Albion in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Starr Commonwealth Schools / Floyd Starr

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

1. The Starr Commonwealth Schools / Floyd Starr Marker

Side 1

Inscription. The Starr Commonwealth Schools
In 1913 Floyd Starr purchased forty acres of land on Montcalm Lake to found Starr Commonwealth for Boys, a nonprofit home and residential school for wayward, delinquent and neglected boys. At that time, the only building on the property was an old barn in which Starr and the first two boys stayed until the first structure was completed. Today 155 boys are served on a 300-acre campus encompassing facilities built with private contributions. Services to youth were expanded with the founding of the Van Wert, Ohio, campus in 1951, and the merger with the Hannah Neil Center for Children in Columbus, Ohio, in 1978. Focusing on positive support in the character development of troubled children by providing a well-founded academic, social and spiritual exposure, Starr Commonwealth is now a nationally recognized child care organization.

Floyd Starr
Floyd Starr, originator of the credo, “There is no such thing as a bad boy,” was born in Decatur, Michigan, on May 1, 1883. After graduating from Marshall High School, he worked for several years in a half-way house in St. Louis, Missouri. Returning to Michigan, he obtained his bachelor of arts degree from Albion College in 1910. Fulfilling a lifetime dream to someday adopt fifty boys, Starr founded Starr

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Commonwealth for Boys in 1913. “Uncle Floyd,” as he was affectionately called by his boys, earned the respect of court officials, coworkers and students for his successful work with homeless, neglected, and delinquent boys. He received numerous citations for his humanitarian efforts. Starr retired from active leadership of Starr Commonwealth in 1967, but provided guidance until his death on August 27, 1980, at the age of 97.

Erected 1982 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S544.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 42° 16.549′ N, 84° 48.332′ W. Marker is in Albion, Michigan, in Calhoun County. Marker is at the intersection of Starr Commonwealth Road and Thomas Lloyd Drive, on the right when traveling south on Starr Commonwealth Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd, Albion MI 49224, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Holy Ascension Orthodox Church (approx. 2½ miles away); The Gale House (approx. 3.2 miles away); Homestead Savings & Loan Association, F.A. (approx.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

2. The Starr Commonwealth Schools / Floyd Starr Marker

Side 2

3.6 miles away); Gardner House Museum (approx. 3.6 miles away); Mother's Day In Albion / Mother's Day (approx. 3.6 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 3.6 miles away); The First Home (approx. 3.7 miles away); Albion College (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albion.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

3. The Starr Commonwealth Schools / Floyd Starr Marker

Starr Schools image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

4. Starr Schools

Campus is across the street from the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 12, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.