Big Rapids in Mecosta County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ferris Institute

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 4, 2017

1. Ferris Institute Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This college was founded in 1884 by Woodbridge N. Ferris as the Big Rapids Industrial School. His objective was to provide low cost, practical training for all with a real desire to study, regardless of a lack of previous formal education. The school began with rented quarters and fifteen students. The first courses were commerce and college preparatory work. Programs in trade-technical work, pharmacy, and teacher training followed. A pioneer school of its kind, it became a state school in 1949.

Erected 1957 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 114.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 43° 41.562′ N, 85° 28.725′ W. Marker is in Big Rapids, Michigan, in Mecosta County. Marker is on Oak Street west of Ives Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 410 Oak Street, Big Rapids MI 49307, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Helen's Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); "Old Main" (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Mecosta County Jail (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historic Downtown (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Rapids.

Also see . . .
1. Historical Timeline. (Submitted on August 8, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. Walking Tour: History of Ferris State University. (Submitted on August 8, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 4, 2017

2. Ferris Institute Marker

Marker is at the far right of the Alumni Building.

<i>Ferris Institute, Big Rapids, Mich.</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1910

3. Ferris Institute, Big Rapids, Mich.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 343 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3. submitted on August 8, 2017.