Amid recent renewed interest and discussions by Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan, Council members Brandon McCullough and Jim Jolly, the Livonia Historical Commission, Livonia Historical Preservation Commission, Friends of Greenmead, Livonia Historical Commission, Greenmead Staff, and others about finding ways to accelerate improvements and use of the Greenmead Historical Park, Friday Musings will run occasional features highlighting attractions and personalities associated with our historical gem- today, Attorney Sherwin Hill, by Attorney Alan Helmkamp.
Simmons-Hill House, Greenmead
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From the limited information available online, an interesting vignette emerges of the man whose name is identified with a key attraction at Livonia’s Greenmead Historical Park- the Simmons- Hill House- and also with a Michigan super law firm, Clark-Hill.
Sherwin Alonzo Hill may be remembered by some because he and his wife Jean Boyd Allen purchased a sprawling farmhouse in the northwest corner of Livonia Township from the Simmons Family in 1920. By then Sherwin was a successful Detroit attorney, and he and his family enjoyed getting away from the heat and congestion of the city to their rural Livonia retreat. After making needed improvements, the Hill family eventually moved to Livonia and operated a successful dairy cattle business. Sherwin passed in 1961, followed by Jean in the mid-’70s. The City of Livonia purchased the farmhouse and surrounding acreage from her estate in 1976, and the “Simmons-Hill House” later became an anchor attraction as a museum when the Greenmead Historical Park was formed.
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Sherwin Alonzo Hill enjoyed a long, varied and successful career as one of Detroit’s leading business attorneys. After earning a bachelor of laws degree at the University of Michigan, in 1907 Hill initially practiced maritime law. But his practice broadened into business law during the first half of the 20th Century- a period of tremendous economic growth in southeast Michigan- and he represented numerous corporations and served on the boards of leading banks and trade associations. An active litigator, he participated in many reported appellate cases on behalf of his clients. For example, in 1958 he won a case before the Michigan Supreme Court which involved a fight between banks involving a territory dispute, on behalf of his client, the Wayne Oakland Bank.
In 1996, the Hill law firm was part of the largest merger ever of Michigan law firms, joining with another historical Detroit firm to form Clark-Hill, which now has over 650 lawyers working in offices in Michigan as well as nationally and internationally.
It’s safe to say that because of the Simmons-Hill House and the Clark-Hill law firm, that Sherwin Alonzo Hill’s legacy is firmly secured for posterity.
Photo credit: Suzanne Daniel, Kathleen Glynn,
“Livonia Preserved Greenmead and Beyond,” 2006
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Livonia Faith Community continues to open its doors
Nancy Bank, Director of Administration at Unity of Livonia offers up that "You are invited to celebrate Easter with Rev. Cindy Yamamoto at the grand reopening of Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Rd. A socially distanced Easter Sunday service will take place in person at 10:00 AM on April 4, 2021. Anyone who wears a mask and is not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms is welcome to attend.
Join us in commemorating the Last Supper for a very special Maundy Thursday service via Zoom (https://zoom.us/join) on Thursday, April 1st at 6:00 PM.
Use Meeting ID = 862 0343 0839, Passcode = lastsupper
Unity of Livonia is a spiritual center that welcomes people of all ages, races, and orientations. We are a progressive Christian church that is inclusive, innovative, informed and one that many people are looking for today. Visit www.unityoflivonia.org or call (734) 421-1760 for more information.
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Aw man! For one year I have been chopping at the bits waiting for the return engagement of Alexander Zonjic, having been cancelled last year.
The Livonia Arts Commission is bringing him back on May 15. I would have been the first in line but that is the date of a granddaughter coming into this world in Aurora, Colorado.
Two events I would not want to miss. But priorities kept in perspective are important. I will be leaving on May 12 on Southwest and heading to be a part of the welcoming committee, Paul, Raquel, Leo, the bodyguard and the typewriter.
I encourage you to make your reservation for Zonjic. It is a great show from a wonderful musician/entertainer. Just another reason Livonia is the cultural heartbeat of southeast Michigan.
Thank you Arts Commission for bringing Zonjic back to Livonia. Next time check my schedule first.
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Danielle Carlomusto, founder of Motown is Gro-town, will lead families in songs and stories while sharing the joys of gardening. This program will take place on the lawn at the back of the Bennett Civic Center Library’s parking lot on Thursday, April 22nd at 11:00. And it is free.
Please bring a blanket and/or chairs, maintain social distancing, and wear a mask.
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One more joining the leadership in Livonia by being vaccinated |
Add Mark Johnson, Vice President of the Livonia Board of Education, to the list of community leaders being vaccinated:
"I have received both shots of the Moderna vaccine." Mark R. Johnson
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