Marshall in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Patent Medicine Town

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

1. Patent Medicine Town Marker

Inscription. More than fifty medicine companies have operated out of Marshall. Thirty-seven of these emerged from 1895 to 1905, the heyday of over-the-counter remedies known as “patent medicines.” Before the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, some unregulated companies made exaggerated claims for products such as electric belts and pills to “restore lost manhood.” Many companies were short-lived, but two in Marshall continued for decades: the F. A. Stuart Co. (1892-1956) and the Brooks Rupture Appliance Co. (1880-2003).

Erected 2018 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan History Center. (Marker Number L2324.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.

Location. 42° 16.315′ N, 84° 57.585′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Michigan, in Calhoun County. It is on West Michigan Avenue 0.1 miles east of South Eagle Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 121 W Michigan Ave, Marshall MI 49068, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest 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: The Stuart Building (here, next to this marker); Two Medical Business Leaders (here, next to this marker); Charles T. Gorham (a few steps from this marker); Michigan National Bank Marshall Branch (within shouting distance of this marker); Hemmingsen Rexall Drug Store

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Sullivan Insurance Agency, Inc. (within shouting distance of this marker); J. H. Cronin Co. Inc. (within shouting distance of this marker); American Museum of Magic (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

2. Patent Medicine Town Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 403 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.