Cobblestone Farm

Story

The Cobblestone Farm and Museum, which includes the Dr. Benajah Ticknor House (also known as the Ticknor-Campbell House) is an historical museum located at 2781 Packard Road in Ann Arbor Michigan. The museum gets its name from the cobblestone used to build the farmhouse. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973.HistoryThe site of the Cobblestone Farm had been a farm as far back as 1824 and remained an operating farm well into the late 20th century. Ezra Maynard originally cleared the land on which the farm now sits. In 1835, Maynard sold the property to Heman Ticknor, who purchased it on behalf of his brother, naval surgeon Dr. Benajah Ticknor. That same year, Heman Ticknor constructed a small frame house on the property. In 1844, Benajah Ticknor built the cobblestone farmhouse, probably with the help of builder Steven Mills. Benajah Ticknor traveled extensively on assignments with the Navy, but retired to his farm in 1854 with his wife Getia and two adopted daughters. Benajah Ticknor died in 1858, at which time his extensive medical library was donated to the University of Michigan.In 1860, Horace Booth purchased the farm from Getia Ticknor. Horace and his son Nelson farmed and improved the property, adding the fountain that still exists today. In 1881, William Campbell purchased the farm, and he and his descendants continued to farm the property until 1955. The family continued to own it until 1972, when the city of Ann Arbor purchased the property for use as a museum.