Newton-Allaire House

In 1853, brothers Archibald and Carl Newton purchased the Island of Saint Helena near the Straits of Mackinac. They developed the island into a fuel and supply stop for passenger, cargo and fishing ships traveling through the straits. Being successful in this endeavor, they then used their profits to establish businesses in Cheboygan. One of these businesses was the first hemlock extraction facility on Mullett Lake, where the juices from hemlock bark were extracted for use in tanning leather. In 1870, Archibald Newton was the first elected village president. He then constructed this house in 1871 as a wedding present for his second wife, Cornelia Allaire. After the deaths of Archibald in 1892 and Cornelia in 1916, the house was willed to Cornelia’s brother, Joseph Allaire Jr. The house remained in the Allaire family for 127 years, until it was purchased by the great-great grandson of Archibald in 2013.

The interior of the home remains almost completely intact. The cupola on the roof is the same where Mr. Newton used to watch for his boats entering the Cheboygan harbor. Many of the furnishings in the home are original pieces. The piano as well as the paintings in the parlor had belonged to Mrs. Newton.

There have been several ghost sightings reported at the home by the Allaire family and residents of Cheboygan. Multiple instances involve flickering lights, room that become ice cold, and objects that mysteriously move on their own.

“Newton-Allaire House.” MI State Historic Preservation Objects, web.archive.org/web/20140318120938/www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/3847.htm.

“Newton-Allaire House.” National Archives Catalog, catalog.archives.gov/id/25339131.

Penot, Jessica. Restless Nights in the Victorian Mansion. 30 May 2013, www.hauntingdarkness.com/2010/08/restless-nights-in-victorian-mansion.html.