The Detroit Gatsby
Artifacts For Sale from the Motor City's Gilded Age
This is your chance to own a piece of Detroit's automotive legacy!
A rare, incredible private collection has emerged for sale that includes numerous pieces of custom-designed woodwork, exquisite stained glass and other architectural decor from vintage Motor City gilded-age homes owned by Alvan Macauley (former president of the Packard Motor Company), Stella Dunbar Ford and her husband Joseph B. Schlotman (Stonehurst Estate) and Anna Dodge (Rose Terrace).
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About Us
Learn more about the collection's connection to Detroit's automotive era
The Collection
See the artifacts in the collection in detail, including descriptions and photos
The History & Legacy
Read more about the Detroit Gatsby-era automotive tycoons and their grand estates in Grosse Pointe, MI
Contact Us
Interested in individual artifacts or the collection as a whole? Contact us to discuss pricing and other details.
Alvan Macauley, President of Packard
Alvan Macauley was the president of Packard Motor Company. Mr. Macauley was also the head of the Automotive Council for War Production during WW II. Mr. Macauley arrived at Packard as General Manager in 1910. Although he retained the office of General Manager, by 1916. Mr. Macauley was elevated to President of the company, succeeding Col. Henry B. Joy. Mr. Macauley would retire as Chairman of the Board in 1948. How did Mr. Macauley get his reputation as "The Gentleman of Detroit"? He earned it. As the reputation of The Packard Motor Car Company grew so did the reputation of Mr. Alvan Macauley. Or was it the other way?”
Somewhat similar to the Ford residence was the great mansion which Albert Kahn built two years later on Lake Shore road in Grosse Pointe for Alvan Macauley, president of the Packard Motor Company. The Macauley's were also partial to the Cotswold vernacular and in preparation for the building of their house they spent many weeks in Broadway, Worchestire, studying the local architecture... Less rambling and secluded than the Ford establishment, the Macauley House stood proudly in the open amid sweeping stretches of greensward which provided a splendid setting for its architectural masses and gave it the air of a great landed estate. The landscape architect Edward A. Eickstaedt avoided any suggestion of artificial restraint or stylization in the landscaping. Utilizing the natural characteristics of the terrain as a keynote, he emphasized broad unhampered areas bordered with native trees and shrubs. A terrace of generous dimensions provided a view across the lawn toward the lake.
The massing and proportions of the house were carefully studied and a pleasing effect was secured by a subtle variety of details and a contrast in textures. The excellent quality of the masonary was assured by the employment of Scotsmen with years of experience, supervised by a Cotswold foreman. The skilled woodcarving of the distinguished interior was executed under the direction of the Hayden Company of New York... Source: Buildings of Detroit, by W. Hawkins Ferry.
(information courtesty of Grosse Pointe Historical Society)
Each piece of the red oak tongue-and-groove paneled room known as the "Cigar Room" in what was once Alvan Macauley's grand Tudor Estate in Grosse Pointe is now up for sale. Included in this particular collection is an incredible wood paneled room that consists of exquisitely hand-carved, one-of-a-kind decorative moldings and cornices... full red oak wood panels... majestic entryways... corner pieces... pillars... stairway balusters & newels, and more. Please inquire specifically about this room to discuss contents and pricing.
Many more photos of this extraordinary room are available, and sizes/dimensions can be provided by request. If you would like to see the paneled room collection in person, please contact us to arrange a viewing. The photos do not do it justice! Every molding, railing, cornice, column and panel was meticulously hand-carved under the direction of the infamous "Architect of Detroit," Albert Kahn. You won't be disappointed! Please note that this room will only be sold as one lot, in its entirety. Thank you for looking!
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