209 North Ann Arbor Street

1994 Survey Photo by Kosky & Glynn Associates
Copyright held by the City of Saline

Photo by Lori Swick
February 2013

Architectural Description: This is a small one-story gable front Folk house; its exterior appearance has been somewhat altered in recent years.
Early photographs show that it was decorated as an informal temple-front Greek Revival building. The house can also be described as a "Shotgun House".
There is a shed-roof addition in the rear and a one-and-one-half story, gable front livery barn (ca. 1880) in the back of the property. According to the Kosky & Glynn survey, the barn probably belonged to the house at 211 at one time. This house looks as if it was squeezed in between 207 (to the south) and 211 (to the north). Recent alterations include new siding, front door, replacement windows and a new additional front window.

History: The post and beam construction suggests that this house was built prior to 1850. The house was moved to this site after 1872, when Jortin Forbes deeded this property to his wife Matilda (Study Committee Report, 2001). When Matilda Forbes owned the house, she lived next door at 207 and used the house at 209 as her place of business, which was a millinery shop (please see information on the property at 207 North Ann Arbor).

Sources:
"Historic District Study Committee Report of North Ann Arbor Street Local Historic District." 2004.

Kosky & Glynn Associates. "Historical and Architectural Survey." Saline, Michigan. 1994.

Suggested Reading:
McAlester, Virginia & Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 1984.

Prepared by Lori Swick
April 17, 2013