Sturgis in St. Joseph County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Sturges-Young Auditorium

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 11, 2023

1. Sturges-Young Auditorium Marker

Inscription. The Sturges-Young Auditorium opened in 1955 to fanfare and celebration. The 986-seat multipurpose facility was much larger than would be expected for a small community like Sturgis. Spurred by private donations, the city began construction on the building in 1954. Fort Wayne architect A.M. Strauss provided the Modernist design. Major contributors included the building's namesakes Clara and Stella Sturges and Emma Young, each of whom stipulated in their wills that funds be used for the construction of a civic auditorium. The venue has hosted many famous musicians, comedians, and public figures. On March 22, 1974, bandleader Duke Ellington (1899-1974) give his final performance here, two months before he died.

Erected 2006 by Michigan Historical Commission, Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2169.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1904.

Location. 41° 48.108′ N, 85° 25.112′ W. Marker is in Sturgis, Michigan, in St. Joseph County. Marker is on North Nottawa Street (State Highway 66) north of East West St, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis MI 49091, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 107 W. West Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 100 E. Chicago (approx. 0.2 miles away); 101 W. Chicago Rd. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Paving the Way to Progress (approx. 0.2 miles away); 103 W. Chicago (approx. 0.2 miles away); Free Church Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); 100 - 102 W. Chicago (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Heart of Sturgis (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sturgis.

Sturges-Young Auditorium image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, November 19, 2012

2. Sturges-Young Auditorium

Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2012, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 556 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on April 19, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on April 23, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on December 10, 2012, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.