Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Congregation Beth El

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 26, 2020

1. Congregation Beth El Marker

Inscription. This simple white frame structure featuring gable roof ends with spindle work is the oldest synagogue building in continuous use in Michigan. It was constructed in 1885 on land donated by Perry Hannah, Traverse City lumber magnate who contributed to many religious and civic institutions. Julius Steinberg, Julius Levinson and Solomon Yalomstein were the first trustees of Beth El. Unchanged in appearance, the building has served the Jewish community in the Grand Traverse area for almost a century.

Erected 1977 by Michigan History Division, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L0421 .)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 44° 45.668′ N, 85° 37.085′ W. Marker is in Traverse City, Michigan, in Grand Traverse County. Marker can be reached from Beth El Way, 0.1 miles south of Washington Street. South Park Street was renamed Beth El Way, and the synagogue is behind the county courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 311 Beth El Way, Traverse City MI 49684, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Grand Traverse County Courthouse (about 400 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); World War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Spanish-American War Memorial (about 500 feet away); Park Place Hotel (about 500 feet away); U.S.S. Sabine Parrott Rifle (about 500 feet away); Civil War Memorial (about 500 feet away); Central United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ladies Library Association / Ladies Library Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Traverse City.

More about this marker. Marker is located behind the Congregation building.

Also see . . . Beth El history from its website. (Submitted on March 9, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin.)

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 26, 2020

2. Congregation Beth El Marker

Marker is to the right of the front door.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.