Frederick Brown was a saloon keeper who also dealt in wine and cigars. Born in Germany, Brown came to America around 1870 and by the 1880s had opened his business at 111 N. Main. Most saloons were owned by Germans (see #287) and often ran afoul of the local temperance movement which had a strong presence in Ann Arbor. Newspapers of the time report that temperance advocates with Kodak cameras (called “Kodakers”) attempted to enter Brown’s saloon to photograph minors being served (Brown was fined more than once for serving alcohol to minors). Despite this pressure, Brown was successful enough to build this handsome Queen Anne house in 1894, a year after he married. Prohibition put an end to Fred Brown’s saloon, but the 1922 city directory lists him as still in business selling “soft drinks.” Fred Brown died in 1946 and his widow Mary continued to live in the house until 1963, when she was 90 years old.

The highlights of this imposing home are the porches. The front porch features turned columns, spindle work, and a mansard roof with pediment over the entrance. A two-story side porch with the same turned columns and spindle work is sheltered under the cross eave. The side porch undoubtedly has spectacular views of West Park and downtown Ann Arbor. In 1994, the owner removed modern siding and repaired the elaborate upper and lower spindle work and brackets.

Former IHP

Return to Miller Road/Water Hill/Sunset neighborhood from Historic Ann Arbor: An Architectural Guide