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
Inscription.
Historic Downtown. Big Rapids. The Fairman and Newton Block replaced the Mason House after an act of arson burned down the wooden frame hotel in 1879. Ferdinand Fairman located his banking business in the basement of his brick building, while the upper stories were reserved for a 61 room hotel. Stillwell's Bazaar opened in this location in 1899 specializing in stationery and five-and-ten cent departments. , , Middle Image Caption , This was one of many postcards of Big Rapids sold at Stillwell's Bazaar. , , Lower Image Caption , The historic drinking fountain, installed in 1889, is visible in this photo on the north side of the Fairman Building. It is still in use today during the summer months.
The Fairman and Newton Block replaced the Mason House after an act of arson burned down the wooden frame hotel in 1879. Ferdinand Fairman located his banking business in the basement of his brick building, while the upper stories were reserved for a 61 room hotel. Stillwell's Bazaar opened in this location in 1899 specializing in stationery and five-and-ten cent departments.
Middle Image Caption
This was one of many postcards of Big Rapids sold at Stillwell's Bazaar.
Lower Image Caption
The historic drinking fountain, installed in 1889, is visible in this photo on the north side of the Fairman Building. It is still in use today during the summer months.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 43° 41.892′ N, 85° 28.926′ W. Marker is in Big Rapids, Michigan, in Mecosta County. Marker is at the intersection of South Michigan Avenue and Maple Street (State Highway 20), on the right when traveling south on South Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 South Michigan Avenue, 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 marker. Fairman Building (here, next to this marker); Ferris State College (within
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shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (within shouting distance of this marker); Nisbett Block (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (about 600 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
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 5, 2017
3. 1889 Drinking Fountain
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
