Depot Town in Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company

522 North Huron

Photographed By Joel Seewald, March 26, 2016

1. Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company Marker

Inscription. In 1827, a sawmill was built on the Huron River just south of Forest Avenue. Later a grist mill was built on the site and finally in 1839, the Eagle Flouring Mill was constructed there. It burned in 1856.

In the early 1860s, the Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company was doing a thriving business in a new building which was five stories tall on one side and three stories tall on the other. Painted in the east side of the structure was a lady in her long underwear waving a banner in her outstretched arms. Somewhat shocking in those days, she attracted considerable attention from the railroad passengers passing through Ypsilanti.

Marshall Fields of Chicago was the largest wholesale customer of the unionsuit. One of England's Queen Victoria's sons would only wear Ypsilanti Underwear.

The Company's motto, "If love grows cold, do not despair, there is always Ypsilanti Underwear."

Also...
In Michigan: Between 1830 and 1840, Michigan grew faster than any other state or territory in the United States. On June 24, 1935, Michigan delegates wrote Michigan's Constitution even though it wasn't yet considered a state by Congress.

American Events: Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. The Edison Electric Light Company was formed in 1878.

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by Great Lakes National Bank

Erected 1998 by Depot Town Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is June 24, 1935.

Location. 42° 14.765′ N, 83° 36.595′ W. Marker is in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Depot Town. Marker is on East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is along the sidewalk between 29 and 33 East Cross Street, about 350 feet west of North River Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29 East Cross Street, Ypsilanti MI 48198, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early Days in Depot Town (here, next to this marker); The Thompson Building (here, next to this marker); Michigan Central Railroad Depot (here, next to this marker); Michigan Central Railroad Gardens (here, next to this marker); The Real McCoy (here, next to this marker); The Oliver House (a few steps from this marker); The Last Hudson Dealership (a few steps from this marker); Michigan Central Freighthouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ypsilanti.

Also see . . . The Perfect Underwear for Progressive People. Article about the Ypsilanti Underwear Company in the Ypsilanti
Photographed By Joel Seewald, March 28, 2017

2. Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company Marker
This marker is the second one from the left.
Gleanings. Included are photos of the factory and the "Ypsilanti Lady". (Submitted on March 30, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Former Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, March 28, 2017

3. Former Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company

The Ypsilanti Woolen Mill was razed in 1933. The house on the left is now 522 North Huron.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 463 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 30, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.