The largest brach of the University of Michigan, known then as the Romeo Academy, was located on this site from 1843-1851. It was a flourishing institution of 150 students and 4 instructors with a “Female Department connected with the institute in a separate room”. Until recently the University elm stood where the sidewalk jogs. In 1901 the University buildings were demolished and the present Colonial Revival residence at 200 Church Street, was constructed by Romeo builder Benjamin Lloyd for Mr. and Mrs. Omar Thompson Jr.
Mrs. Thompson was related to the wealthy Detroit and Chicago Newberry families and inherited from her great-uncle, Walter Newberry, of Chicago “wealth enough to make her comfortable for life”, $23,080 (700,000. in todays money). Mr Thompson’s occupation was selling cash registers for the National Cash Register Company. The finest of materials were poured into this spacious and well built house including golden oak for the enormous staircase, solid cherry woodwork for the master bedroom, leaded glass windows and solid brass lighting fixtures for the formal rooms of the house. In 1904 an “automobile house” was constructed behind the residence to shelter Mrs. Thompson’s “Cadillac automobile” which “she handles like an expert.” The Thompson’s only lived in the home for seven years before their move to Detroit. They are buried in the Romeo Village Cemetery. (Romeo Observer, Centennial Supplement, November 17, 1966).
This past Christmas the Thompson house was chosen to be the 25th ornament issued by the Romeo Historical Society, as their 2020 Romeo Christmas Ornament.
As this author anxiously awaits the Romeo Historical Society’s unveiling of the 2021 ornament in late fall, on that ‘wee note’, till next week.
It is with great thanks to the Community Archives at the Kezar Library for the opportunity in volunteering and allowing research on these majestic homes all over Romeo. What a fabulous learning experience.
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Linda Osborne Cynowa 