Kerrytown in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Essential City Services

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 10, 2021

1. Essential City Services Marker

Inscription. Fred Sipley (circled) was the police marshal before he became the first full-time fire chief in 1889. His successor as chief, Charles Edwards, stands left of the horses in this 1906 photograph. Fires from oil lamps and wood-burning stoves were a constant worry in early Ann Arbor. At the cry of "Fire!" everyone came running with family water pails. By 1838 the village had two volunteer fire companies, two small engine houses, and a hand-operated fire pump.

More companies formed, with names like Eagle, Defiance, Mayflower, and Relief. Volunteers trained, cleaned equipment, and organized social activities at their engine houses. Fiercely proud of their uniforms and equipment, they delighted in parading through town. When Firemen's Hall was built in 1882, it had a large meeting room upstairs. With the gradual change to a full-time paid department, the room was converted to a dormitory.

Erected by Ann Arbor Historical Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 42° 16.889′ N, 83° 44.767′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Kerrytown. Marker is at the intersection of North Fifth Avenue and East Huron Street, on

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the right when traveling south on North Fifth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219 E Huron St, Ann Arbor MI 48104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New City Government, New Issues, and a New City Hall (here, next to this marker); The Growth of City Services (a few steps from this marker); Central Title Service Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Antislavery Society (about 400 feet away); Building New Around Old: The Construction of the Present Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Michigan Becomes a State (about 500 feet away); Hospitality on Courthouse Square (about 600 feet away); Architecture & Business on Courthouse Square (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.

Also see . . . The 1882 Firehouse. (Submitted on September 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 10, 2021

2. Essential City Services Marker

Marker is on the left

1882 Fire Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 10, 2021

3. 1882 Fire Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.