Grosse Pointe Historical Society Recognizes 3 Properties

The Grosse Pointe Historical Society admitted three more properties into a select group Tuesday during the organization's annual Bronze Historic Plaque ceremony. 

Board Trustee Greg Jakub explained properties are evaluated for their historical value and architectural value. Properties must also be at least 50 years old. According to the society's web site, submissions are accepted for consideration with a one page letter detailing the background of the house as well as a current photo, property owner and contact information.

The plaques hace been given out since 1986. This year's properties received plaque 72, 73 and 74. 

The first property is 355 Lakeland, which is currently owned by Rick and Cat Ruffner. They recently purchased the home from Tom and Diane Schoenith, who spoke of their decades of entertaining in the four-story home, which was built in the 1920s.

The second property is multi-family housing: the English Terrace Condominiums that round Rivard, Lake Shore and Roosevelt roads. This the the first time a multi-family property has received the historical recognition. 

The Condominiums began as apartments in 1926 but were converted to 14 individually owned units, most of which house six bedrooms and have four floors.

The last property, 310 Kerby, is the site of one of the first homes of the Kerby family built in 1850. Much of the history of the Kerby family was shared during the presentation, including pictures of Grosse Pointe's first post office and a church later converted into Grosse Pointe Farms first city hall. 

A Kerby family descendent who lives in the Woods and previous plaques recipients were among those who attended the reception at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Afterward, cookies and other finger foods were served with drinks.