Bath Township in Clinton County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
In Memoriam James Couzens Agricultural School
In 1873 there was built on this site a two story school constructed of brick and wood. It was erected approximately 100 feet east of this sign. The school consisted of 10 grades; a giant step toward higher education in the Bath area.
In November of 1922 the electors of this community by ballot voted to consolidate the school system and have a centralized school consisting of 12 grades.
May 18, 1927 a disaster struck this community and the school was demolished by dynamite perpetrated by Andrew P. Kehoe, killing 45 and injuring 58 children and adults.
Following the disaster, plans for the new school were donated by Warren Holmes, a Lansing architect and $75,000 was donated by Hon. James Couzens, United States Senator. The school was then named the James Couzens Agricultural School. The school was rebuilt in 1928 with added curricula.
In the year of 1975 by decision of the School Board, approved and contracted the demolition of this school building that had stood as a symbol of higher education for many years in this community.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is May 18, 1927.
Location. 42° 49.008′ N, 84° 26.977′ W. Marker is in Bath Township, Michigan , in Clinton County. Marker is on Main Street near High Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13753 Main Street, Bath MI 48808, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bath Township Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Bath School Disaster (a few steps from this marker); Gunnisonville United Methodist Church (approx. 3.7 miles away); Gunnisonville (approx. 3.7 miles away); Michigan Automobile Dealers Association (approx. 4.9 miles away); Michigan State Medical Society / Michigan State Medical Society Headquarters (approx. 5.1 miles away); Monsignor Jerome V. MacEachin / St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Parish (approx. 5.2 miles away); Haslett (approx. 5˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bath Township.
Regarding In Memoriam James Couzens Agricultural School. There is also a State of Michigan historical marker about the Bath School Disaster in the park.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 19, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.