SWAN (Southwest Area) in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Furniture Industry

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 3, 2021

1. Furniture Industry Marker

Inscription. The first cabinet maker in Grand Rapids was William Haldane, who in 1837 set up a shop in his home at the corner of Pearl and Ottawa Sts. During the ensuing decades Grand Rapids attracted increasing numbers of furniture craftsmen. Under able business management Grand Rapids had developed into the furniture capital of America by the 1880's. Buyers the world over come for the furniture markets, first held in 1878. Grand Rapids today ranks among the leaders of the industry in quality, style, and design.

Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S0132.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 42° 57.95′ N, 85° 40.623′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in the SWAN (Southwest Area). It is at the intersection of Front Avenue Northwest and Front Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling north on Front Avenue Northwest. Located at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

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: Pearl Street Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured

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in a direct line); The Great Furniture Strike of 1911 (about 300 feet away); Treaty of Chicago (1821) / Treaty of Zhaagaagong (1821) (about 400 feet away); Valley City Milling Company (about 400 feet away); Noahquageshik (about 500 feet away); Grand Legacy (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Grand Legacy (about 700 feet away); Steel Water (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 3, 2021

2. Furniture Industry Marker

West side of Grand Rapids Public Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 519 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.