Bartlett Travis House

In 1839, a young couple, Thomas and Maria Blackman Bartlett, embarked on their new life together in Canton Township. Right here, at what is now 500 N. Ridge Road, stood their first home. The Bartlett Travis House. A charming Greek Revival cottage. A gift from Maria’s father, Darius Blackman. The house witnessed the growth of their family. Eight children filled its rooms with laughter and life. The Bartlett Travis House stood as a silent observer as two of the Bartlett sons, John and James, along with two sons-in-law, answered the call to arms in 1861, joining the Michigan infantry. The house felt the weight of worry. James tragically died from wounds sustained at the Battle of the Wilderness. The echoes of loss reverberated within its walls. George, another son, purchased the Bartlett Travis House in 1867, ushering in a new era. He modernized and expanded the home. Raising it to a full two stories. Adding Italianate details, like the paired brackets under the eaves. The once simple cottage now boasted a frilly front porch. A kitchen wing expanded its footprint. The Bartlett Travis House embraced the changing times. Years later, in 1908, the Travis family became the new stewards of the house. William and Martha Travis, and later their daughter Ella Rowe, cherished the Bartlett Travis House for decades, adding their own touches. A Colonial Revival wrap-around porch graced its façade around 1919. The house continued to evolve, reflecting the personalities of its inhabitants. The Bartlett Travis House changed hands several times after the 1950s. Each owner leaving their mark. Eventually, Ken Dividock, a local realtor with a passion for history, recognized the house’s significance. He generously donated the Bartlett Travis House to the Canton Historic District Commission. In 1988, the house embarked on a new journey. It was carefully moved to its current location in Preservation Park. Placed on a new foundation. Given a new roof and chimneys. A meticulous restoration, led by local carpenter Rex Harvey, began in 1994. The Bartlett Travis House was reborn in 2002, its 1900s charm carefully preserved. The house stands today as a testament to the enduring spirit of Canton Township. A place where echoes of laughter, loss, and renewal intertwine. The Bartlett Travis House welcomes visitors to step back in time, to imagine the lives lived within its walls, and to appreciate the rich tapestry of history that has shaped this community.