Big Rapids in Mecosta County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Historic Downtown
Big Rapids
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 5, 2017
1. Historic Downtown Big Rapids Marker
"This play house is said to have cost forty thousand dollars. Is a peach. Scenery raised above stage instead of sliding back," wrote Fred Roof of Big Rapids on the back of a postcard mailed on October 15, 1908 to his girl friend and future wife, Frannie Fairbanks, in Elk Rapids.
Caption - upper image
The Colonial Theater was built on this site in 1884 and torn down in 1937.
Caption - middle image
This is a view of the interior of the Colonial Theater looking towards the stage.
Caption - lower image
This picture was taken in 1909, looking north on Michigan Ave., from about this location. Note the wooden boardwalks and unpaved streets. The Opera House, built in 1873, was located on the southeast corner of Elm St. and Michigan Ave. and once housed the County offices, the Circuit Court, an armory by the National Guard, and a grocery store on the lower level. The building was razed in 1957.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is October 15, 1908.
Location. 43° 41.788′ N, 85° 28.908′ W. Marker is in Big Rapids, Michigan, in Mecosta County. Marker is on South Michigan
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Historic Downtown (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (about 600 feet away); Nisbett Block (about 600 feet away); Fairman Building (about 700 feet away); Old Mecosta County Jail (about 700 feet away); Ferris State College (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Rapids.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 5, 2017
2. Historic Downtown Big Rapids Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
