The Wilcox House

The Wilcox House, a Plymouth landmark, was built in 1903 by William Markham, inventor of the BB Gun and co-founder of the Daisy Air Rifle Co. George and Harriet Wilcox purchased it in 1911 and raised their three children there, Julia, Katherine, and Johnston "Jack" Wilcox. The property originally featured a continuously flowing fountain in the side yard that spilled into a large reflection pool, while a pergola, gazebo, and statuary stood among extensively landscaped grounds filled with exotic plants, unusual trees, and rare shrubs imported from around the world, including Amabilis Peonies and Ginkgo, Black Magnolia, and Copper Beech trees. During World War II, the home was converted into five apartments as part of the war effort. Fulfilling a bequest of Jack Wilcox, who was born in the house and lived there for most of his 83 years, the stunning 10 foot stained glass window originally in the first-floor solarium was donated to the Plymouth Historical Museum, where it now creates a dramatic entryway display. Just before his death in June 2000, Jack Wilcox sold the property with the vision that an attractive condominium project would be built around the house and with the hope that the house would be preserved as a symbol of the City of Plymouth and a vivid reminder of its storied past.

Plymouth, Michigan · United States