Old West Side in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Everyone Loves a Parade

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 30, 2020

1. Everyone Loves a Parade Marker

Inscription.
Circuses unloaded near the Michigan Central depot and paraded up Main Streeet to perform at the fairgrounds or on a farm at Packard and Stadium. Exotic animals passed by in fancy wagons, bands played, the calliope blared, and children screamed with delight.

Some summers Ann Arbor enjoyed as many as three circuses. Barnum and Bailey was the largest. Almost anything was an excuse for a parade — holidays, new buildings, new fire equipment, visiting dignitaries, political candidates, and student celebrations of all kinds.

Sponsored by MAVDevelopment Company

Photos courtesy the Bentley Historical Library

Erected by Ann Arbor Historical Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment.

Location. 42° 16.69′ N, 83° 44.929′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in the Old West Side. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street and William Street, on the left when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 South Main Street, Ann Arbor MI 48104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ann Arbor Streetcars (here, next to this marker); Power and Transportation (a few steps from this

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marker); The Main Street Shopping Experience (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Main Street Shopping Expands (about 500 feet away); Downtown Movie Theaters (about 600 feet away); Changing Retail Patterns (about 600 feet away); Allen Creek Valley Shapes the Town (about 600 feet away); Bethlehem United Church of Christ (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.

Everyone Loves a Parade Marker — top image image. Click for full size.

Bentley Historical Library

2. Everyone Loves a Parade Marker — top image

Circus Parade on Main Street Crossing Huron, 1916

Everyone Loves a Parade Marker — bottom left image image. Click for full size.

Bentley Historical Library

3. Everyone Loves a Parade Marker — bottom left image

The horse-drawn wagons of the merchants delivery company (left) simulated World War I ambulances in this Red Cross parade on Main Street at William in May 1918.

Everyone Loves a Parade Marker — bottom right image image. Click for full size.

Bentley Historical Library

4. Everyone Loves a Parade Marker — bottom right image

Faculty and students joined townsfolk (above) to generate patriotic spirit and funds for the war effort.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 30, 2020

5. Everyone Loves a Parade Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 2, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.