Architecture for the Centuries

Captain Benjamin Boutell Feature Gallery is named in honor of Captain Benjamin Boutell; his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership were well known throughout Bay County and the country at the turn of the nineteenth century. It was through his vision and leadership that many fledgling industries flourished, making Bay County a thriving community. Although probably best known for his success in the shipping and lumber industries, he was also heavily involved with the start of the sugar industry in Bay County as well as several sugar companies throughout Michigan, Colorado and also in Canada. Captain Boutell was involved in other various industries including: farming, banking real estate, coal, iron and cement just to name a few. Paintings of several of the captain’s vessels by renowned maritime artist Howard Freeman Sprague are currently being exhibited as part of “A Family Legacy: The Story of Captain Benjamin Boutell”. The paintings commissioned by Captain Boutell are believed to be the largest museum collection of Sprague’s work. Family photographs and brief documentary on the family are also featured in the exhibit.

Considered Bay City's first real settlers, brothers Joseph and Mader Trombley were drawn to the area around the Saginaw River to make their fortunes trading with Native Americans. In 1836, they began construction of the two-and-a-half story Greek Revival structure, which is thought to be the first frame house erected in Bay County and was considered the finest residence at that time. The Trombley House was relocated to its present site in Veterans Memorial Park in 1981 and is available for touring. The Olde Thyme Herb Society maintains an historic herb garden there and hosts special events throughout the year.