Elisha Taylor House

To William H. Craig, a wealthy land speculator, goes credit for building the house at 59 Alfred Street. The exact date of construction is unknown, but he is first listed in the city directory as living on Alfred Street in 1868. He received a warranty deed for the land in 1872, and sold it to Elisha Taylor in 1875. Since Taylor immediately took up residence there, it may be assumed that the house was built at some point between 1868 and 1875, and probably before 1872. Elisha Taylor was an important lawyer in early Detroit. He first came to Michigan in 1838 and studied law in the office of Peter Morey, then Attorney General. He was also acquainted with Governor Stevens T. Mason who appointed him a notary public. Upon being admitted to the bar in 1839, he formed a partnership with Morey. It may have been his personal connections which gave him his start in his career, but Taylor quickly demonstrated his talent as he rapidly became known as an outstanding lawyer. His cases were marked by thorough preparation, and a forceful presentation of his arguments. Besides his law practice, he also invested in various properties in and around Detroit as well as owning a farm at Grand Blanc in Genessee County, which eventually yielded him large financial resources. Throughout his residence in Detroit, Taylor was interested in and involved in public affairs. He served as master of chancery from 1842 to 1846. In 1843 he was also City Attorney for two years. He was Circuit Court Commissioner from 1846-1854, clerk of the Supreme Court in 1848-1849, Registrar of the United States Land Office from 1852 to 1857 and United States Pension Agent from 1854 to 1870. Historical references depict an extremely well liked and respected individual. It was said that he enjoyed a reputation for strict integrity, honorable dealings, and generous and discriminating kindliness in thought. He resided at 59 Alfred Street until his death in 1906. The Taylors were a wealthy and distinguished Detroit family, and this is reflected in their home. It is a splendid example of Victorian workmanship, and is a reminder of the time when Alfred was one of the distinguished residential addresses in Detroit.

The Elisha Taylor house is a three story red brick house about sixty-seven feet wide and seventy-six feet long. It is an excellent example of Victorian style architecture, and shows influence from three separate schools of design Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Second Empire. The house sits on a cut stone foundation and faces south. There is a large porch on the front. The roof is Mansard covered with slate, and was originally topped by cresting. Italianate style bracketing is present under the eaves. The gables are sharply peaked and topped with finials, and decorated with vergeboard and pendants. The exterior design is significantly influenced by Gothic Revival features. On three sides, south, west, and east, towers are suggested by the use of overhanging stages above and below the second story windows. These are decorated with vergeboard and scrollwork. On the east and west sides of the structure, the overhanging stages below the second story windows were utilized to form a roof over bow windows on the ground floor. Throughout the building, the windows are one-over-one double sash and are topped by stone hood moldings which strengthen the Gothic style of decoration. The interior of the house features high ceilings, seven marble fireplaces with mantle mirrors topped by elaborate wood moldings, and a two story central entrance hall. A symmetrical staircase with divided flights which features elaborate carved newel posts topped by electric light fixtures is a prominent feature. The overall integrity of the house is excellent, little changed from the original design. While it is in need of attention, nearly all that is significant is still present.