Vernier Rd
Running from Lake Shore Rd until it merges with 8 mile, Vernier Rd is a key pathway through the Pointe’s while also carrying a significant amount of history. John Bapiste Vernier arrived in the Detroit area in about 1801, after originally coming from France and Canada. From there, he bought roughly 240 acres of land in 1808. About all of Grosse Pointe along with St Clair Shores. The Verniers are considered to be one of the great pioneer families that helped settle the area. With this land, the family opened the Vernier Roadhouse and Hotel, situated on today’s Vernier and Lake Shore. Which then became the precursor to the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, Grosse Pointe Ice Boat club, with the institution containing a large pier. The present day Vernier Rd is named after the family and all of their contributions to this area, further including farm land and a school.

Windmill Pointe Dr
As many roads in Grosse Pointe are named after people and their families, this Drive is different. Windmill Pointe Dr. began as a vast marsh area, considered by the already settled French as Presqu’ile, meaning “almost an island”. Later on a stone Windmill was built on the land. Soon many were referring to the area as Windmill Pointe. Many years later, in 1916, a group formed to create the Windmill Pointe Land Company. This company proceeded to divide the land and from there create the Windmill Pointe Subdivision. Now, this area is home to vast styles of architecture present in grand homes along the water.

Provencal Rd
Provencal Rd, named after a man with generosity that spread for miles. Pierre Provencal wanted to settle down, which led him to buy a plot of land in Grosse Pointe. Some of this land was then cleared for a house to be built upon, in front of present day Lakeshore. As Provencal and his wife were unable to have children, he decided to build another building on their land, one to care for and raise orphans from Detroit. Along with caring for about 24 children, Provencal used the building to hold Sunday Services as there was no church nearby. Bringing in crowds of people and feeding many with even limited crops, Provencal proved to be a man of the people, helping to raise a prosperous community.

Kerby Rd
Many well known areas around the Pointe’s contain the name Kerby, including the Road, but not as many know the family in which this name came from. The Kerby family was one of the earliest families in Grosse Pointe, soon becoming very influential in the area. The family originally made their money through the fishery. The control of this sector of the area allowed more influence in areas like government and property. The Kerby’s also had farms along with stores. Rufus Kerby, a member of the family, even ran the first Grosse Pointe Post Office. This building was then used as the first Village Hall in the early 1900s. It’s easy to see how this family involved themselves in almost everything, which in return left them a legacy in the community.

Allard Rd
Arriving from Quebec, the Allards came to Grosse Pointe. By 1808 they owned over 100 acres of land in the area. Quickly, they gained influence as they owned four farms, specifically ribbons farms. These traditional French farms run east to west as narrow strips along water, allowing for strong irrigation. Additionally, members of the family helped build St. Paul Church, displaying their involvement in the community. With this influence, it gave them a chance to make the map. By 1835, the name Allard Road appeared on the map of Grosse Pointes, leaving a legacy of the family here forever.