Story and Photos by Lisa Carolin
It’s been eight years in the making, or some history buffs might call it 173 years. It was in 1841 that Gordon Hall was built, and as of Sept. 4, the Greek Revival structure belongs to Dexter.
At its Sept. 4 meeting, the Dexter Area Historical Society heard the announcement from their president Bene Fusilier.
“This is truly a milestone for the Historical Society and for the Dexter community,” Fusilier told members. “It’s important that Judge Dexter’s home belongs to Dexter and is no longer the University of Michigan’s.”
The Historical Society purchased Gordon Hall from U-M in 2006 for $1.5 million. Thanks to the help of Dexter Village, Scio and Webster townships, the Chelsea Retirement Community, Dexter kindergarten and second grade students as well as several large donations, the amount financed was reduced to $900,000.
Fundraising continued at events such as Civil War Days, Dexter Daze, Christmas at the Mansion, and with tours of Gordon Hall.
“In January 2014, with a little over $200,000 left to pay on the mortgage, Dr. Wally Fusilier (Bene’s husband) offered to give the Dexter Area Historical Society a matching Challenge Grant,” Bene Fusilier told Historical Society members. “For every donation made to help pay the mortgage, he would match dollar for dollar up to $100,000.”
The response to Wally Fusilier’s challenge was huge. Donations from the Historical Society as well as the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation accelerated the effort.
“Neither he nor I expected to be paying it off this soon, but here we are,” said Bene Fusilier.
Judge Samuel Dexter, who founded the village of Dexter, built Gordon Hall with the help of Calvin T. Fillmore, brother of U.S. President Millard Fillmore, who designed it. Dexter’s granddaughter, Katharine Dexter McCormick, a philanthropist and suffragist, donated Gordon Hall to U-M in 1950.
Bene Fusilier says that there will be a celebration at Gordon Hall in the near future for everyone who helped with the effort and for the community.
Absolutely Awesome, some dedicated people have worked so hard for this day. CONGRATULATIONS everyone!