The Banks-Dolbeer-Bradley-Foster Farmhouse tells the remarkable story of the Banks family and their descendants. Freeborn Henry Banks built the original log cabin in the 1830s along a trail blazed by Native Americans. During the 1840s the Banks family rebuilt the house in the Greek Revival style and then in the 1850s added on to remodel the house into the Italianate style. Family members that live
d in the home confirm that the house was a “depot” on the “Underground Railroad” before the Civil War. A daughter, Dr. Sarah Gertrude Banks, a descendant of the Mayflower's Miles Standish, was one of the first women to graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School, becoming one of the first female physicians in the state. Dr. Banks was the personal physician to many prominent people including Mrs. Henry (Clara) Ford. She was also a personal friend of Susan B. Anthony and was active in the suffragette movement. The Farmhouse is a pathway that can take you from the present to the past. From the Native Americans who lived on the land, to early pioneers who settled it, to people who fought to relieve human suffering and seek equal rights of all. The Farmhouse leads us through many periods of local history and is a potent symbol of American dreams. Through your efforts, the house is free to stand as a lasting tribute to courage and the pursuit of liberty and peace. Recognition:
This history symbolized by this house, as well as the efforts to rescue, restore, and preserve it, has received notable national, state, and local attention:
National honor was granted to the Banks Dolbeer Foster Farmhouse with its inclusion in the Library of Congress’ American Folk Life Center as a Local Legacy at the Library’s Bi-Centennial in 2000. Visit their website: www.loc.gov/folklife/roots The National Park Service has included this homestead in their Underground Railroad Freedom Trail Network Guide. State recognition was given by Detroit 300 at its Tri-Centennial celebration in 2001 when the Banks Dolbeer Foster Farmhouse was awarded the Friends With Partnership status and inclusion in the Detroit 300 guidebook. The Americana Foundation along with Michigan State University, granted $26,000 to help with the renovation costs. Michigan State National Register Letter
Local The Questers, an international historic preservation organization, has contributed financial grants, and authored an award-winning booklet “The Underground Railroad: The Walls That Talked” using the Banks Dolbeer Foster Farmhouse story. Sarah Banks Middle School of the Walled Lake Schools was named after Dr. Sarah Gertrude Banks. People Like You are the largest contributors because you recognize that all the efforts are worthwhile. Your contributions will help restore and maintain The Banks Dolbeer Foster Farmhouse as an inheritance to you, your family, and your neighbors. We encourage you to join our efforts and become part of a very rewarding experience for now and in the future.
