A Home in the Grove: Edwina Burrows Montague’s Strawberry Ice
“A steady stream of people stopped Sunday for a look into Saginaw’s past and what should be a page from its future.
Our family was among many who got a close look at the Montague Inn in the Grove. We were shown the class and elegance that has been resurrected on Saginaw’s East Side.”
-“Touring Montague Inn Like finding buried treasure.” The Saginaw News, May 31, 1986.
Since 1968 – for forty years, the Montague Inn at 1581 South Washington Avenue has been a landmark and destination. It is quite likely you’ve attended – or even hosted – a celebration there.
However, long before it was transformed into a public venue, it was a private home constructed for Robert S. and Edwina Burrows Montague. Prior to having their residence on South Washington Avenue constructed, the Montague family resided at 505 North Michigan Avenue.
An article published at the time of Mrs. Montague’s passing outlines her life:
“Mrs. Robert S. Montague Sr., a member of one of Saginaw’s oldest and most respected families, died early today at her home, 1518 [sic] South Washington. She was 79.
Mrs. Montague, who during her life took an active part in civic affairs, was a member of Michigan Avenue Baptist Church and an honorary member of the Visiting Nurses’ Association. Mr. Montague, founder of Sugar Beet Products Co, died Oct. 21, 1951.
Edwina Burrows was born Dec. 14, 1878, in Saginaw, the daughter of the late George L. and Julia Hotchkiss Burrows. She was married to Montague on June 5, 1906, and for a few years after marriage lived in Caro. The couple moved to Saginaw in 1913.
She leaves one son and one daughter, Robert S. Montague Jr. and Mrs. Carl H. Pletscher of Saginaw, and five grandchildren.:” (The Saginaw News, September 9, 1958.)
The first public announcement that the Montagues were about to construct a new home appeared in The Saginaw News on April 9, 1929: “Mrs. and Mrs. Robert S. Montague have purchased the C.K. Eddy property in the Grove and are planning to build a new home.” Although the property the Montagues acquired had been the site of a substantial circa 1870 home, what the Montagues were interested in acquiring was the spacious lot gracefully sloping down to Lake Linton. Almost immediately, they hired the prominent Saginaw architectural firm of Frantz and Spence.** Noted for their elegantly scaled, historically inspired homes, the firm created a design that was both grand and intimate for the Montagues – and took full advantage of the views of Lake Linton.
On October 27, 1929, the following appeared in the paper:
“Contracts for the construction of a residence in the Grove have been let by Robert S. Montague to C.M. St. John & Co., according to Mr. St. John. Work has started and is scheduled for completion next June, it is understood the home will cost about $100,000. The site is the former Judd Property, that was purchased for residential purposes by the late Arthus D. Eddy.” (The Saginaw Sunday News, October 27, 1929.)
Although we don’t know precisely when the home was completed, the papers record that the family was living at their new home by 1933. Articles in the newspaper suggest they greatly enjoyed their new home and frequently used it for parties. Also, the Montagues hosted numerous events for their church and the organizations to which they belonged.
Edwina Montague passed away in 1958. The following year, the contents of the Montague home were offered for sale:
“Estate, Mrs. R.S. MONTAGUE, 1581 SO. WASHINGTON AVE., Sale of entire contents of this lovely home starting, MONDAY, NOV. 30th, 10:30 a.m. – FRIDAY, DEC. 4th, conducted by Cecile Nolet” (The Saginaw News, December 2 1959.)
In 1962, the house was sold to the City of Saginaw for $80,000. After serving as city offices, the house was vacated and various uses were proposed. It was a combination of investors from Marshall, Michigan, and local people who brought the Montague back to life:
“Two Marshall couples were instrumental in what happened at 1581 S. Washington. These folks, along with Saginaw architect Leslie Tincknell and his wife Marion – plus a number of volunteer workers – have brought back a dream that has lain dormant under our noses,” (The Saginaw News, May 31, 1986.)
The Recipe: Strawberry Ice
Two and one-half quarts of strawberries. Wash, crush and add sugar to sweeten. Press through colander and Freeze.
Mrs. R. S. Montague, (The Saginaw Cook Book, Compiled by the Woman’s Society of First Congregational Church, 1929 Edition.)
CTK Interpretation
3 cups crushed strawberries, washed and hulled
1 cup sugar*
After combining crushed strawberries and sugar, press through a colander.
The desired liquid should contain some pulp, not much, but some. Place liquid in covered container and freeze overnight.
*Note: The amount of sugar was a random guess. Beyond sweetening the strawberry mixture, the sugar helps to cut down on the formation of ice crystals. A far better explanation of this may be found in the description accompanying Sorbet aux fraises aux framboises [Fresh strawberry or Raspberry Sherbet] in Julia Child’s Kitchen. In her recipe, which I have made several times, Julia Child uses far more sugar. Her recipe calls for a ratio of 2/3 cups sugar for each cup of strawberry puree plus lemon juice. And a precise mixing and freezing regimen. The results are magical – especially an adaptation using oranges.
Edwina Montague’s strawberry ice is far simpler to make and is sublime. And, of course, since we are making this in October when Saginaw’s strawberry season is but a memory, we made it with less-than-wonderful strawberries. We look forward to making this recipe next summer.
We encourage you to make Edwina Burrows Strawberry Ice–of course you will need to experiment with the amount of sugar.
Official CTK Note:
What exactly does “press through a colander” mean? We took the directions literally and used a variety of kitchen utensils to force the crushed strawberries and sugar through the holes of the colander. Although the process was not particularly efficient, the resulting mixture had the perfect balance of juice and pulp.
**The Castle Museum preserves the Frantz and Spence architectural drawing collection. Some reading while you are waiting for your strawberry ice to freeze:
Robert B. Frantz, born 1894, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; died 1971, Saginaw, Michigan.
James A. Spence Sr., born 1899, Saginaw, Michigan; died 1970, Higgins Lake, Michigan.
After receiving a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Michigan in 1920, Robert Frantz moved to Saginaw and worked for architects Cowles and Mutscheller. In 1924, James A. Spence graduated from the University of Michigan, and in 1925, the firm of Frantz and Spence was formed and operated until 1960. After the firm was dissolved, the principals formed independent firms. Many of their residential designs were inspired by American Colonial buildings. These homes demonstrated the designers’ careful analysis and understanding of historical examples and their facility in adapting these designs to contemporary demands. However, there was another side to the firm’s work. Especially, in their designs for commercial structures, they demonstrate an interest and skill in modern design. In fact, even in their most passionately colonial homes, careful scrutiny exposes subtle design details related to the firm’s more modern designs. After World War II, the International Style became a clear source of inspiration for the firm.
