“What stories do these streets hold?” I often wonder, standing here in Hubbard Farms. This neighborhood whispers tales of Detroit’s past. Hubbard Farms is more than just streets and buildings. It’s a living testament to the city’s evolution.
Hubbard Farms lies in Southwest Detroit. It’s bordered by West Vernor Highway, West Grand Boulevard, West Lafayette Boulevard, and Clark Street. This land was once a Potawatomi village and burial ground. The French later colonized it and granted it to Robert Navarre. Navarre was the royal notary at Fort Pontchartrain. He divided the land into five ribbon farms along the Detroit River.
After the War of 1812, Whitmore Knagg became one of the first Americans to purchase land here. In 1835, he sold some of his land to Thomas Hubbard. His son, Bela Hubbard, became a prominent figure. Bela was a geologist, lumber baron, and developer. The Hubbard Farms district is named after him.
In the 1830s, Bela surveyed the area. He discovered the Potawatomi village and burial ground. He excavated the land and found many artifacts. In 1837, Bela became the state’s first assistant geologist. He conducted the first State Survey with Douglass Houghton.
Later, Bela became interested in law and real estate. He decided to develop this district. The mid-1800s saw increased housing development in Hubbard Farms. This was due to many manufacturing jobs in the area. One notable resident was Daniel Scotten. He owned the Hiawatha Tobacco Works. In 1885, Hubbard Farms became part of Detroit.
Much of the architecture in Hubbard Farms has a Victorian style. This is because it was built between the 1880s and World War I. However, there are also homes with Romanesque, Beaux Arts, and Colonial Revival designs. The district also features some of the few row houses built in Detroit in the early 20th century.
Today, Hubbard Farms is home to many of Detroit’s Latin American residents. Many Latin American and Mexican restaurants and businesses are here. Clark Park is located within the neighborhood. It is named after shipbuilder John P. Clark. Hubbard Farms Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Sites on January 29, 1993.
Bela Hubbard played a significant role in shaping Michigan. In 1855, as a trustee of the Agricultural Society, he proposed a State Agricultural College to the Michigan Legislature. This college later became Michigan State University.
Before it was Hubbard Farms, this area was part of Springwells Township. The French called it “Belle Fountaine” because of the natural springs. These springs provided water for General Hull’s troops during the War of 1812.
Hubbard was familiar with the publications of Andrew Jackson Downing, the leading landscape architect. When it came time to build a retirement home, Bela Hubbard had a vision of a Romantic villa surrounded by semi-natural parks and gardens. By 1853, he asked Alexander Jackson Davis to design an Italian Villa. Hubbard’s estate occupied eighteen acres between Fort and the river and included a small pond, a garden, an orchard, curving drives and walks. He and his wife named the estate “Vinewood.”
Vinewood Avenue was named after the estate. Hubbard also commissioned four statues for the Detroit City Hall. He was one of the founders of the Detroit Museum of Art. Hubbard died on June 13, 1896, at his home on Vinewood.
Scotten Avenue was named after Daniel Scotten. He was a real estate entrepreneur. Scotten had a reputation as being eccentric. He did not believe in typical philanthropic efforts. Instead, he expressed his generosity more directly.
Hubbard Farms reflects different waves of immigration in Detroit. Early residents were of northern European descent. German and Irish names are common. Eastern European names appear after World War I. The area today has a cultural identification with Detroit’s Latino community. Hubbard Farms is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history. It continues to evolve. Its story is etched into its streets and buildings.