Adams resigned from the institute at the end of the 1905 – 06 school year , and returned to the Hermitage with his family . In April 1907 Adams bought Steele 's ownership interest in the property and made it his family 's formal residence . The Hermitage continued to be used as an art studio , as well as a place for Adams to conduct informal art classes . During the Great Flood of 1913 , the Hermitage was partially destroyed by floodwaters , but Adams had the undamaged portions rebuilt and continued to use it as a family residence and art studio . While Adams painted at the Hermitage during the summers , his wife and sons took annual trips to Leland , Michigan . Adams frequently came to Leland to visit and paint
Great Flood of 1913
Great Flood of 1913
J. Ottis Adams