Grand Ledge in Eaton County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fitzgerald Park
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 7, 2018
1. Fitzgerald Park Marker
Migrant Indian tribes led by the famous Chief Okemos called this area "Big Rocks." They came here in early spring to tap the sugar maples. Later, the beauty of the ledges and woods attracted the Grand Ledge Spiritualist Camp Association which, in 1894, established a summer campground and erected the large pavilion which still stands. Thousands of spiritualists came here for summer encampments until the turn of the century. In 1919, the City of Grand Ledge bought the property and named it Riverside Park. The pavilion was used for dances, roller skating and basketball. During World War II, it housed a factory. This park's name commemorates Grand Ledge native Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald who died in office in 1939. The pavilion was refurbished as a summer theater by the Grand Ledge Improvement Association in 1955.
Erected 1978 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L593.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Environment • Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.
Location. 42° 45.593′ N, 84° 45.652′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Grand Ledge Chair Company (approx. 0.4 miles away); Quarrying and Carrying (approx. 0.6 miles away); What's Buried Down Below? (approx. 0.6 miles away); Where You are Standing Wasn't Always Woods (approx. 0.6 miles away); Through Fire, Depression and War - The Legend Lives On (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Old Boiler Room and Sand House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Why Lincoln Bricks Were Better (approx. 0.7 miles away); Bring Bricks Back to Nature (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Ledge.
Also see . . . About Ledges Playhouse. (Submitted on August 31, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 7, 2018
2. Fitzgerald Park Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 7, 2018
3. Example of the Ledges Along the Grand River
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 7, 2018
4. Example of the Ledges Along the Grand River
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 7, 2018
5. Ledges Playhouse in Fitzgerald Park
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 411 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 31, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
