2008 Special Recognition, Heroic Effort and
Collaboration. Edsel Ford Barn Highland Township
This one-of-a-kind
barn was built in the 1920s by Edsel Ford. One of the largest in Michigan, it
was intended for sheep but stabled horses. It is 62' x 224' in size with a
double-monitor design. Ford built it of high quality yellow pine shipped in from
the south and installed a ventilation system and 240 custom-built windows. The
property passed to the Department of Natural Resources after Ford's death and
was used as offices, a warming place for skiers, and sign shop. Unused since the
1980s, it was not maintained. As a valuable cultural icon, a group launched
"Save Haven Hill" in 2000 but ran into resistance. A new effort, "Friends of
Highland Recreation Area," took hold in 2007 and is moving aggressively ahead
with the collaboration of several groups. Hours of volunteer repair work have
begun, funds are being raised, and a nonprofit organization is being
established.
This one-of-a-kind
barn was built in the 1920s by Edsel Ford. One of the largest in Michigan, it
was intended for sheep but stabled horses. It is 62' x 224' in size with a
double-monitor design. Ford built it of high quality yellow pine shipped in from
the south and installed a ventilation system and 240 custom-built windows. The
property passed to the Department of Natural Resources after Ford's death and
was used as offices, a warming place for skiers, and sign shop. Unused since the
1980s, it was not maintained. As a valuable cultural icon, a group launched
"Save Haven Hill" in 2000 but ran into resistance. A new effort, "Friends of
Highland Recreation Area," took hold in 2007 and is moving aggressively ahead
with the collaboration of several groups. Hours of volunteer repair work have
begun, funds are being raised, and a nonprofit organization is being
established.