Download - Henry Ford Estate

Henry Ford estate4901 Evergreen Road | Dearborn, MI 48128

313.593.5590 | www.henryfordestate.org

e v e n t s

Henry Ford Estate

Cover & back cover photos © www.SpecialMomentsUSA.com

“We Have BUILt a home In tHe country sInCe I saW yoU...

and We love It very MUCH...”—Clara Ford, letter to a friend, 1919

�© www.SpecialMomentsUSA.com

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HistoryThe Henry Ford Estate, a National Historic Landmark on the campus of the University of Michigan - Dearborn, is the former home of automaker, Henry Ford, and his wife, Clara. The Fords lived at the estate from 1915 until their deaths in 1947 and 1950.

The success of the Ford Motor Company brought a stream of uninvited callers to the doors of Henry and Clara Ford’s Edison Avenue Detroit mansion. Reporters, salesmen, and job seekers deprived the family of the privacy they desired. They soon wished to build a new home, one removed from the rapidly expanding city, where they could satisfy their love of nature, gardening, and bird-watching. The Fords chose their hometown of Dearborn, about two miles from the farm where Mr. Ford was born. The world-famous automaker had been buying property in the area for several years. So in February 1914, work began on what would be the couple’s final home.

Reflecting the Ford’s love for nature, the residence was built with rough-hewn Ohio limestone to harmonize with the surrounding countryside. The goal was to make the house appear to be a natural part of the land. Designed by noted landscape architect, Jens Jensen, the grounds were transformed from farmland into a natural, native landscape.

During Ford’s residency, the 1,300 acres of the Estate bustled with activity. In addition to the residence and its powerhouse, the estate included a summer house, man-made lake, staff cottages, gatehouse, pony barn, skating house, greenhouse, root cellar, vegetable garden, thousand-plant peony garden, ten-thousand plant rose garden, a “Santa’s Workshop” for Christmas celebrations, maple sugar shack, working farm for the Ford grandchildren built to their scale, agricultural research facilities, and five hundred birdhouses to satisfy Mr. Ford’s interest in ornithology.

Henry Ford enjoyed the estate for over thirty years until his death in 1947. When Mrs. Ford died three years later, her grandchildren commissioned Parke-Bernet Galleries of New York to conduct an

auction of the home’s furnishings; other sales occurred to disperse less valuable furnishings. In 1952, the Ford Motor Company purchased the estate from the heirs and, after renovating parts of the interior, established its corporate archives in the residence. Ford Archives stayed until 1957, when the company donated the residence, powerhouse, 210 acres, and $6.5 million to the University of Michigan for the creation of the Dearborn campus.

The Henry Ford Estate, including 72 of the original 1,300 acres, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Public tours of the historic home were reintroduced in the 1970s. Since then, a limited staff, generous contributors, and approximately 250 volunteers successfully continue the process of rebuilding the estate and reviving its former splendor.

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An Elegant Setting

Host your next event in the spacious rooms where the Fords entertained some of the world’s most influential people, including Charles Lindbergh, the Duke of Windsor, and President Herbert Hoover.

rooM BanqUet CapaCIty dIMensIonsMusic Room 70 24’ x 47’

Mrs. Ford’s Study 40 24’ x 29’/13’ x 19’

Sun Porch 40 10’ x 30’

Formal Dining Room n/a 13’ x 25’/13’ x 19’

Library 8 10’ x 31’

Pool Dining Room 200 40’ x 70’

Main Level & Tent 300

LIBraryThe Library reflects many aspects of Mr. and Mrs. Ford’s lifestyle. Mrs. Ford enjoyed reading aloud to her husband from their collection that contained as many as 4,000 books.

MUsIC rooMThe Music Room was used for family gatherings and recitals. A magician might also perform in this room for the delight of family and friends.

Mrs. Ford’s stUdyMrs. Ford’s Study was originally designed to serve as a billiard room, with Edsel Ford’s entertainment in mind. However, Edsel lived at Fairlane less than a year before he and Eleanor Clay married. After 1920, the room served as Mrs. Ford’s study, her private office, and retreat.

sUn porCHThe Fords enjoyed the Sun Porch year-round, and it was considered to be their favorite room of the house. They had an excellent view of the landscaped riverbank and a glimpse of the cultivated gardens nearby. Additionally, they enjoyed watching various songbirds, wandering deer, and other wildlife.

ForMaL dInInG rooMThe Fords entertained guests of nobility and achievement in their Formal Dining Room. Mr. and Mrs. Ford enjoyed their meals at the small linen-covered table in the window overlooking the Blue Garden.

pooL rooMEdsel’s 50-foot indoor swimming pool was equipped with a marble fountain at one end. The fireplace was at the opposite end near the two diving boards. When the grandchildren were invited to the residence for a day of wholesome exercise, Mrs. Ford would be seated on the observation deck that was positioned directly in front of the fireplace.

GaraGe (poWerHoUse)The Ford’s 12-car Garage was located on the main floor of the Powerhouse. Some of the vehicles that still exist in the Garage today include Mr. Ford’s personal 1920 Model T and 1929 Model A, as well as his 1942 V-8 Sedan, the car he rode in on the day he died. The Garage is a museum setting in itself – a unique location in which to host your next event.

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CapacityCereMonIesOutdoor wedding ceremonies can be performed in the Rose Garden or on the Music Room Terrace, and can be set with up to 150 white folding chairs. Indoor ceremonies are held in the Music Room, and can be set with up to 100 banquet chairs.

A one-hour rehearsal prior to your event can be scheduled for a small fee (subject to availability), and can usually be confirmed one month prior to the event.

In the event of inclement weather, a planned outdoor ceremony can be moved indoors to the Music Room. The custodial staff needs at least a one-hour notice to set the seating for an indoor ceremony. A standing ceremony can be arranged should it become necessary to move indoors with less than a one-hour notice.

reCeptIonsWeekend days: Either the Music Room or the Pool Dining Room can be booked for Saturday morning events and can accommodate parties of up to 120 guests for a served meal, 112 for a buffet, and 150 for a standing hors d’oeuvres reception.

Weekend evenings: We can accommodate parties of up to 200-seated guests, and up to 300 for a standing hors d’oeuvres reception. The available size of the head table will depend on the guest count. Please note that any event with a guest count exceeding 250 requires the tenting of the Music Room Terrace. Assigned seating is required for groups of 64 or larger.

WeddingsHoUrsDaytime events may be scheduled between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday. Evening events may be scheduled between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and midnight. Available evening event times vary slightly from weekday to weekend. Please contact your sales representative for specific times. Deliveries to the estate for your event may begin two hours prior to the event rental/start time.

LIqUor servICeHenry Ford Estate cannot sell alcoholic beverages, but will be happy to provide bartenders to serve alcoholic beverages provided by the client. Alcoholic beverages can only be served in conjunction with food. In order to provide for the safety of your guests, as well as to limit both your liability and ours, all persons must be at least 21 years of age, and be able to provide proper identification to be served alcoholic beverages. Additionally, our bartenders are instructed not to serve alcohol to any person that is visibly intoxicated.

Food servICeOur executive chef and entire culinary staff stand ready to prepare a variety of savory dishes, presented in a style worthy of the historical atmosphere in which they are served. Whether your preference is for traditional favorites, one of our award-winning signature dishes, or something slightly more exotic, our executive chef is available for a tasting and to consult with you regarding every detail of the cuisine for your event.

One menu and entrée must be selected for all guests, although limited dietary substitutions can be honored with sufficient advance notice. Henry Ford Estate must provide all food served with the exception of special occasion/wedding cakes. It is the policy of the Henry Ford Estate that all food prepared for an event must be consumed on the premises.

In order to ensure availability of only the finest ingredients and the preparation of food to the high standard we have established, we must have menu selections made three weeks prior to your event. There may be limited availability for menu selections made in less than the specified time frame.

toUrsAs a further complement to your special day, historic interpretive tours may be arranged in advance for group functions at an additional charge. Unescorted guests are not allowed on either the upper or lower levels of the estate. Please contact your sales representative for further details or to schedule tours.

GIFt sHopThe Estate Gift Shop is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Arrangements can be made through the Catering & Events office to have the Gift Shop open during your event. Unique guest gifts or favors are also available through the Gift Shop. For further information, please contact the Gift Shop directly.


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Corporate EventsWhether it is a meeting, banquet, or social gathering, the Henry Ford Estate allows you to offer your guests a radical departure from the usual corporate fare. The mansion provides a unique venue and historic atmosphere as a backdrop for your corporate functions. You can host your event in the same rooms that Henry Ford hosted captains of industry, as well as some of the greatest minds and most significant figures of the 20th century.

Daytime events may be scheduled between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Evening events may be scheduled between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and midnight. Available evening event times vary slightly from weekday to weekend. Please contact your sales representative for specific times.

One entrée must be selected for all guests, although limited dietary substitutions can be honored with sufficient advance notice. Henry Ford Estate must provide all food served. It is the policy of the Henry Ford Estate that all food prepared for an event be consumed on the premises. Henry Ford Estate is happy to provide the assistance of our on-site executive chef to custom design the menu for your special event.

Your sales representative can provide you with floor plans showing table placement in rooms used for dining. Various sizes of round and rectangular tables together with banquet chairs are available for the comfort of your guests. Standard dining table accessories provided at no charge include white china, clear glassware, stainless steel flatware, and white linens. Additional special request food service items are available for a fee.

A full complement of stages, podiums, lecterns, and A/V equipment are available for rental. In addition, a classic Model T can be made available at your event for a fee. This iconic symbol of the American industrial revolution can either be displayed as a conversation piece, or can be utilized to give your attendees short rides on the grounds.

To enhance your event, we have historic interpretive tours that may be arranged in advance for group functions at an additional charge. Unescorted guests are not allowed on either upper or lower levels of the Estate. Please contact your sales representative for further details. Unique guest gifts or favors are available through the Henry Ford Estate Gift Shop. Arrangements can also be made to have the Estate Gift Shop open during your event.

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Preferred ProfessionalsHenry Ford Estate strongly encourages utilization of the following professionals for your upcoming event. Superior in their field, these industry experts have been hand-selected to complement and enhance your occasion.

Special Considerations

This brochure was produced by Hawthorn Publications–developers of powerful print and online media packages for the catering and event industry. No portion may be reproduced or distributed without written permission. www.hawthornpublications.com © 2008


Due to the unique nature of the facility as a national historic landmark, every effort is made to preserve the building in its original condition. Therefore, the Henry Ford Estate is neither fully air-conditioned nor handicap accessible.

Our visitors can help us to protect the historic beauty of the mansion and its grounds by adhering to the following standards:

• For the safety of this historic building and the comfort of your non-smoking guests, the Henry Ford Estate is a smoke-free environment. Designated smoking areas are available outdoors.

• We ask that you please respect the boundaries imposed by the museum roping.

• The client is fully responsible for any damage done to the premises during an event, including any damage done by any independent contractors hired by the client.

Thank you for your consideration. Your cooperation with the above policies will help to preserve the beauty of the Henry Ford Estate for future guests to enjoy.

ACCESSORIESFinest Invitations 734.658.7288 www.finestinvitations.com Advertisement on page 19

ACCOMMODATIONSHyatt Regency Dearborn 313.593.1234 www.dearborn.hyatt.com Advertisement on page 19

The Ritz Carlton Dearborn 313.441.2000 www.ritzcarlton.com Advertisement on page 15

CAKES & DESSERTSIversen’s Bakery 313.563.5161 www.iversensbakery.com Advertisement on page 19

EVENT DECOR & DESIGNEmerald City Designs, LLC 248.474.7077 www.emeraldcitydesigns.com Advertisement on page 16

EVENT PLANNINGEmerald City Designs, LLC 248.474.7077 www.emeraldcitydesigns.com Advertisement on page 16

FLORISTSEmerald City Designs, LLC 248.474.7077 www.emeraldcitydesigns.com Advertisement on page 16

Ken Baron’s Florist and Gifts 313.565.0420 www.kenbaronsflorist.com Advertisement on page 17

Ray Hunter Florist & Garden 734.284.2500 www.rayhunter.com Advertisement on page 18

GIFT BASKETSMerchant’s Fine Wine 313.563.8700 www.merchantsfinewine.com Advertisement on page 16

LIGHTINGCelebrity Sound & Lighting 734.789.1220 www.celebsound.com Advertisement on page 16

LIQUOR & BEVERAGESMerchant’s Fine Wine 313.563.8700 www.merchantsfinewine.com Advertisement on page 16

MUSIC • DJSCelebrity Sound & Lighting 734.789.1220 www.celebsound.com Advertisement on page 16

Mike Staff Productions 248.547.6935 www.mikestaff.com Advertisement on page 15

An Ultimate Sound 734.459.8019 www.anultimatesound.com Advertisement on page 19

OFFICIANTSLoveLines Weddings, Inc. 313.680.3071 www.lovelinesweddings.com Advertisement on page 17

The Wedding Connection 800.696.0380 www.theweddingconnection.net Advertisement on page 19

PARKING SERVICESA-1 Valet, Inc. 313.802.7275 www.a1valet.com Advertisement on page 17

PARKING SERVICES (CONT’D.)Universal Parking 866.878.2538 www.universalvalet.com Advertisement on page 18

PHOTOGRAPHYAAVA Photography & Videography 248.544.8885 www.aavastudios.com Advertisement on page 14

Sam Sarkis Photography 248.538.9411 www.samsarkisphotography.com Advertisement on page 17

Special Moments Photography 734.453.4321 www.specialmomentsusa.com Advertisement on page 16

Wally Spice Photography 248.547.9380 www.wallyspicephotography.com Advertisement on page 19

STATIONERY & INVITATIONSAAVA Photography & Videography 248.544.8885 www.aavastudios.com Advertisement on page 14

Finest Invitations 734.658.7288 www.finestinvitations.com Advertisement on page 19

VIDEOGRAPHYAAVA Photography & Videography 248.544.8885 www.aavastudios.com Advertisement on page 14

Mike Staff Productions 248.547.6935 www.mikestaff.com Advertisement on page 15

WEDDING RESOURCEElegala www.elegala.com Advertisement on page 18

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