The Oldest Stone House
In May 2009, the City of Lakewood chose the Oldest Stone House at Lakewood Park as the first property to be designated a Lakewood Landmark. This honor followed a period of extensive research into the history of the Oldest Stone House - also called the Honam/Hotchkiss House - by Lakewood Historical Society staff and volunteers. The Honam/Hotchkiss House is both historically and architecturally significant. The evolution of the house and its related property reflect the changing settlement and development patterns found throughout Lakewood (formerly Rockport Township).
In 1834, the stone house was built on the 60-acre parcel for John Honam. The house was constructed of area sandstone in the Greek revival style. The 1½-story structure is the only remaining (of at least three) stone houses built in Rockport Township. The use of stone, the size of the house, and Honam’s ownership of the large land parcel indicate his relative wealth. Two years later, Honam started the process of purchasing 37½ acres immediately to the west of the original family parcel. By 1840, he owned both parcels, making his total property 97½ acres that stretched from Detroit to the lake, between what is now Belle and Cook avenues. It was ideally situated in the center of Rockport Township, the community’s major commercial and residential district.
During its longest and most significant period, the Honam/Hotchkiss House was used as a family residence by John Honam and then by his daughter Isabella Hotchkiss and her family. Part of the property was farmed, although a significant portion remained wooded during the early part of this period. Tax records indicate that he owned both horses and cows. Following Honam’s death in 1845, the property transferred to his daughter Isabella, who had married Orvis Hotchkiss. Widely regarded as a leader within the Rockport community, Orvis Hotchkiss operated several businesses on the property, including a tannery and a steam mill, and also received the contract to build the plank road along what is now Detroit Ave. in the township.
The house is no longer on its original setting. It is thought to have been moved at least two times. There is some evidence that the house was moved almost 20 feet west of the original Detroit location for the creation of St. Charles Avenue in 1901. The house was moved a second time to its current location in Lakewood Park in 1952. The house is still situated on a portion of the original Honam/Hotchkiss 97½ acre parcel.
The Lakewood Historical Society’s mission is to celebrate Lakewood’s past, educate the community and preserve information like this for future generations. The society relies almost entirely on volunteers and dues from society members to achieve this. Want to learn more about the Lakewood Historical Society, find out about upcoming programs or purchase items? Visit us at www.lakewoodhistory.org.