Monroe County Historical Society

The building now called the Johnson-Phinney Building was originally the residence of Colonel Oliver Johnson, one of the pioneer, civic and financial leaders who came to Monroe after the War of 1812. The building represents the introduction of the Federal-style building into Michigan. Sometime in 1869, the entire roof was removed and a new roof was added in the Carpenter Gothic style. It is speculated the roof was replaced due to damage caused by a major downtown fire.

 

The Monroe County Historical Society was crucial in moving the Johnson Phinney House from Washington Street to its current location at the corner of Second and Cass Streets. Today, the Society owns this wonderful example of historic architecture in Monroe County and, from 2005 to 2006, replaced the metal roof and painted the exterior to preserve the building's unique beauty. The interior, tastefully redecorated to welcome all who enter, houses a professional practice and is also home to the Monroe County Historical Society.  In 2022, the project to repaint the house began. The exterior paint has been removed down to the wook and a fresh coat of paint has been applied.