If you’re ever taken M-119 into Harbor Springs, you’ve probably noticed a uniquely shaped white house with red roofs. Yes, I said roofs—there are five. This is the Hexagon House, envisioned and designed by former Harbor Springs resident and creator of the Shay Locomotive, Ephraim Shay.
This beautiful architectural gem is sheathed in metal, set upon a stone foundation, and located at 396 East Main Street—it’s hard to miss. As its name implies, the Hexagon House is comprised of a hexagonally-shaped, two-story structure at its footprint’s center, with four single-story hexagonal wings surrounding it. The wings are single rooms, each with five windows providing ample sunlight and a nearly 360-degree view.
Now, I won’t go on and on about the house’s layout when it was a home, all that chat about parlors, observatories, and bathrooms, because the Hexagon House, also known as the Shay House or the Shay Hexagon House, is no longer a functional home but a newly opened museum highlighting the life of renaissance man Ephraim Shay—entrepreneur, inventor, mechanic, teacher, and community advocate.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Ephraim Shay Works Museum during its busy opening weekend at the end of July, which, according to Kristyn Balog, executive director of the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, was quite the community event.
“The museum’s grand opening was very well-attended, with hundreds of guests visiting over both days,” said Balog. “Many attendees had followed the restoration effort for years and were eager to see the final results. Families, students, and longtime supporters all engaged enthusiastically with the exhibits, and feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive.”
Before getting into the actual museum experience, allow me to share some behind-the-scenes details and history of this venture.
The Hexagon House was designed and built by Ephraim Shay in 1892, and he and his wife Jane lived in the house until their deaths in 1916 and 1912, respectively. The Shays’ son, Lette, had intentions of doing upkeep on the house, but by the late 1920s, he had sold off all his Harbor Springs properties, leaving the Hexagon House to become the residence of tea rooms, a handcraft shop, a women’s apparel shop, a beauty shop, and more.
Then, in the late 1980s, Mary Cay Bartush Jones purchased the house and property and began restoring the home. In December 2016, Mary Cay donated the Shay Hexagon House to the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society. After a 2018 capital campaign, the multi-phase restoration project started in 2019, enabling the Ephraim Shay Works Museum to officially open this past summer. And even though the museum itself is small in size, its robust imagery, information, and interactive components make the experience worthwhile.
“The museum shares hands-on exhibits, artifacts, and experiential learning all within this inventor’s historic home,” said Balog. “In addition to exploring Shay’s mechanical genius, visitors can also learn about his Civil War service and later life in Harbor Springs. The museum offers a powerful way to connect with the region’s history and one of its most fascinating residents.”
While I toured the space, I found the abundant natural light and cast color from stained glass doorway transoms to be warm and welcoming, which complemented the passionate individuals who greeted me and provided added details about the renovation and Shay himself.
Having lived in Northern Michigan for over 25 years and spent a decent amount of time in Harbor Springs, I was shocked to discover this Renaissance man and learn about his impressive impact on the region and the railway industry. From the engagingly written panels of biographical, railway, and architectural history to the hands-on features, including a scan-the-tool station, an electronic display showcasing the differences between the Shay geared locomotive engine and the typical rod-driven engine, and a very tactile, kid-friendly room filled with gears, belts, pulleys, and more, this museum is great for all ages.
By demonstrating the importance of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) in relation to the economic and societal sectors, the Ephraim Shay Works Museum conveys how fulfilling creativity and inventiveness can be, and the lasting impact of one person’s innovative spirit and hard work.
Open on Fridays and Saturdays, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, year-round, Ephraim Shay Works Museum admission is bundled with access to the Harbor Springs History Museum, which is located across the street. Daily rates are as follows:
Children 5 & under — Free
Students (Kindergarten through college) — $10
Seniors — $15
Adults — $20
For more information about the Ephraim Shay House, visit the Harbor Springs Historical Society website. To schedule group and school tours, please call (231) 526-9771.
About the Author: Alex Dailey is a long-time Northern Michigan resident who happily calls Petoskey home. When she isn’t at her computer writing and editing, you can find her taste-testing craft cocktails, patronizing downtown shops (especially bookstores), and participating in as many local literary events as possible. She looks forward to sharing her Petoskey Area favorites with you!