The house was built in 1901 and was originally part of a 160 acre dairy farm. Later on, it was used as a school for children gifted in the fine arts. Known then as "The Ilsley School", today it would be considered a 'charter' school.
A large portion of the land was donated to Oakland Township for use as a park and nature preserve by the last owner to farm the property and the founder of the school, the late Mr. Charles F. Ilsley.
