Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe

Last week we stopped by 1041 Lochmoor. This Tudor style home was completed in 1923, having been built by builder John A. Corrick for his family. It was designed by architects Herman & Simons. Mr. Corrick described his new house as the families “dream home”.

This week we head to 128 Lewiston in Grosse Pointe Farms. Completed in 1923, it was designed by architectural master Louis Kamper for national rubber expert Walter E. Parker.

Louis Kamper was one of the most impactful designers to have graced the area. His style, influence, and work were on par with Albert Kahn, and George D. Mason in terms of the architectural legacy that many of their projects left on the city, and across the United States. Kamper had a long and distinguished career, he is credited with designing over 100 commercial and residential structures in Metro Detroit.

128 Lewiston (formerly 46 Lewiston) is a stunning stately Regency home created for Walter E. Parker. It has all the hall marks of a classically styled brick built Regency home of the 1920’s – an asymmetric configuration, hipped slate roof with small dormer windows, multiple sash windows, and a wonderful hood molded limestone framed entrance. Color photo courtesy of: GoogleEarth.

It appears the original owner Walter Parker and his wife Mabel (Smith) Parker had a passion for working with some of Detroit’s most noted architects of the early twentieth century. Prior to moving to their new home on Lewiston, it appears Mr. and Mrs. Parker lived in two fabulous homes on McKinley Place. The first was 24 McKinley Place, designed by James Macleod Watt & C. Howard Crane in 1908. In 1914, they worked with C. Howard Crane again to create a fabulous Arts and Crafts style home at 38 McKinley Place. Mr. Parker then commissioned Louis Kamper to design 128 Lewiston in a Regency architectural approach that was on trend at the time.

Walter Parker was considered one of the nation’s authorities on rubber and was a pioneer in the citrus canning industry. He was born September 11, 1873, in Ottawa. As a child he moved to Toronto with his parents where he lived until he was 21. In 1892, he moved to Columbus, OH, and four years later became an American citizen. In 1898, he married Mabel Smith in St. Louis where the couple would reside for several years with their daughter. During this time, it appears Mr. Parker became president and general manager of the Esperanza Cobalt Mining Co., and general manager of the Mexican Crude Rubber Company. In December 1906, he and his family moved to Detroit where he “expected to buy property and build a home.” At the time Mr. Parker said, “he was very much in love with Detroit, and was pleased that he had so arranged his business interests so that he could move to the city from St. Louis.” Source: Detroit Free Press (December 1906). Having served in World War I as Captain of the Ordinance Division, Mr. Parker then continued his career as a much sort after expert in the rubber industry. It appears Mr. and Mrs. Parker resided at 128 Lewiston until 1930. They then moved to the Parkhurst Apartments in Detroit (1130 Parker Avenue). Walter E. Parker passed on October 8, 1931.

In March 1931, it appears 128 Lewiston was purchased for $45,000 (around $934,000 today). The new owner was Mrs. Flora M. Warren. Her husband, Homer Delos Warren had been an important figure in Detroit. Aside from being a real estate broker (Homer Warren & Co.), he was also the former police commissioner, and postmaster for the city. It was reported “for more than 40 years Mr. Warren was intimately associated with the growth of Detroit.” Source: Detroit Free Press (August 1928). The couple married in 1910; their first home together was at the Whittier apartments. Homer D. Warren passed on August 1928. Image courtesy of: Detroit Free Press (August 1928).

Mrs. Flora M. Warren lived at 128 Lewiston for nearly 40 years. ln March 1937, she tentatively listed the home for sale. At the time it had 260’ of frontage, however our files mention Mrs. Warren later acquired 30’ from old Kercheval. The residence was still for sale in September 1941, at which point it was removed from the market. Mrs. Warren continued to reside at her home until her death on 3^rd March 1969. Following her passing a public sale was held in June 1969, which had over 3,000 items to select from. Source: Grosse Pointe News (June, 1969).

Many of the magnificent designs by Louis Kamper can still be found throughout Metro Detroit. Thankfully there are several wonderful examples of his work in Grosse Pointe, including 128 Lewiston.

* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.
** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.

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