The Mansion That Fisher Body Built: Inside Fred Fisher's Luxurious Mansion in Detroit

Рет қаралды 74,800

Жыл бұрын

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Discover the fascinating history of the Fisher brothers, the pioneers who revolutionized the automotive industry, and explore the opulent rooms, stunning architectural details, and hidden gems of this Italian Renaissance Revival masterpiece.
Location: Detroit, MI
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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress, New York Public Library, Detroit Public Library
CC BY 2.0(creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Photos from: Flickr User: Barney Nowicki(www.flickr.com/photos/firstim...)
Assets from: Envato Elements
Music form Epidemic Sound

Пікірлер: 186

@samanthab1923 Жыл бұрын

I’m old enough to remember the Fisher Body logo on all my dads Chevys. ❤

@rugosetexture2716 Жыл бұрын

I remember the logo as well, it had a little carriage/calèche on it. :o)

@deeperinsider2544 Жыл бұрын

me too after I google it 😂

@thinktonka Жыл бұрын

The lobby and public area of the Fisher Building in mid-town Detroit is jaw dropping!

@jmhowlett Жыл бұрын

Craftsmanship was so much better 100 years ago, I wonder what happened.....

@dmd5645 Жыл бұрын

Totally agree!. My Mom worked for General Motors across the street at the former headquarters. I've worked in the GM building twice over two summers, ( thanks Mom!) soooo gorgeous! The Fisher building and the GM building are connected by underground walkways. Even the Argonaut building ( the former scientific labs of GM) behind the GM building is connected by underground walkways. Soooo cool!. And gorgeous!.

@pmn2821 4 ай бұрын

Unfortunately what exists is less than a third of what was to be built. It was slated to be the largest building in the world.

@chortle1708 Ай бұрын

Cheap low quality Chinese made housing products

@williamtyre523 Жыл бұрын

A beautiful, livable house. So glad to see it has been well cared for over the decades.

@greeneyedwarlock882 Жыл бұрын

The present day photos used in this video are mine as I'm the Professional Photographer that shot it and I WISH the resolution was so much better here on KZfaq. (The free version at least). This house is the most magnificent masterpiece I've ever photographed and it was a huge labor of love but it was TONSSS OF WORK. The Seller had impeccable taste and I wish you guys could see the photos in their true quality. Enjoy!

@ThisHouse Жыл бұрын

Hi! You take beautiful photos, truly outstanding work! Here is the link to your album if anyone else would like to see your photos: www.flickr.com/photos/firstimpressionphotography/albums/72157719059757856

@greeneyedwarlock882 Жыл бұрын

@@ThisHouse Thanks very much, I’m so flattered 👍🏻

@greeneyedwarlock882 Жыл бұрын

@@bbe3034 Welllllllll, that’s an endearing story of strength and suffering but it really doesn’t have anything to do with the Fisher House. It was built in 1917 (way before the Depression) and the last thing Fred & Bertha Fisher had to do was worry about money or scrape by at all.

@donaldwarriner1640 Жыл бұрын

The recent decor appeals to me very much. Anyway so heart warming to see an old and graceful home preserved.

@oltedders Жыл бұрын

Always glad to hear that the house is still standing.

@brucebeamon5460 Жыл бұрын

And WELL CARED FOR !

@rbsmith3365 Жыл бұрын

It restored beautifully! I remembered on doors of Oldsmobile. Says Body By Fisher.

@Mark723 Жыл бұрын

I enjoy the more recent version - I grew up with furniture from the historic version in the houses of many of my relatives and always find it stuffy. Nonetheless, it's so wonderful to know that this house not only still stands, but does so in excellent condition. Thanks for sharing.

@Dallas_K Жыл бұрын

Maybe stuffy, but totally in character with the house.

@christopherkraft1327 Жыл бұрын

This beautifully elegant home seems so warm & inviting!! I'm so glad that it's still around today!!! 👍👍🙂

@devonna6171 Жыл бұрын

My favorite house so far. Beautifully appointed and yet comfortable.

@markwagner4909 Жыл бұрын

This house is truly understated and elegant It’s magnificent

@dojocho1894 Жыл бұрын

yes very lived in as they say...but people back then were coming-out of the Victorian era so many changes but to our lazy asses today we find everything "stuffy" I find it disgusting to see yoga pants on women in the mall with the a$$ covered in cat hair...I will take "stuffy" any day.

@greeneyedwarlock882 Жыл бұрын

It categorically IS! I'm the Professional Photographer that shot it and it is the most world-class, breathtaking, 5 star, stunning home I've ever photographed and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven after touring it for the first time.

@dmd5645 Жыл бұрын

@@greeneyedwarlock882 So nice to hear your, the photographer!!, impressions and feelings as you experienced being in the actual space!. I'm from here, went to UofM.... it's really unlike any other city anywhere!. So glad you enjoyed our corner of the world!.

@marih3286 Жыл бұрын

I'm very thankful subsequent owners have preserved the beautiful craftsmanship found in this home.

@badapple65 Жыл бұрын

The stairways of the olde Days were always works of art where obviously they took very gifted craftsman to create.

@danielintheantipodes6741 Жыл бұрын

I like this house. It is grand, but still on a 'human scale', so I can imagine actually living in it. Who would want to live in Marble House or The Breakers?! Thank you for the video!

@LJB103 Жыл бұрын

I prefer the modern version; I'm not too much of a fan of heavily draped over-stuffed rooms. A beautiful house. Brother Charles built a large home in Detroit that was recently a Designers Showcase home. Lawrence Fisher (stayed with GM as head of the Cadillac division) built a large mansion that is now owned by the Krishners. It is open for tours (little furniture) and contains the most bizarre room that I've ever seen. Not sure what the other four brothers built. The Fishers also financed the largest mansion in Detroit and donated it to Bishop Gallagher. Excellent video.

@keithdavis9897 Жыл бұрын

Great video.........I'm in love with this house. I'm 68 and I remember the cheverolet I had in college still had the Body by Fisher stamped on the entrance to the driver's side.

@sergpie Жыл бұрын

Goodness, those stenciled ceilings! It’s so fascinating how almost all the barons and businesspeople of the gilded age, went straight for renaissance revival for their abodes. They must’ve fancied themselves modern-day Medicis.

@Emily_Paris Жыл бұрын

Amazing job Ken as always. Not only do you bring us, your viewers, the magnificent story of the design of the mansions built, you also bring the stories behind the people who owned these beautiful homes.

@amandab.recondwith8006 Жыл бұрын

Incredibly tasteful!

@davidward805 Жыл бұрын

Another great video Ken! I liked the modern living room better.

@janedee6488 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful house. Glad it’s still standing.

@brucebeamon5460 8 ай бұрын

And STILL being WELL taken care of .

@oliverrojas3185 Жыл бұрын

I think the foyer with the french doors is my favorite space in the house. I am really impressed with the modesty displayed in a house by some of the wealthiest people in the world. Due to stress outside of home at the factories, having curtains covering windows in a room might have been a way of creating a small dark, calming sanctuary. Based on the photos, this is a home with 8800 hundred square feet of smaller sized home atmosphere, that brings about a sense of intimacy in contrast to splendor.

@greeneyedwarlock882 10 ай бұрын

Very glad you enjoyed the photos and the house, but it's closer to 10K square feet as I'm the photographer what took those photos. It's fascinating how you came to that number though based on photos.

@brentfairlie Жыл бұрын

What an elegant house. I truly love it

@brucebeamon5460 Жыл бұрын

Buy ALL means I prefer as it is today with the rooms SOAKING UP PLENTY OF LIGHT ~ Thanks for the tour I’ve always admired the exterior of the home … Now I have an idea of what the the inside looks as well !

@jimc4731 Жыл бұрын

A very livable mansion even in the present day! Please do Henry Fords mansion! Keep up the good work! JIM❤

@josephsierzengaIV Жыл бұрын

Edsel Fords Mansion in Grosse Pointe Shores is far nicer than Henry Fords house in Dearborn

@califdad4 Жыл бұрын

I like the modern traditional look in the house today best. One of the brothers had a beautiful mansion in Palmer Wood's that was later donated to the Catholic diocese and became the Bishop's home for some years

@honestmom1958 Жыл бұрын

I like the recent version of the one room and that it's a bit lighter, but the integrity of the room was maintained. It was also very interesting to learn of these brothers and that history. Thank you as always!

@claudiamann7111 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful house. I'm so glad that it has been kept in good repair. These houses are dwindling too fast. Thanks so much for another wonderful tour.

@edindoffer687 Жыл бұрын

Michigander here. My friend, who is a photographer, had the opportunity to photograph the house. "This House" is really a work of art and the photos prove it.

@greeneyedwarlock882 Жыл бұрын

Daaahhhhhling, you're simply to FAB for words‼😆😆

@gmanette188 Жыл бұрын

@calendarpage Жыл бұрын

What a lovely house! Despite the huge square footage, it seems very liveable. I had to smile at the library. Note that the chair and desk were pretty close to the glass-doored bookcases. You'd have to move furniture to open them. I get the feeling that didn't happen much. 😄 I attended the U of Michigan, met many kids whose parents were involved in the automotive industry, and heard about the lovely executive houses around Detroit. You might consider covering houses in Grosse Pointe and Grosse Pointe Farms.

@bethranger9883 Жыл бұрын

This house is absolutley beatiful

@nhennessy6434 Жыл бұрын

Really well done. Avoids the crass excesses seen in a lot of Gilded Age mansions. Everything seems very well proportioned and tastefully decorated. House looks extremely livable and beautiful. And yes, the updated rooms look better. Better to treat a home like this a living, evolving entity than as a museum pieece to be preserved in amber.

@tudorjason Жыл бұрын

3:32 - The historic picture has so much color and detail. It's beautiful, warm, inviting, luxe!

@sergpie Жыл бұрын

That blue velvet wow😮

@greeneyedwarlock882 Жыл бұрын

I quite sure you’re confused. The historic photos are in black and white and the modern day photos which I took as I am the professional photographer who shot the house are in full color.

@MissRB03 Жыл бұрын

I once worked at the Fisher Body plant in Lansing, just turned 18…. a few years before it closed it doors. Was the BEST job!

@theresawilson2647 Жыл бұрын

I remember having cars with the emblem body by Fisher when you opened the doors it was along the running board. It was a sign the car was well made.

@jonclassical2024 Жыл бұрын

The recent!...I could move right in...this style just speaks to me.....wish it could be toured!

@antonfarquar8799 Жыл бұрын

part of the reason that Fisher's house has survived so well is that it has a hip roof covered in highly durable and leak proof Spanish tiles and the roof extends over the exterior of the building (over hangs) keeping the elements from damaging the walls and windows.

@manbtm1 Жыл бұрын

Detroit has numerous neighborhoods that still that have incredible homes in them, and the vast majority are beautifully kept, it always amazes me how so few people out of the area have any concept of what Detroit looks like in so many areas, it’s not slums by any means in many parts, and the downtown and Midtown are absolutely beautiful now. Come visit

@miltonking1137 Жыл бұрын

So true, some of the most beautiful house in the world in the center of Detroit Michigan

@peggyh4805 11 ай бұрын

I like the recent version of the room because it looks comfortable but it’s great to see the original. Thank you.

@sandriagutierrez2605 Жыл бұрын

I’m glad it’s still being enjoyed. It makes me sad when I see the grand houses of the past fall into disrepair, or worse, total demolition.

@chrisnichols4962 10 ай бұрын

I got to tour this house years ago. Just beautiful inside and out.

@The_Smith Жыл бұрын

I like the recent version, to my eye it suits the house, yet looks comfortable, a room I'd not mind having a Sazerac and a visit in.

@TennesseeTrio Жыл бұрын

I love hearing that the house is still standing!

@monkeygraborange Жыл бұрын

Such a relatively small lot for such a beautiful home.

@gandolfthegardener Жыл бұрын

He seems like a practical man. A huge, ornate home requires much money for up keep. Should you build/buy a large home just because you can?

@monkeygraborange Жыл бұрын

@@gandolfthegardener who said anything about a huge ornate home?

@gandolfthegardener Жыл бұрын

@@monkeygraborange Most people of new wealth want to display it in their homes. While this Mr. Fisher's home is 'simple', he could have chosen a revival of a much more ornate style or a much larger version of the current style. He chose a style and size that fit him and his personality.

@sp-bl1sl Жыл бұрын

I have been in this house. No lie; the first time i stepped into the music room I almost fainted.

@clairwaucaush7225 Жыл бұрын

Finally a house with a happy ending!

@krazmokramer Жыл бұрын

Fabulous home! I prefer the modern living room, which is my favorite room shown.

@charliearnold4706 Жыл бұрын

A beautiful house and very stylish. Just the perfect size, not too grand and probably fairly easy to upkeep. Great to see that the current owners are enthusiastic at keeping the house in great condition.

@shirleybalinski4535 Жыл бұрын

Body by Fisher, was a proud slogan, heralded by car manufacturers in their ads. If I'm not mistaken, small decals( plaques) were actually affixed to automobiles proclaiming..Body by Fischer.

@dre4011 Жыл бұрын

Ahhh yes!! FISHER BODY WORKS....I remember being a kid back in the mid-80s..and those BIG GM doors that my grandfather had on his '81 Grand Prix...GOD HELP YOU if that big-ass door started closing and your little legs weren't in the car yet!😂😂😂

@donnaw2868 Жыл бұрын

What a beautiful home. I loved the image of the narrow kitchen, with that vintage cook stove and sink.

@tonydialsr7190 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding! I to enjoy the most recent version.

@jenpink4298 Жыл бұрын

This is so interesting and the house is absolutely gorgeous!

@Cyrus992 Жыл бұрын

One of the few Italian Renaissance style homes with no arches

@amyjones8114 Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately I liked the present day look of the living room because I’m a sucker for a cozy sofa; and that blue one looked better than the original one. I wish I had a taste for Victorian design because I do love heavy drapes but I’m lazy and need comfy furniture.

@marac5775 Жыл бұрын

That house is a dream !!! Love the music room . Thank you for this great video !!

@Lonesome__Dove Жыл бұрын

What a beautiful home. Love all the wrought-iron.

@iamspartacus7756 Жыл бұрын

So enjoy the history background that Ken gives that helps bring life into these historic homes.

@jamescook4u Жыл бұрын

Very well presented. Great job!

@larry3034 Жыл бұрын

WOW, what a beautiful home.

@darcyedmonds8848 11 ай бұрын

Okay, this rivals Lake Como for charming interiors. Solid and sturdy done graceful, but warm and cozy. I really liked the dark and manly feel of those old leather and tobacco scented rooms with their heavy curtains and wood furniture. Big time Clue and Ms. Fisher vibes, a dark and stormy night dinner party is just what that place wants. 😉😁❤

@RADIUMGLASS Жыл бұрын

Fred's funeral was held in that house. His wife sold it in the mid 1940s sometime after he died and she moved into a luxury apartment building. I think she moved into the Whittier on Jefferson Avenue.

@craiggillett5985 Жыл бұрын

I love the contemporary interior design when compared to the original, however one must remember that in the period people avoided the sun, and it was not common to have brightly lit homes during day time.

@ddunvideo Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the insight

@creambabyjazz Жыл бұрын

Heritage house with historic story. Really interesting!

@milliehicks7436 Жыл бұрын

Stunning home!! 😍

@alanblanes2876 Жыл бұрын

This was a particularly interesting episode, Ken.

@dmd5645 Жыл бұрын

Luv ur channel Ken, and everyone involved!. I admire the almost documentary way you approach every home/video. Keep up the great work!!. I'm from here, went to UofM., It's a good place to be. And a VERY rich treasure trove for your channel!!!. Soooo many homes and buildings!.

@jeanbaker2087 Жыл бұрын

I liked the newer version of the living room.

@wanderlu5t Жыл бұрын

Dude! I would listen to you read the phone book. You have an amazing voice!

@aaronandrews3059 Жыл бұрын

This was awesome. My royal brome delta 88 Oldsmobile was made by Fisher. Loved that car.

@thecuttinggardener361 Жыл бұрын

Love love love these videos. You should do one on Meadow Brook Hall, just north of Detroit.

@corinnelaking569 Жыл бұрын

Lovely and tasteful home. I haven't owned a GM product in some time, but that's what I always owned in my younger years. Only the last few were new enough to NOT have the "Body by Fisher" tags on the door sill plates. 🙂

@monicakoenig5921 Жыл бұрын

I like the modern style home, and my favorite room was the entrance with the grand staircase 😮, as well the rest of the home felt very inviting .

@wallacehamilton5596 Жыл бұрын

I too like the more recent version. The dark curtains and oversized furniture although popular at the time detracts from the craftsmanship and do not look comfortable. The living room is my favorite room.

@sherryseckler3494 Жыл бұрын

And every time we got into our Pontiac we stepped over a little plaque set in the door frame that said “body by Fisher”!

@davidatovar Жыл бұрын

The front reminds me very much of the HUDSON sister's mansion from the movie, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane.

@paulmellerowicz1220 Жыл бұрын

Someone once said this house is like living in a Faberge Egg. I was inside in a tour years ago. That's a good description of it. Many of the original fixtures are still there.

@MrFullService 29 күн бұрын

I like the older version of the living room. Reminds me of Sunset Boulevard.

@Tubefish07 Жыл бұрын

I have many great memories there. We used to bury gold coin’s around the grounds. Those were the days!

@rickyt3961 Жыл бұрын

5:54 so interesting! thanks 👏🏽

@DETROIT1948 Жыл бұрын

Body By Fisher! GM Made Body By Fisher Priceless!

@petemavus2948 Жыл бұрын

Reminds me of one particular house in The Bluff section of Weehawken, N.J. that always intrigued me. Always in seemingly pristine condition and although living nearby, I never saw any proof of life or movement on the property.

@derricklangford4725 Жыл бұрын

So that's where the term Body by Fisher comes from. Back in the 90's I used to hear the old Queens use that phrase to describe hot Trade 😂

@StamperWendy Жыл бұрын

The richest men in the world, and I've never heard of them! Thanks, Ken!

@greeneyedwarlock882 Жыл бұрын

Wellllllll........they weren't the richest men in the world, guaranteed. That title belonged to John Rockefeller back then. But they were all very, very rich.

@Wanamaker1946 Жыл бұрын

The original rooms are exquisite. The terra-cotta (Della robia) mantelpiece is a first for me. If this is any indication of the color that existed in the old photographs, it must’ve been sumptuous. This house could easily have been set on a 50 acre property. Great job here on the research.

@crystalhealing9413 Ай бұрын

My mom took care of Mr Fisher one of the Fisher Brothers son Lewis Fisher she was one of his last nurses before he passed

@johnball8758 Жыл бұрын

I would love to see the old photos colorized. Would make a huge difference. Worst part of the old living room is the furniture is spread out which is not conducive to conversation.

@H.O.P.E.1122 Жыл бұрын

The breakfast room is my favorite.

@michaelvandermarliere7820 Жыл бұрын

Oh yes, my favorite room you ask? ALL OF THEM!!! :-)

@frankgordon8829 Жыл бұрын

All the auto big wigs would roll in their graves if they saw beautiful, safe Detroit today!

@Kyfordman1989 Жыл бұрын

I’m just glad to see that the Storico home saved some of your videos of his homes in New York, and all over United States of Roy. Sad me that they got destroyed and developed into the apartment complex or a hotel or something. These homes can never be reproduced today the craftsmanship has been lost.

@christines4880 Жыл бұрын

Historical

@crystalhealing9413 Ай бұрын

I got a chance to look through Mr Fisher scrap album books and I got to touch the blueprints of the first body of the car

@retirementbootcampoff-grid237 Жыл бұрын

Several beautiful, historic homes in my town are falling down due to neglect. These historic buildings need responsible owners.

@mikedrown2721 Жыл бұрын

My '87 Buick has the body by Fisher on the scuff plate

@cathyreardon8979 2 ай бұрын

My dad was born in 1919. I'm not sure when he began working at Fisher Body in Detroit or when he left. I know that he worked at Fisher Body in Pontiac, Michigan. Not sure when he started there. My mom worked there also. When a new plant in Mansfield, Ohio started up in 1957, my dad began working there as a crane operator. He probably was a C.O. in Pontiac and Detroit. Im almost 74 years now so I dont remember much. My brother and I were born in Pontiac, Mi. I was almost 7 years old and my brother almost 6 years old, when we came to Mansfield. I have a big book with the logo on the front telling the history.

@marykuettner752 Жыл бұрын

There is another house that belonged to one of the Fisher Brothers in Bloomfield Hills. My friend Liz babysat for the family that lived there. There was a ballroom, basketball court and train room. I think it was their summer house? near Long Lake. This was way back in the 70's.

@greeneyedwarlock882 Жыл бұрын

Hmmmm......are you sure you don't mean right on Lake Angelus, just north of Pontiac?? Fred Fisher built a magnificent English Tudor summer house there originally on 12 acres that was tragically town down a few years ago.

@crystalhealing9413 Ай бұрын

I also seen all the pictures of the Ford family at the parties I've seen them all and he has his organ that his father made he made two of them one was donated to the museum and the other one was at his home