Foote, Dr. Henry K., House

The nominated property has associative significance as the home built by Dr. Henry K. Foote, Milford's first physician, a prominent local politician and a Civil War surgeon. The house also has architectural significance as a fine example of a late Greek Revival temple form residence in nearly original condition inside and out. Dr. Henry K. Foote was the first physician to take up residence in the newly-settled town of Milford. Located about 35 miles north of Detroit, in Oakland County, Milford was typical of village development in the territory of Michigan in that it was established on the banks of a fast-moving stream, in this case the Huron River, to be tapped for water power, and it was settled by pioneers from up-state New York, New England and the British Isles.

The nominated property is a two-story brick Greek Revival temple form residence situated on a 132' square lot in the town of Milford, Michigan. The main, original house has been altered by the addition of a one-and-one-half-story wing to one side in the 1860's or 1870's and a one-story utilitarian wing to the rear at a later, unknown, date. The house is situated along the main entrance road to town from the west. The lot is flat with several mature trees but no other remaining original landscape or site features. The Dr. Henry K. Foote House represents a fine temple form Greek Revival residence altered during the Victorian era and again in the 1930's but still retaining its essential character. The original house, built by Dr. Foote in 1857-58, is a two-story (with attic) brick structure with its gable end to the street. Raised several feet above grade on a stone foundation (ashlar coursed at the front and side elevations, rubble stone at the rear), it features many characteristics of the Greek Revival style as it evolved in the midwest toward the end of style's popularity.