By: Bridget Gross
Discover something you might not know…about a local place or face you might just love!
Colorful Character: Trombley-Centre House Location: 901 John F. Kenney Dr., 989-893-5733, http://www.vbchsmuseum.org/id20.html
Being the very first frame structure to be erected in Bay City, the Trombley Brothers, Medor and Joseph, built the Trombley-Centre House in 1837, never dreaming that the house would be placed on the National Registry of Historical Places in 1973. The 3-story house has been used for a home to families, loggers to sleep, a boarding house and was then turned into apartments throughout its years. It’s now used for bringing bits and pieces of history to our community in new and exciting ways.
Tasty Tidbits – Did You Know…?
* Fresh Start in Different Location
In 1981, the Trombley-Centre House was moved from its original location on the East side, by a barge that carried it across the Saginaw River. The limestone foundation was also included in the transfer to try and keep the original pieces of the house together. Much of the house has been restored, with a new roof, door and windows being updated. The biggest change to the house was the addition of a bathroom. A bathroom was one regulation that was required to keep the house up to code.
* 1880’s Fully Functional Kitchen
The kitchen is furnished with all of the appliances from the original era that it was built in, the 1800’s. It contains a cast iron wood burning stove, all cast iron utensils and cooking supplies, a dry sink, ice fridge and a pantry. It is a working kitchen, but only for the workers. Due to health codes the house isn’t allowed to serve the public and events have to be catered from another source. The kitchen is full functional for demonstrations during the River Of Time in the summer.
* History Making History
The Trombley-Centre House has a large history of its own, but it’s also helping the community make lasting memories as well. It’s open to the public for tours, used for meetings, birthdays, weddings, photography, youth events and also special holiday events. The house opens up on special nights around Christmas for breakfast with Santa and to just stop in for cocoa, a snack and friendly conversation.
Learning the historical facts about the house is interesting in itself, but also having the chance to walk through the house enhances that information. Seeing the different things that have been preserved through the years is an experience that can’t be explained
(Information was provided by a representative of the Bay County Historical Society)
Great Lakes Bay Moms Loves the Trombley-Centre House!