There have been four eras of ownership of the Bernard Ginsburg: Bernard Ginsburg (and Ida Ginsburg) Era 2/25/1898 - 6/23/1916 Estate of Samuel Odell sold the vacant lot at 84 Adelaide to Bernard Ginsburg for $4000, who commissioned Albert Kahn to build the house. This was the first commission for Albert Kahn after leaving Mason & Rice. Kahn commissioned renowned Detroit Sculptor Julius Melchers to carve the porch caryatids, library built-in book cases, and grand staircase. Ida died in 1901 (Funeral held at the house). During this era Ida Ginsburg served as the president of the Jewish Womens Council and Bernard Ginsburg served as City Lighting Commissioner, Library Commissioner, and served in several high level positions on boards within the Jewish community. Wilfred Harris (and Rose Harris) Era 6/23/1916 - 10/22/1957 Bernard Ginsburg sold the house to Wilfred Harris and moved to the Boston Edison area. The house was first converted to a rooming/boarding house during this era. This included subdividing the house into additional rooms, and adding sinks to several walls, closets, and book cases. 1/3 of the Julius Melchers book case was removed from the library to make room for a bed. The house survived the 1943 race riots that enveloped the neighborhood. Clara Johnson (and grand daugther Joann Wilburd) Era 10/22/1957 - 7/20/2012 This was the longest era of the house. Purchased for $16,500 The house continued as a rooming house with several rentals during this period. The house also survived the 1968 race riots, however shortly after, a fire gutted the third floor and marks the most significant alterations to the original house. The third floor, which housed servants quarters, was converted to a single apartment, 500 sq ft of living space was removed and turned to a walkout flat roof, and the original roofline at the rear was modified. The aluminum siding at the rear of the third floor was also added at that time. Several thefts during this era robbed the home of a few original features, but most remained intact. A partial renovation saw the repair of the roof, restoration of the front porch, and tuckpointing of the bricks. Donavan Darius Era 7/20/2012 - Present The house was purchased from Joann Wilburd (Grand Daughter of Clara Johnson) for $148,000. $100,000+ was spent on a significant renovation which included removing walls that had subdivided the original house into boarding rooms, returning it to a single family home, renovation of three bathrooms and the kitchen, replacement of all electrical and plumbing, preservation of the third floor caryatids, structural repairs to the grand staircase, and restoration of five original pocket doors. Restoration of original woodwork to the first floor, and repair of all original windows. Renovations continue.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 03:09:44 +0000
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