Irving Jacob Reuter - Medovue Estate

Medovue Estate

In 1927 at Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Reuter and his wife, Janet Reuter (1886–1984), built a lavish country home they called Medovue. From 1928 to 1936, prominent members of American business and automotive companies were their guests at social functions. They were listed both in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Michigan during their Medovue residency. In 1936 he abruptly left his position at Oldsmobile and retired to Florida, although they evidently moved on to North Carolina.

The home was built by the Reniger Construction Co. of Lansing in about a year from a "countryhouse" plan created by Architect Harold Childs of East Lansing. The home includes large expanses of Pewabic Pottery, and the grand (and for the time technologically advanced) main bathroom is a festive work of decorative arts. Also credited is architect, Kenneth Black, who in 1930 added a rear wing and bedroom space for family member Pearl Graham (Janet's sister) of whom Janet was very close to.

Thereafter, the home was owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing from 1940 to 1962, and Joseph H. Albers, first Bishop of the diocese, used the home as his private residence. In 1989, the house was renovated and converted into a conference center, and in 1991 was declared a Michigan State Historical Object (Registered Site L1824, erected 1992 at 677 S. Michigan Road, Eaton Rapids, Michigan.)

Meadovue's 10,000 sq ft (930 m2) building and grounds are now devoted to a bed and breakfast and a restaurant for fine dining. Many of the furnishing are original antiques, and the site is an important tourist destination in Eaton Rapids. The 15-acre (61,000 m2) estate includes the original pergola, nature trails, artesian well, annual and perennial gardens.