John J. Michels attended school until he was 12, then began work in a furniture store.

[2] Michels was also a village trustee and a member of the Houghton County Road Commission.

[2] The exterior was originally lapsided with wood siding, but is now covered with cedar shingles.

A gabled pediment and conical tower delineate the roofline, and the house is roofed in asphalt shingles.

A circular porch wraps around the first story, supported by round wooden columns and accented with beaded spindle work.