Bacon Memorial Library

"I am the Library. I am the wisdom of the universe captured and arranged for you.

I am an open door...........

Enter"

The Bacon Memorial District Library in Wyandotte is one of my favorite places to visit. It is located inside a 3 story Queen Anne Victorian that was built in 1897 by the Detroit firm Malcomson & Higginbotham for Mr. Ed Ford (no relation to Henry) and his wife Carrie. Mr. Ford was the son of plate glass pioneer John Baptiste Ford. The senior Fords only lived in the house until 1900. It was then occupied by Mr. Ford's son John B Ford from 1900-1902. Mr. Ford's daughter Mary Ford Bacon and her family lived on the property from 1902 until 1927 when the family moved to California. In 1942  Mary bestowed it to the Wyandotte Public School system to be used as a library after the death of her husband, Mr. Bacon.  There is a lovely portrait hung in the former dining room, of Mary Ford Bacon reading to her grandchildren. 

 The home, which sits on four city lots, boasts 27 rooms,11 fireplaces and a three story bell tower in the rear. I have photographed  just for you, a few of the fireplaces that are available for view on the guided/self tours. Guided tours are offered the first Saturday of the month at 10am, self guided tours are available during regular library hours.  

The craftsmanship and the tile just blow me away. They are absolutely stunning. True works of art, I tell you.  This was the epitome of luxury in the 1900's. One of the things I adore about historic homes the most, is the character and charm that they represent. The opulent fireplaces in this home offer a glimpse of the life of wealthy society in the late 1800's . 

Here we have a green glass subway-style tile.

Just gorgeous, even after all of these years! 

The white fireplace in the front room to the right of the main parlor is still pristine. 

For me its all about the details. These columns are from the fireplace opposite the parlor room.  

 I swear this tile looks like mother of pearl. I also love the mirror above. Several of the fireplaces in the home have them. The more details the better :-) 

A closer look. Beautiful blend of color.

 In addition to the lovely fireplaces, this home also has an impressive collection of stained glass sprinkled throughout the space. 

 This little alcove would be a perfect spot to cozy up with a book and read away the afternoon. 

Here is a better shot of the glass. 

These beauties hold an antique book collection in the Billie Simmons room. In 1996 President Clinton visited the library, on his way to the National Democratic Convention in Chicago, to discuss the importance of children's literacy. He was photographed for the Heritage Newspaper at the desk to the right of these bookcases. 

The stained glass in the old billiard room. 

This set of glass resides at the top of the main staircase off the parlor. I tried to get the best shot I could. Even though it is a cloudy day the sun still streams through. 

At the top of the staircase. 

 A better close up of the glass. The photos do not do justice to the color that is present in this glass. You can tell it is quality and hand made. There is a milky white color that runs through the pale green glass and it just has a lovely vintage look to it. 

I love the staircase! Especially the rounded banister at the bottom. The wood work is time worn and feels so silky under the palm of your hand. 

 The parlor off the main entrance. 

 Another shot of the parlor and the staircase. Going up are various photos of the home dating from the late 1890s to present. It's amazing how the house is still ripe with original character, despite a few additions and "remodels". I am so very happy that this library is still open for us all to enjoy!

This is a photo of  how the parlor looked when the Ford-Bacon family lived in the home. 

 This is the Billie Simmons Room. Here is a photo of President Bill Clinton seated at the desk on the left during his visit in 1996.

 As if this home needed anymore charm, there are various built in units all over the house. This one is located in what used to be the dining room. I wonder if it was used it for a buffet or sideboard? It kind of looks like it could even be used as a desk. The various photos are of the Ford Bacon family. 

I hope you enjoyed our little visit to the Bacon Memorial Library today. If you are interested in finding more information about the library click here. If you are ever in the area stop on by, it is a unique and wonderful place to spend just a few minutes or the entire afternoon.