Moores River Drive Walking Tour

The Historical Society of Greater Lansing is hosting a historical and architectural walking tour of Moores River Dr., 7 p.m., Thursday, August 4. The tour is free and meets near the sign marking the entrance to the Lansing Country Club. Please park on city streets or at Frances Park--not at the country club.

Valerie Marvin, who will act as tour guide, said the Moores River Dr. area is considered the first major suburban development in the Lansing area.

Marvin said, when James Henry Moores, a Lansing businessman and timber baron, built his summer home there in 1907, it was for recreation and relaxation.

"Moores lead many of the early efforts to improve and develop the area, including donating two parks: Moores Park, and Frances Park. He also wanted a golf course - and in 1908, The Lansing Golf Club - the parent organization of today's Lansing County Club - was formed as a result," Marvin said.

She said the design of the road itself represents James Moore’s desire to live the “English Dream.”

“Moores's development quickly caught the attention of many successful Lansing businessmen who would build their mansions on or near Moores River Drive. Many of the early homes were heavily influenced by English architecture. These American titans of lumber and industry built themselves homes that resembled English country manors - an interesting juxtaposition of old and new."

Moores River Drive was also considered a prime location for recreation. Many of the homes enjoyed easy access to the river. And in those days, even the act of driving on a beautiful, meandering, tree-lined street was considered a pleasure activity.

Homes that will be discussed on the tour are the Moore’s summer home at 2126 Moores River Dr.; a home built in 1916 for Harriett and Wallace Olds (R.E. Olds’ brother); a home built for Norman and Florence Cove, president of Cove Lumber and Finishing; a grand Arts and Crafts bungalow; and a split-level home built for Lynn and Phyllis Kestenholtz, the son of a barber, who rose to become president of Lanco Electric Supply Co.

Marvin called the neighborhood "a virtual textbook of every major American residential architectural style popular between 1900 and World War II."

"It's the greatest collection of early 20th century homes in the Lansing area."