Dowagiac in Cass County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Willis M. Farr

Photographed By Lou Donkle, July 2, 2022

1. Willis M. Farr Marker

Inscription. Farr Park is named for Michigan native and Civil War veteran Willis M. Farr, born August 1, 1844, who was an industrialist and a Dowagiac city alderman in the 1880's. Mr. Farr was a partner in Dowagiac Manufacturing Co., a maker of grain drills. Later, he was a partner and then sole owner of Stark Sand Band Co.

The property at Division and Main streets was given to the City of Dowagiac by Mr. Farr. He also spearheaded the drive to erect the Cass County Soldiers and Sailors Monument, located on Main Street. As a tribute to Mr. Farr, City Council on September 2, 1919, renamed the former Fountain Park to Farr Park in his honor.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1965.

Location. 41° 59.017′ N, 86° 6.851′ W. Marker is in Dowagiac, Michigan, in Cass County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 62 east of Parsonage Street. The marker is located at the west end of Farr Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dowagiac MI 49047, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dowagiac World War II - Korean Conflict - Vietnam War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 19th Michigan Infantry Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Paul's Church / Episcopal Church

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Criffield-Whiteley House / Harry and Sara Ethel Whiteley (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dowagiac Civil War Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dowagiac World War I Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Dowagiac National Bank (approx. 0.3 miles away); Beckwith Park (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dowagiac.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 9, 2014

2. Willis M. Farr Marker

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 9, 2014

3. Farr Park

View to east from marker location
Marker at bottom right

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 9, 2014

4. Willis M. Farr Marker

Photographed By Lou Donkle, July 2, 2022

5. Willis M. Farr Marker

Farr Park Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lou Donkle, July 2, 2022

6. Farr Park Sign

Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 505 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on July 26, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 15, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5, 6. submitted on July 26, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.