Gurton Hoard built the original frame building as a hotel in 1889 because this area was a day's buggy ride from the Utica area to Detroit. The house also served as the location of the first village meeting place. After Mr. Hoard's death, the house served many capacities, including residence, boarding house, doctor's office, and apartments. Major additions and remodeling were done over the years with special attention to historical details. In 1945, Lyle Gordon Elliott started the Lyle Elliott Funeral Home, which his son Lyle Gran Elliott has continued to operate.