. These coaches,
coupled with the hundred wagons which passed through each day, created heavy
demand for inns and taverns at which to stop, rest and refresh.
The best-known of these inns is the Botsford Inn, located at Grand River near
Middlebelt. Its story is best described by the historical marker now standing
in front of the inn:
"This historic Inn, one ofthe oldest in Michigan providing food and
lodging was built as a home in 1836 by Orren Weston. In 1841 it was converted
into a tavern by Stephen Jennings. Known as the Sixteen Mile House it was the
stagecoach stop . . . Milton C. Botsford acquired the Inn in 1850. It became
a popular meeting place for drivers, farmers and travelers to and from
Detroit. Henry Ford, who had first seen the Inn while courting future wife,
Clara, in a horse and buggy, purchased the Inn from the Botsfords in 1924 and
restored it. The Fords operated it until 1951. Ownership was then taken over
by John Anhut, who has made two large additions to the original
building."
The once greatest hostelry in the Michigan wilderness was the Walker/Wixom
Tavern. Built in 1827 by Solomon Walker, it was located on the south side of
Grand River Ave. at the point where Ten Mile breaks away, just west of
Halsted Road. The first Township meetings were held here. Mr. Walker sold the
Tavern toHarrison Philbrick in 1839. Harrison sold the Tavern to Robert Wixom
6 years later. It was a popular stage coahc stop for many years. It reverted
to a private residence and fell into disrepair, shortly thereafter.
Another such establishment was the H. Swan Hotel, later known as the Owen
House (1875 - 1919) claimed to be "the finest inland hotel in the state" by
its second owner, L.D. Owen. The Swan was located on the corner of Farmington
Road and Grand River. In later years, it boasted of electric lights, steam
heat and a bowling alley, all for $1.50–$3.00 a day.
Another inn still standing at Eleven Mile and Power Road, but no longer in
operation, was the Philbrick Tavern, built in 1824—a reported stop on
the Underground Railroad.
An interurban electric railroad, known as the Detroit United Railroad, or
the D.U.R., began service in 1901. The main junction was at Grand River and
Orchard Lake. A power plant was built by the Detroit and Northwestern Railway
in 1899, and a car barn across the street. Passengers could transfer to the
Orchard Lake Route north to Pontiac, or could stay on and continue through
town to Northville.
During its nearly thirty year existence, the D.U.R. was profitable for both
its owners and Farmington. Each car had a motor man and a brakeman; many
Farmington men were employed. But eventually the D.U.R. fell victim to the
automobile, the Depression, and tazes on the Railroad's right-of-way.
For a short time the service was replaced by a Farmington to Five Points
in Redford run by the Detroit Department of Street Railways (D.S.R.), but the
automobile was eventually triumphant.
Today, the automobile continues to dominate the scene, racing along the three
major freeways: I-696, I-96 and I-275. Limited public bus transportation is
available, through a shared regional bus system for Wayne and Oakland
Counties. The large and numerous automobile dealerships that have grown in
the area reflect on our proximity to the Motor City and our preference for
independent travel.
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