R. Burgan Collection

 

 

 

 

 

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18 Perry-Stratton House
222 Hancock St

This 2-story wooden frame house, one of the oldest structures in Hancock, escaped the 1869 fire, It is the birthplace of Mary Chase Perry Stratton, born in 1867, the founder of Pewabic Pottery. The building exhibits elements of Greek Revival and Colonial Revival styles. The form of the house is appropriate for narrow lots, while the full-width columned porch adds a sense of grandeur to this simple building. Notice the decorative features such as the window crowns and attic fanlight.

This house exemplifies the use of many houses as both residences and businesses. Dr. Perry, a physician, added the western wing for his medical practice. After he was murdered on his way to tend a sick miner in 1877, the Perry family moved to lower Michigan where Mary developed her interest and skill in pottery. She named her pottery type and company after her childhood memory of the local Pewabic Mine. Pewabic Pottery, founded in 1903 @ in conjunction with the Arts and Crafts Movement, developed a reputation for unrivaled glaze formulations and firing techniques. The company's handmade ceramiridescent architec@ tiles are still being turned the Detroit company. Pewabic is the Native word for "clay with a copper color".