In April 2022, news reached the museum that the Hough Estate (1200 West Nine Mile) was slated for demolition during the Summer of 2022. Due to economic conditions, and other variables, the developer's plans were pushed back 2 years. On May 1, 2024 the 114 year old structure was demolished.

Built in 1910 by Willis Hough and his wife Carrie for their family, it sat atop a knoll on their 30 acre estate known as “Pine Crest”. It was Ferndale’s only “Country Estate”.

The Houghs (pronounced "huffs") owned land from Nine Mile Rd north to what is now Geary park and from Pinecrest west to Central Street. They were early developers, subdividing their land into the “Pine Crest Subdivision” in 1917.

They changed the name of “Ridge Road” to “Pinecrest Drive” at the same time. They also named Earle Street (now Earle Blvd – which was a true boulevard until Geary Park was expanded) after their Son. They named Helen Street (now Withington) after their Daughter.

Polo was played on their grounds and 8 acres were donated in 1937 to become what is currently Geary Park.

The Houghs, one of the earliest settlers in what would become Ferndale, were instrumental in forming Ferndale’s schools, community, library, credit union, and church life. The community selected Willis Hough in 1944 as the first outstanding citizen to be recorded in Ferndale's "Book of Golden Deeds". Detailed histories are available in past editions of the Crow’s Nest (August 2009, March 2013, October 2013, and January 2015) as well as the “Ferndale of Yesteryear” publication (Page 48-49).

The museum is proud to have a model of the Hough home in our collection.

In the 1970s the house was considered as a home for the Historical Society, but that did not work out. The home was converted into apartments with medical offices in front until its demise.

As early developers, the Houghs would likely accept constant change and growth. But as fans of history we are sad to see another historic structure removed from Ferndale.

INTERIOR VIEWS FROM 2022
In August 2022, the property developer contacted the museum and offered a tour of the Hough Estate. Below are a few images captured that day.

SEE ALSO
The city maintains a website summarizing future plans of 1200 West Nine Mile Road to be called "Nine West Apartments" HERE

Patricia Cissell's Facebook Page "Memories of Ferndale" offers additional information HERE

If you have photos or memories to add please contact the museum at: info@ferndalehistoricalsociety.org