The Jerome Keane House
Family Traditions:
Christmas Town
Every year, the Fitzgeralds decorate their house for the Christmas holiday. They have one tradition that is very near and dear to Patty’s heart – setting up the Christmas Town. This tradition dates back to Patty’s childhood at 281 University Place, where this same town was set up on this same buffet in the formal dining room, as it is still done today. This town was used back in 1931, when Patty’s dad, John Williams Langs and her Mom, Elizabeth Helme Stark, announced their engagement during a large luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club. The roofs of the Christmas town houses were illuminated to show the names of Miss Stark and Mr. Langs.
Family Traditions:
Pumpkin House
This house tradition was started by Lou Maxon and continued with the Fitzgeralds. In the center of the circular driveway there is beautiful tree. When Mr. Maxon purchased this home in 1932, it was an apple tree. Over time, this tree died and Mr. Maxon replaced it with another mature apple tree, as it reminded him of his childhood home in Onaway, MI. This tree was decorated twice a year, at Christmas it was decorated with clear and frosted plastic snowflakes and surrounded by red and green flood lights. At Halloween, it was decorated with orange plastic pumpkins and lights. The Fitzgerald enhanced this tradition by placing as many as 100 pumpkins around the driveway to greet Trick-or-Treaters. This tradition was featured in both the Detroit Free Press as well at the 1990 Grosse Pointe News calendar. The apple tree replaced by Mr. Maxon did not survive, but the Fitzgeralds have replaced it with a lovely tree that remains today.
Family Traditions:
Year-round Greenhouse
There are currently 2 all-season greenhouses on the property. These do not appear on the original floor plans created by Hugh T. Keyes for the house. Originally thought to have been installed by Lou Maxon, it is now believed that Mr. Jerome Keane, the original owner, had these installed sometime after the house was built in the 1920s. These greenhouses are equipped with heat, running water and a drain for use year rounds. The Maxon family used it for housing koi from their 25 ft diameter pond during the winter months. Mrs. Fitzgerald had as many as 178 orchids and succulents she cared for herself for many years. Today, there are 78 such plants in the greenhouses, including one variety that blooms just once a year.