I grew up in the Jension MI area, have lived here most of my life and this Mansion has always been of great interest to
me for I have always found myself drawn to homes built during the 1800 and early 1900 era's. If you lived/live in Jension, you will find this home has
always been know as the Jenison Mansion by our local people. In 1994 the Mansion was up for sale and I found myself fortunate to be able to go through and view it during one of the open houses being held. At that time it had fallen unfortunately into quite a state of disrepair. I vividly remember thinking as I was going through room to room...this is a sad home right now and is in desperate need of much love and restoration. Even through the sadness however you could still capture some of the grandeur of earlier times. What comes uppermost to my mind when I remember this tour, is the gorgeous staircase that met you as you walked through the main entry door....it was truly magnificent!
The Mansion eventually sold and was very fortunately bought by owners who had the goal of returning the Mansion to its original splendor.
Just recently I met the current owner who was gracious enough to give me a tour of her home...how fortunate was I?!! I found myself quite honestly taken back in time to the wonderful era in which this home was built and found it to now be filled with much warmth...our Mansion is "happy" again. She was also kind enough to share with me some history which had been provided to her by the Jension Historical Society....I hope you enjoy.
Hiram Jension was born in 1813 to Lemuel and Sarah in Canton, New York. Hiram came to Michigan in 1834 then began a Lumber Mill operation with his father Hiram was the eldest brother to Lucius and Luman Jension.
In 1837 Hiram and his brothers bought 1,600 acres of beautiful white pine timbered land, for which they paid $1.50 per acre. On October 4, 1838 Hiram married Mary Beardsley (Bursley Elementary School is named after her) and they had family of nine children.
The actual date the Mansion was built by Hiram is unknown. It is thought that all of Mary and Hiram's children were born in the Mansion. Their first child was born in 1840 and the last child in 1861.
There is not much further information except it was mentioned that "after the war years" the house was divided into apartments and rented...the (actual date of this occurrence was not made available).
The Mansion was purchased by the current owners in 1994 who lovingly and painstakingly restored it to its original splendor (also adding their own personal touches) while consulting with the Jension Family during the renovation period. The vast majority of these renovations were completed within the first three years of their having moved in.
If you would like to visit this wonderful piece of Jension History it is often opened up for viewing during the the Christmas Holiday Season. (The Christmas decorations are abundant and fabulous!)
As I drive by almost daily....I feel our Mansion is now happy and content. When I remember back a number of years in just driving by during the evening hours, I noticed a Christmas Tree beaming brightly high up in the copula (tower). It was then I knew this Mansion of ours was back and bright as ever....and every year at Christmas time I still find myself always looking for this bright Christmas Tree in the copula....as I'm sure so many, many others are also!
If you are interested in further information on this historical home please follow this link Georgetown Township Website.
All historical information provided by: Sherri Miller originally obtained by the Jension Historical Society.
Pictures taken by: Therese VanderMeer
Comments(11)