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NATIVE AMERICANS
Grand Ledge has seven sites listed
on the Michigan Historic Register.
1. Governor Fitzgerald Home (listed 1978)
Marker:
Here lived Frank D. Fitzgerald who served his first term as governor 1935-36. His second
term, starting in January 1939 was cut short by his death in this house in March of that
year. Born in Grand Ledge in 1885, Fitzgerald earned wide respect from local citizens. A
republican, he was secretary of state 1930-34, State chief executive during some
tumultuous Depression years, Fitzgerald advocated government re-organization
measures including a civil service system for state employees.
2. Fitzgerald Park (listed 1978)
Marker:
Migrant Indian tribes led by famous Chief Okemos called this area "Big Rocks." They
came here in early spring to tap the sugar maples. Later, the beauty of the ledges and
woods attracted the Grand Ledge Spiritualist Camp Association which, in 1894,
established a summer camp and erected the large pavilion which still stands.
Thousands of spiritualists came here for summer encampments until the turn of the
century. In 1919, the City of Grand Ledge bought the property and named it Riverside Park.
The pavilion was used for dances, roller skating and basketball. During World War II, it
housed a factory. This park's name commemorates Grand Ledge native Governor Frank
D. Fitzgerald who died in office in 1939. The pavilion was refurbished as a summer
theater by the Grand Ledge Improvement Association in 1955.
3. Second Island (listed 1978)
Marker:
Graced by the natural beauty of these soaring sandstone ledges, Grand Ledge was once
famous for its Seven Islands Resort, a recreation area centered on this island from 1870
to 1910. At the turn of the century, the ledges made this city one of the most popular resort
areas in lower Michigan. Excursion trains brought thousands to enjoy this area which
featured steamboat rides, a boat livery, a hotel and vaudeville theater, mineral wells, a
roller coaster and fishing. In 1976 the Grand Ledge Bicentennial Commission erected a
band pavilion.
4. River Ledge Historic District (listed 1987)
5. Grand Ledge Chair Company (listed 1987)
Marker:
Grand Ledge
Chair Company
Built in 1906
6. Grand Ledge Clay Products Company (listed 1988)
7. Blake's Opera House (listed 1995)
Marker:
Constructed in 1884 as a roller skating rink, this building was purchase by Peter Blake
and opened as Blake's Opera House in 1886. Here audiences enjoyed talent shows,
vaudeville, silent movies and athletic contests. Between 1928 and 1984, the Stephens
and Mapes families used the building as a furniture store. The Mapes family donated the
building for a community center. It was restored by the Grand Ledge Historical Society and
the chamber of commerce.
For more informaiton, visit the Michigan State Historic Marker Site
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