Corner of Division St S and Mill St W
Designated in 2008
This Gothic Revival house, built in 1872, has seen many changes over the years. David Wesley Canfield, a successful businessman and lumberman purchased the land in 1870 and two years later had the home built. With his brothers Rial and Nicholas, Canfield’s many business interests in Kingsville included the Canfield Dock, pump factory, freight depot, lumberyard and saw mill on the east side of Division Street South. D.W. Canfield was also Councillor for the Village of Kingsville in 1880. Upon retirement, the Canfields left Kingsville for St. Louis Missouri and sold this property to William H. Hellems in 1895. Hellems was the publisher of the Kingsville Reporter from 1893 to 1935. His three daughters remained in the home until the last sister died in 1972.
Greatly Improved Appearance
The alterations which have been going on in the home of Mr. Hellms (sic) corner Mill Division Sts since the middle of June are completed and many have been the expressions of admiration over the result. The new porches at front and side were planned by Mr. Albert Wood of Detroit, who has a summer home just opposite the park here. He also chose the color of paint used and assisted the painter to mix it until the proper soft French grey shade was secured. The additions made by the carpenters harmonize with the original building, which is English in style. It is the only house in town of this particular design. The entire work is eminently satisfactory, and only emphasizes the fact that in the building of a home, an architect should be called in order that when the structure is completed, it may not be a blot on the landscape. Mr. Wood is an artist in his line.
The carpenter work was done by Mr. Willard Nichol with the assistance of his helpers, Messrs. Bottom and Cooper. The cement work was put in by Ernest Cox. The steps to porches by Orley Rumball. The brick work by Woodiwiss Bros. The tin work by C.C. Harris and the painting by Al Ford. All has been executed in the first class manner. The lumber was furnished by Conklin Planing Mills, which is a sufficient guarantee of its excellence and prompt delivery.
The Kingsville Reporter, August 13, 1925 p.1
© 2012, KMHAC. All rights reserved.
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Hi,
It’s great to see the write-up about the Canfield-Hellems house. David Wesley Canfield is my great-great grandfather. He and his wife Margaret spent their last years in Boston, where he died in 1911 and she died in 1917.
Thanks for all your work on this!
Cathy Canfield Hernandez
Los Angeles, CA
Hello Cathy,
Thank you for checking in with us!
Here’s a notice from the local newspaper abour your great-great grandfather moving to the States:
“Mr. D.W. Canfield, of St. Louis, Mo., arrived home here last Saturday night. Mr. Canfield, owing to business connections in St. Louis, has placed his fine residence on Division St. with the Reporter Real Estate Exchange for sale. See announcement in another column.” (The Kingsville Reporter, July 26, 1895 p.5)
We also have info about D.W.’s oldest son, Homer, setting a record for a 50-mile bicycle ride in St. Louis in 1897.
Thanks again for reading!
Hi, I was delighted to have this article about the Canfield-Hellems House pop up in a search! William H. Hellems was the oldest brother of my grandfather, Wallace R. Hellems. I remember visiting two of his daughters, Flossie and Mayne Hellems, at least twice with my parents and sister.
I agree with Cathy Canfield Hernandez – Thank you for all your work on this project.
Cathie Hellems Warboy
Formerly of Ann Arbor, MI
Now living in Mesa, AZ
I lived in this house. I loved the big staircase, the dirt floor basement with outside access and the giant closet in my room.