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Health & Fitness

Scandal in Plymouth Results in Iconic Home

Most people know of the historic Wilcox home across from Kellogg Park. Do you know it was built for the mistress of William Markham?

One of the most iconic historical homes in Plymouth is the Wilcox house, because of its high-traffic location (at the corner of Union and Ann Arbor Trail) and the beauty of this Queen Anne-style home.

The home was built in 1901 by William F. Markham, owner of the Markham Air Rifle Company (that building still stands at 340 N. Main St.). Mr. Markham, who was married and had two children, actually built this 17-room residence for his young mistress that had served as his secretary.

Due to her personal beliefs, Mrs. Markham refused to get a divorce. This was such a scandal in its time. When Mrs. Markham died William married his mistress.

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The community rejected the newly married couple causing such grief that Mr. Markham and his new wife sold the home to George and Harriet Wilcox in 1911 and moved to California.

Markham owned property in California and profited greatly when he sold it. Today that land is now known as Hollywood.

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Update: As of June (2013) it has been reported that the current owner is renovating this home into two Luxury Condos. The lower condo will consist of the 1st floor and basement. The second floor will consist of the second floor and the attic. 

Learn about other homes in Plymouth by visiting my family's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthMIDiscoveries You can also see more information about the Wilcox house at: http://www.wilcoxfoundation.org/ 

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