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
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. It 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
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Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
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 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.
Bentley Historical Library
2. Everyone Loves a Parade Marker — top image
Circus Parade on Main Street Crossing Huron, 1916
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.
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 203 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 2, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
