Central Business District in Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Upjohn Company
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William E. Upjohn
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou
1. The Upjohn Company / William E. Upjohn Marker
Dr. William E. Upjohn (1853-1932), founder of the Upjohn Company, was known as Kalamazoo’s “First Citizen” because of his active role in the community. He helped institute the commission-manager form of government and served as the city’s first mayor under the new system (1918-1921). He helped direct the construction of Bronson Hospital (1904) and several area churches (1926). He also established the Kalamazoo Foundation (1925) and the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research (1932). His belief in the “happy use of leisure time” led him to donate land for Upjohn Park (1919), to help fund an “Art House” (1928) and a municipal
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Erected 1986 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S582.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 42° 17.441′ N, 85° 34.985′ W. Marker is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in Kalamazoo County. It is in the Central Business District. It is on South Kalamazoo Mall 0.1 miles north of East South Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 143 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo MI 49007, 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: David S. Walbridge (a few steps from this marker); Kalamazoo River (within shouting distance of this marker); Art Deco (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burdick Street (about 300 feet away); Haymarket Historic District (about 400 feet away); Transportation (about 400 feet away); Firsts (about 400 feet away); Caleb Sweetland Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalamazoo.
Also see . . . William E. Upjohn. Excerpt:
William(Submitted on December 26, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)Erastus Upjohn (June 15, 1853 – October 18, 1932) was an American medical doctor and both founder and president of The Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company. He was named Person of the Century by the Kalamazoo, Michigan, newspaper.Photographed by J.T. Lambrou2. The Upjohn Company / William E. Upjohn Marker
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou
3. The Upjohn Company / William E. Upjohn Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 874 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 3, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
