Kerrytown in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Politics and Processions on Courthouse Square
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 30, 2020
1. Politics and Processions on Courthouse Square Marker
The Ann Arbor Guard and the Ypsilanti Light Guard formed a procession to honor former President Grover Cleveland before he delivered the annual Washington's Birthday Address at University Hall, February 22, 1892.
This speech marked the launch of his successful national campaign for an unprecedented non-consecutive second term. Cleveland and his wife received visitors in the courthouse that evening.
In October 1900, Democratic Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan visited Ann Arbor and came to the courthouse to deliver a campaign speech. As soon as Bryan was introduced, a group of several hundred university students began taunting and heckling the famous orator.
He appealed to the students to let him speak: "I shall be glad to talk to you if you are willing to listen. I can't talk unless you will."
Eventually, Bryan (circled, holding umbrella) gave up trying to quiet the verbal barrage from the raucous crowd, and the speech was cancelled.
Erected by Ann Arbor Historical Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1892.
Location. 42° 16.9′ N, 83° 44.901′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Courthouse Square: A Center of Civic Life (here, next to this marker); Departing Heroes and the Home Front (here, next to this marker); Architecture & Business on Courthouse Square (a few steps from this marker); Hospitality on Courthouse Square (a few steps from this marker); Michigan Becomes a State (a few steps from this marker); Building New Around Old: The Construction of the Present Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Last Deposit (within shouting distance of this marker); A Landmark of Civic Pride on Courthouse Square (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.
Also see . . . Grover Cleveland: His Speech at University Hall, Feb. 22d. Text of Grover Cleveland's speech as printed in the Ann Arbor Courier (on the Ann Arbor District Library's website). (Submitted on February 8, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 30, 2020
2. Politics and Processions on Courthouse Square Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
