523 South Ann Arbor Street

523 South Ann Arbor Street
Date of Construction: ca. 1872

Photo by Cynthia Christensen
October 2012

Architectural Description: This is a two-story, side gabled Folk House. It has been modified from the original, which was a one-and-one-half story, Greek Revival style house. A photo taken in 1963 revealed an offset door and kneehole windows on the front façade (Kosky and Glynn). There is a gabled portico roof over the front entry with fishscale shingles in the gable. A small square window is above the porch. The remainder of the front windows are one light over one. There is a two-story addition in the rear of the house as well as a modern two-car garage.

History: This house can be reliably dated to at least 1872, as it appears to be present on the 1872 Bird’s Eye View of Saline. It may have been built earlier; however, further deed research will be necessary to add to the history of this home. The Kosky & Glynn survey stated that John Gough probably built this house. The 1880 U.S. Census (County of Washtenaw, Village of Saline) lists John B. Gough, age 51 (carpenter), wife Sarah, age 26, and several children living in the same household. Although the 1880 Census did not provide addresses, the Gough family was listed as living two dwellings down from the John Barr family (275 South Ann Arbor). Subsequent owners of this house included Fred Schaible, who lived here with his wife and family from 1906-1947. The 1922 Saline City Directory listed Mr. Schaible’s occupation as a carpenter.

Sources:
"Historic District Study Committee Report for the South Ann Arbor Street Local Historic District." 2007.

Kosky & Glynn Associates. "Intensive Survey, South Ann Arbor Street, Saline, Michigan." 1994.

United States Federal Census. Year: 1880; Census Place: Saline, Washtenaw, Michigan; Roll: 609; Family History Film: 1254609; Page: 271C; Enumeration District: 237; Image: 0021. http://home.ancestry.com/.

"U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989." http://home.ancestry.com/.

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

Prepared by Lori Swick
April 17, 2013