A Bit of History

Joseph Loop married Jane Marie Gardner in 1846, she was from Novi, Mi.  The mansion was built for them in 1872 and took three years to complete at a cost of $11,000.  They were blessed with one child, Ada Estelle.

Dr. Loop attended the University of Michigan at age 44 and received his degree in 1855.  He was the first physician to serve Port Sanilac and the surrounding area.  He continued until his death in 1903 at the age of 93.

Ada Harrison was raised as a little girl in a log cabin, but she ended up living in a beautiful mansion.  She was well schooled and traveled across the country, yet she lived all but six years of her life right here in Port Sanilac.  She loved her town and as it grew from a rough pioneer settlement into a thriving village, she grew up right along with it. 

Ada liked to sew and she and her mother made beautiful things such as Quilts. She could also draw. These were typical things that a lady of her era would do. But her real love was music. He father bought her a large “square grand” piano by Steinway and Sons and had it shipped here by boat from New York.   Ada liked to do things to help her community and was active in church and civic functions. She started a campaign to raise money to buy a bell to go on top of the Methodist Church and was always willing to make a helpful donation to a good cause.

There are several examples of Ada’s handiwork in this house today, including the “crazy quilt” on the bed in her parent’s bedroom. She also drew the oval shaped rose and pastel landscape that hang on the west wall of her bedroom in the northeast corner of the Second floor.

Our Victorian Decorated Mansion available for Private Holiday Parties.  Call 1-810-622-9946