Brookby and the Blodgetts

by Jeff Sytsma

Today in the 21st century, most citizens really don’t know the Blodgett family. The family that lived here has all passed away, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren are spread across the country. However, 100 years ago the Blodgett name summoned visions of, not only great wealth, but of civic leadership and philanthropy. Along with the Waters, the Lowes, the Bissells, and other similar families, the Blodgetts were among the top leaders in the greater Grand Rapids area, but their influence was felt across the country.

The affluent and wealthy citizens of Grand Rapids once lived in the neighborhoods we know today as Heritage Hill and Cherry Hill. And the 400 block of E. Fulton was once lined with magnificent homes and impeccable lawns and gardens. Eventually these residents pushed further into the country, and many built country homes around the areas of Reeds Lake and Fisk Lake, in East Grand Rapids. The 1920’s saw a boom of construction around this area, with craftsmanship and hand-detailed work rarely seen today without a computerized machine. Among these country homes, one estate was built which was more aristocratic, more stately, and was better known than all the rest. This was the estate of Brookby. It’s owners were John W. and Minnie C. Blodgett.

The Blodgetts were a lumber family. They were lumber barons in an era when Captains of Industry still existed. Along with Michigan, the Blodgetts owned and controlled millions of acres across the country, including Missouri, California, Oregon, and into Canada. Started by D.A. Blodgett, the family patriarch, the family business expanded under the leadership of his son John W. Sr., who eventually would be succeeded by his son, John W. Jr, (Jack). The Blodgetts harvested millions of acres of lumber, much of which was used in construction of bridges, homes, and furniture. The biggest client of the Blodgett’s was the U.S. Government, who bought back the harvested land for reforestation purposes.

John Blodgett expanded the family business and made a vast fortune, building upon the fortune he inherited from his father. However, he also was very involved in the community, giving behind the scenes far more than he gave publically. Still, he did give publically. He donated the money for Blodgettt hospital in honor of his mother Jane. His wife was a supporter of Camp Blodgett, the children’s camp on Lake Michigan. And they also supported the D.A. Blodgett Children’s Home, funded by, and named after, his father. During the Great Depression, John personally saved 3 banks from failing. He was also served a term on the Federal Reserve Board in Chicago, and was heavily influential in Republican politics for his entire life.

As a legacy to their success, (which seems pretentious today, but was the norm in an era where society and class levels existed and mattered), the Blodgetts built Brookby. This 41 room mansion sat on 8 acres, and also had three other cottages on the grounds for the Gardener, Chauffer, and Gatekeeper. It also had an 8-stall heated garage with plumbing, and its grounds were done by the prestigious firm the Olmsted Brothers. It was designed by the New York architectural firm Walker & Gillette, who did many Gold Coast homes along Long Island. When an event of the Blodgett family occurred in the Society pages, it simply would state it happened at “Brookby House.” When mail was sent to them, it was simply marked “John Blodgett, Brookby House, East Grand Rapids, MI.” Today, the Blodgetts exist only in memory, in yellowed newspapers and micro-film, in black and white photos, and as names on buildings. But Brookby still stands proudly, albeit silently. A testament to the success of a family who once conquered Michigan’s greatest industry in the era before the automobile.

Jeff Sytsma is a former high school history teacher who, after ten years, changed careers into landscaping. As one who is passionate about historical gardens, Jeff was drawn to the original gardens at Brookby, and is working to restore them to their once original condition. What started as a research paper for a graduate class 11 years ago slowly has blossomed into a pet project. Jeff has cataloged all the invoices for the construction of the home and has (and still is) cataloging all the original blueprints for the home. As a Trustee of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, Jeff published an article on the home which, unfortunately, was bought by every Blodgett family member across the country, selling out the magazine. He has also given OLLI classes on this subject for Aquinas college and works closely with Aquinas on the caretaking of Brookby. Jeff hopes to someday compile a history on several of the wealthy leaders of this era, and the majestic homes they built.