Henry Ford School Moves to New Home

PLYMOUTH-CANTON, MI - We all know that Henry Ford built cars, but did you know he built a school, too? Back in 1937, Ford constructed a school in the area now known as Westland for the children of his workers. Way to go, Ford! And Ford didn’t just build a one-room school house. In Ford style, the two-story brick building was fully-loaded: It included a machine shop, sewing room, and a garden. Linda Wiacek, program supervisor at Livonia's Greenmead Historical Park, told the Detroit News that in 1946 Ford sold the school for $1 dollar to the Nankin Mills School District. It was recently slated to be gutted, but volunteers stepped in to save the special school.

And yesterday was moving day! Crews ever so carefully navigated the school in a 14 mile voyage stretching from Westland to its new home: Greenmead Historical Park. The school, now known as Perrinville, is settling in as the latest addition to Greenmead, which is 95 acres of relocated special structures from “back in time” that are integral to Livonia’s history.

Now moving is expensive even if you’re packing up a studio apartment. Imagine the money for a historical building. But Wiacek said that not one cent came from city of Livonia funds. Instead, 100% of moving expenses were paid for via the grassroots efforts of Greenmead volunteers.

School isn’t back in session just yet. Next on the agenda? Makeover time! Yes, even schools love a good makeover. After it’s spruced up top to bottom, it'll be ready for its' close up and you can visit.

Image via Shutterstock