Alanson in Emmet County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

W. W. Fairbairn

Registered Michigan Historic Site

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2017

1. W. W. Fairbairn Marker

Inscription.
Walter W. Fairbairn came to Alanson in 1888 as a government surveyor. He worked as a blacksmith in Detroit and lived in North Dakota before settling permanently in Alanson in 1892. Three years later, he established a hardware and plumbing business in this building, which also housed the post office. Fairbairn and, later, his descendants served customers throughout the area. The structure has pressed metal siding, which was popular during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Erected 2004 by Michigan Historical Commission, Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number 2139.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.

Location. 45° 26.484′ N, 84° 47.318′ W. Marker is in Alanson, Michigan, in Emmet County. Marker is at the intersection of Burr Avenue (U.S. 31) and River Street, on the right when traveling north on Burr Avenue. Marker is located beside sidewalk in front of the store. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alanson MI 49706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker

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, measured as the crow flies. Oden Gazebo Park (approx. 2.3 miles away); State Board of Fish Commissioners / State Game and Fish Warden (approx. 3 miles away); Passenger Pigeons (approx. 3 miles away); Hiawatha Pageant (approx. 5.1 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.7 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.7 miles away); Stafford's Bay View Inn (approx. 7.8 miles away); Woman's Council (approx. 8.1 miles away).

W. W. Fairbairn Hardware Store (<b><i>marker visible at front corner</b></i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2017

2. W. W. Fairbairn Hardware Store (marker visible at front corner)

W. W. Fairbairn Hardware Store (<b><i>front street view</b></i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2017

3. W. W. Fairbairn Hardware Store (front street view)

W. W. Fairbairn Hardware Store (<b><i>side view</b></i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2017

4. W. W. Fairbairn Hardware Store (side view)

W. W. Fairbairn Hardware Store (<b><i>pressed metal siding referenced on marker</b></i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2017

5. W. W. Fairbairn Hardware Store (pressed metal siding referenced on marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 312 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 17, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.