Glamorous Night

A fundraiser in support of the Grosse Pointe Historical Society

Tucked away on a secluded cul-de-sac is one of the most architecturally-significant mansions of the Pointes. Built as a “springtime residence” for Louise Webber of the Hudson’s Department Store family, the house originally sat on ten wooded and landscaped acres of spring plantings. She and her husband, John “Cap” O’Brien spent the rest of the year at homes in Palm Beach and Bar Harbor.

It has been lovingly restored and re-invented as a 21st-century home for a family with perfect furnishings and fittings, offering inspiration for contemporary living in an historic setting. Designed by East Coast architect, Duncan Candler, the house is rich with hand-carved panelling, Pewabic tiles, restored original kitchen details and more. Another of his designs was Skyland Estate in Maine for the Edsel Ford family, now owned by Martha Stewart.

On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Grosse Pointe Historical Society will hold its 21st annual Summer Fundraiser Gala. This year’s event, Glamorous Night, will be held at an historic mansion built for the ages. In the tradition of great Grosse Pointe homes, it features intricate plaster and woodworking not seen in today’s homes. Taking three years to complete, a labor of love, great attention was paid to honor the home’s history and character.

The Home

30 Preston Place was built as 486 Kercheval Avenue, designed by New York architect, Duncan Candler, and completed in 1932. The house was commissioned as a springtime residence for Louise Webber Jackson. She was sister to the Webber brothers who ran the Hudson’s Department Store. Her first husband Hugh Jackson was president of Hudson Motor Car Company. They lived in a Leonard Willeke-designed home in Detroit’s Indian Village. Jackson died unexpectedly on a European trip in 1929.

The Jacksons visited Seal Harbor, Maine in the summers along with other prominent Grosse Pointe families. Candler designed homes in the community, including Skylands for the Edsel Ford family, now owned by Martha Stewart. In 1934 Louise Jackson married another Seal Harbor habitue, John “Cap” O’Brien.

The home was built by contractor Bryant and Detwiler from Detroit. It features seven bedrooms, four full and 2-1/2 baths in 9000 square feet. The property originally extended from Kercheval to Lake Shore Road and was landscaped with spring-blooming trees, shrubbery and flowers. Several of the bathrooms feature extraordinary examples of Pewabic tiles. The library has carved teakwood paneling with bas reliefs by William Zorach.

The home was purchased in 1961 by Edward Frohlich and his wife, Jessie. She was drawn to the estate because the garden reminded her of a favorite children’s book, “The Secret Garden.” Eventually, the property was turned into the Preston Place Subdivision (named after Frohlich’s mother’s family name). The home was the scene of many social events and musical entertainments. When Frohlich died, the house was left in trust to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. DSO leaders used it as a home over decades.

When the house became available for sale, it was ready for serious renovation and revisioning. It was featured as a “Pop Up Tour” in 2016 by the Grosse Pointe Historical Society and faced an uncertain future. Builder and developer, Dan Connell and his wife Jill fell in love with the property, acquired it, and set to work. They had the vision and expertise to restore the home for 21st century family living.

This year, the Grosse Pointe Historical Society gala fundraiser will be catered by 405 Hospitality Group. The culinary masterminds include next-generation Grosse Pointe natives, who will bring a fresh perspective to classic entertainment in the elegant home.

The event includes valet parking, open bars, music, classic Hudson cars on display, and a strolling supper. There will be a special preview reception for Sponsors, and an optional Speakeasy Afterglow following the main event.

Jazz pianist, composer and educator, Scott Gwinnell will be performing live at the Preview and Afterglow. Residing in Detroit, Michigan, Scott has been performing since the age of 16 in venues and on concert stages, local to international. Scott has recorded and performed as a bandleader and sideman on over 50 professionally released recordings. As a pianist, Gwinnell has performed/toured/recorded with: Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, John Clayton, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Aretha Franklin, Elaine Stritch, Delfayeo Marsalis, and Jon Hendricks, for whom Gwinnell was three year musical director.

For sponsorship opportunities and recognition information, visit gphistorical.org or contact:

Patti Timmins, Director of Development
development@gphistorical.org • 313-884-7010

2025 Glamorous Night

HONORARY COMMITTEE

Mary and Michael Farley

Chairs

Kay Agney

Dr. David S. Balle

Dr. Richard K. Baumgarten and Dr. Cheryl A. Wesen

Anne Berschback

Suzy and Chip Berschback

The Honorable and Mrs. Arthur W. Bryant

Kay Burt-Willson

Mr. and Mrs. J. McGregor Dodds

Valerie and Peter Dodenhoff

Mr. Dale Ehresman

Jane Whitney Gage

Stuart W. Grigg

Susan Hartz

Mark Heppner

The Honorable Michele Hodges

Maria and Thomas Jones II

The Honorable Thaddeus Kedzierski

Vicky L. Kruckeberg and

Carl R. Nold

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald C. Lamparter

Susan and Craig Larsen

Ann Loshaw

Louisa St. Clair Chapter, DAR

Mr. and Mrs. Philip P. MacKethan

Sandy MacMechan

Marcia M. McBrien

Patrick McKeever

Giocanda and Thayer McMillan

Patricia E. O’Brien, PhD

Amy Pfaehler and Bradley Miller

Ruth and Kris Pfaehler

Stefan Pfaehler

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Selvaggio

Michael W. Skinner

John Snyder

Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Tallerico

Patti and The Honorable Louis Theros

The Honorable Sheila Tomkowiak

Molly and Mark Valade

The Honorable Thomas A. Van Tiem, Sr.

James and Karen Verney

Leslie Wagner, PhD

Mireille Wilkinson

Lisa Worley

Frederick R. Zosel

The Grosse Pointe Historical Society (GPHS) was founded in 1945 to preserve and protect the rich local heritage of all five Grosse Pointes and neighboring communities, and share it with the public. GPHS works to make history of our area vital, relevant, and accessible. Through programs, facilities and events, GPHS brings history to life, protects historic artifacts, and collects and shares Grosse Pointe-area stories.

The Grosse Pointe Historical Society Campus includes the c. 1823 Provencal-Weir restored ribbon farm house, the c. 1840 Log Cabin, and the Grosse Pointe History Center, which houses exhibition and activities spaces, administrative offices and the Alfred B. and Ruth S. Moran Resource Center.

GPHS collections include maps, blueprints, documents, bills, contracts, letters, books, catalogs, photographs, videos, prints, drawings watercolors, scrapbooks, oral histories, albums, real estate records and additional ephemera relating to the history of the Grosse Pointes and neighboring communities as well as objects, tools, household goods and furniture.