A History of Transportation
in the Farmington Community
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.
