The community North of the dam here was originally named Huron
Farms when it was formed by the Detroit Edison Company in 1913, and
encompassed considerable acreage on both sides of the Huron River.
Detroit Edison constructed a series of dams along the river for the
production of electric power. Barton Dam, currently owned and
operated by the City of Ann Arbor, was part of this system.
Huron Farms later expanded to include general farming, orchards
and high breed dairy cattle. Some of the original farm buildings
still exist along the east side of Whitmore Lake Road. The area
that is now Barton Hills Village was too hilly for farming and was
promoted as an exclusive country residential community for Detroit
Edison executives. In contrast to the now abundant woodlands, the
community was nicknamed "Barren Hills" in its early years.
In the early 1920's, Detroit Edison retained the prestigious
Olmsted Engineering Company of Brookline, Massachusetts to design
the layout of Barton Hills. Creators of the landscape plans for New
York City's Central Park, the Olmsted staff arranged each parcel to
utilize the natural typography of the area to the best advantage.
Winding roads and natural vistas so central to the Olmsted
philosophy characterized the plan. Every home site was located to
command an unobstructed view of the water, with large set backs and
private drives.
The economic restraints of the Depression slowed growth.
Restrictions attached to each deed stipulate that all homes must be
designed by a registered architect and are subject to the approval
of a resident architectural review committee. This provision allows
the community to maintain its unique ambiance.
By the 1940's Barton Hills had become an expensive liability for
a public utility. Faced with government orders to divest, Detroit
Edison shareholders resolved the situation by making an outright
gift to the residents of Barton Hills of all its unsold lots,
equipment and the right to collect taxes on the property already
sold. In exchange, the resident owners would assume responsibility
for the maintenance of the water system, roads and all existing
services.
Thirty years later it was decided to seek municipal status. On
December 12, 1973, Barton Hills Village became the first Home Rule
village in Washtenaw County. Barton Hills Village remains a unique
place of wooded hills, artistic homes and congenial neighbors along
the picturesque Huron River.
Cache the
Huron History Mystery Tour and reap yer
reward!
Be sure to record the secret letter on the inside lid of
each cache.
The first 50 cachers or teams to complete all 22 HHMT caches earn
the coveted
Huron History Mystery Tour Geocoin!
See the details at
www.huronhistorymysterytour.com
Also, each cache contains one different, highly collectible,
HHMT Trading Card. Collect all 22!
