Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Jacob Smith / Fred A. Aldrich
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 18, 2021
1. Jacob Smith / Fred A. Aldrich Marker
The first permanent structure erected on this site was probably the trading post built in 1819 by Jacob Smith, the founder of Flint. Fluent in English, French, German and a half dozen Indian languages, Smith represented the Chippewa nation at the Great Council held in 1819. At that council, the Indians ceded six million acres of land to the federal government. Five sections of that land, including this site, were reserved for Smith’s children. In 1873 Smith’s daughter Louisa Payne and her husband, Chauncy, donated this site to the First Baptist Church of Flint. The group worshipped here in a white clapboard sided church from 1873 to 1889. Around 1892 Stephen Crocker built five houses in this area, including this vernacular Queen Anne style building.
Fred Aldrich (1861-1957) moved into this house in 1894. A native of Van Buren County, Aldrich had come to Flint at age eight, when his father purchased the Flint Globe newspaper. In 1880 Aldrich established the Otter Lake Enterprise newspaper in northeast Genesee County. In 1889 he began working for his childhood friend, William C. Durant, as a clerk at the Flint Road Cart Company. He became secretary of the Durant-Dort Carriage Company upon its incorporation in 1896. He was the only secretary of that
this page online
Erected 1988 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1396.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.
Location. 43° 1.11′ N, 83° 41.743′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is at the intersection of West First Avenue and Lyon Street, on the left when traveling west on West First Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 221 W First Ave, Flint MI 48503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. W. C. Billy Durant (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); J. Dallas Dort (about 400 feet away); Bold Moves (about 400 feet away); Carriage Town (about 400 feet away); Flint Road Cart Factory / Durant-Dort Carriage Factory No. 1
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 18, 2021
2. Jacob Smith / Fred A. Aldrich Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 18, 2021
3. Jacob Smith / Fred A. Aldrich Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 19, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
