Moross House
The Moross House, located at 1460 East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, is potentially the oldest surviving brick dwelling in the city, though definitive verification remains elusive[1]. Constructed around 1840, the house stands as a tangible link to Detroit’s early history, predating its period as a state capital and reflecting the architectural styles of the mid-19th century. Its enduring presence offers a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped the city’s formative years, and the building’s construction itself speaks to the burgeoning brickmaking industry of the time.
History
The construction of the Moross House is attributed to Christopher Moross, a French brickmaker, around 1840[2]. He built it on a foundation of river limestone, utilizing his own expertise in brickmaking to create a durable and substantial structure[3]. Interestingly, despite bearing the family name, no member of the Moross family actually resided in the house; it was constructed specifically as a rental property[4]. The Moross family retained ownership of the property for approximately 70 years, but consistently operated it as a rental. The exact year of construction has been debated, with some sources suggesting a date closer to 1850, though the earlier date remains a strong possibility.
The Moross family’s roots in Detroit extend back to the city’s French founding in 1701, with a Moross reportedly among the original settlers who arrived with Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac[5]. Victor Moross, Christopher’s father, operated the Moross Tavern on Jefferson Avenue, a prominent establishment in the city’s early days. This tavern served as a social hub and a meeting place for influential figures, including Father Gabriel Richard of Ste. Anne’s Parish, who was a frequent patron despite often scolding Victor for selling alcohol. Christopher Moross later recounted a story about Father Richard predicting the end of his father’s liquor sales, a prophecy that came true during a severe storm[6]. The family’s long-standing presence in Detroit is further commemorated by Moross Road on the city’s east side, named in their honor.
Geography
The Moross House is situated at 1460 East Jefferson Avenue, a prominent thoroughfare in Detroit[7]. Its location places it on the south side of East Jefferson Avenue, just west of Riopelle Street. This area of Detroit historically developed along the Detroit River, benefiting from its access to water transportation and trade routes. The house’s foundation is built upon river limestone, a locally sourced material that provided a stable base for the brick structure[8].
The surrounding neighborhood has evolved considerably since the house’s construction in the 1840s. At that time, Detroit was a relatively small city, with a population of around 10,000 people, and still served as the state capital of Michigan. The area around East Jefferson Avenue was likely characterized by a mix of residential and commercial properties, reflecting the growing economic activity of the city. Today, the neighborhood is part of a larger urban landscape, with a diverse range of architectural styles and land uses. The house’s continued presence serves as a reminder of the area’s historical roots and its transformation over time.
Culture
The Moross House represents a significant example of Greek Revival architecture, a popular style during the mid-19th century[9]. This style, inspired by the temples of ancient Greece, is characterized by features such as symmetrical facades, prominent columns, and decorative moldings. The choice of brick as a building material reflects the growing availability and affordability of this material in the 19th century, as well as the expertise of Christopher Moross as a brickmaker. The house’s construction demonstrates the skill and craftsmanship of local builders and artisans.
The Moross family’s connection to Detroit’s early French heritage adds another layer of cultural significance to the house. Their presence in the city dates back to its founding in 1701, and their involvement in local commerce, such as the operation of the Moross Tavern, contributed to the development of Detroit’s social and economic life[10]. The story of Father Gabriel Richard’s frequent visits to the tavern and his admonishments to Victor Moross provides a glimpse into the religious and moral values of the time. The house, therefore, embodies not only architectural and historical significance but also a connection to the cultural traditions and social dynamics of early Detroit.
Notable Residents
While the Moross family owned the house for over seventy years, no member of the family ever resided within its walls[11]. It was consistently operated as a rental property throughout their ownership. Consequently, identifying specific notable long-term residents proves difficult. The house’s significance lies more in its association with the Moross family’s broader contributions to Detroit’s history and their connections to prominent figures like Father Gabriel Richard.
Victor Moross, the father of the builder, Christopher Moross, is a notable figure connected to the property through his operation of the Moross Tavern. Although he did not live in the house itself, the tavern served as a gathering place for many influential Detroiters, and his interactions with figures like Father Richard offer insights into the social and religious life of the city during the early 19th century[12]. The lack of documented long-term residents within the house itself underscores its unique history as an investment property rather than a family home.