35 Buffalo St.

Early tax records seem to indicate that there probably was a building on this lot by 1855, owner James Bartlett. However it certainly didn't look like the house standing today. If the first building had a style it was probably Greek Revival, like many of the buildings then in the neighborhood. Architecturally this house has some Gothic Revival style details, particularly the pointed arch window with matching shutters in the east facade gable, see photo below. The detail of the porches, see photo right, may be either Gothic Revival or Queen Anne. The building has late Victorian proportions. The original wood clapboard is covered with aluminum siding.  Bartlett owned the property until 1864 when it became the home of Francis J. Walter, a carpenter/cabinetmaker with a shop on Main St., east side, north of Washington St. In 1872, 35 Buffalo became William Van Buskirk Vliet's property. The house was constructed in stages over the next 50 years. The footprint of the house in 1872 , the first floor of which was much as it is today, may be seen on the map of that year. Part of the second story was probably added in 1879. This corresponds with the jump in tax assessment value from $350, in 1878, to $1,200, in 1880. Owner then, Wm. V. B. ("B. V."in the tax records) was an undertaker, carpenter and furniture maker/dealer. (He not only bought Francis J. Walter's house but his cabinet shop on Lots 6 & 9 Block 19, N. Main St.). The east section of the second story and the eastern most section of the first story were also additions to the original building (exterior wood clapboard was found on the west interior walls). Judge John Morley, and wife, Lillian owned the house before the present owner. Morley's mother, Juliet, bought the house at the turn of the century. As Judge, Morley had an office on the first floor, now the master bedroom. He collected clocks with which he lined the office walls. There was a holding cell on the second floor, equipped with bars. Prisoners were kept there until they could be transferred to the Oakland County Jail in Pontiac. As Justice of the Peace Morley also performed marriages in the house.