Author’s Note: As Saline embarks on a new chapter with the recent city council decision to purchase the Davenport-Curtiss Mansion and green space it sits on, the Mansion’s legacy as a symbol of community growth and architectural grandeur is poised to evolve further.
In the coming weeks City Council will approve the formation of a working group to explore future uses and potential partnerships, signaling a commitment to both preserving the Mansion’s storied past, and fostering its role as a hub for civic engagement and cultural enrichment.
The year is 1876. The country is nearing the end of Reconstruction after surviving the Civil War and transitioning to the Industrial Revolution era. It was also the year of America’s centennial celebration, and when William H. Davenport built the famous Davenport-Curtiss home on Chicago Road – now known as Michigan Avenue or U.S. 12…