Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company
Founded in 1881 by flour mill owners from ten mid-Michigan communities, the Michigan Millers Mutual Fire Insurance Company was among the first millers’ cooperative fire insurance companies in America. Its first policy was issued to company president D. L. Crossman of Williamston on October 26, 1881. By the turn of the century, Michigan Millers offered other types of insurance as well. During the Great Depression the company continued to grow, and in 1933, it established its Western Department in Glendale, California. The firm shortened its name to Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company in 1954.
Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company has headquartered in Lansing since it was founded in 1881. The company built its first office in 1890 at 120 West Ottawa Street, and erected its second, the Mutual Building, at 208 North Capitol Avenue in 1929. One-hundred-year-old millstones imbedded in the concrete sidewalk outside of the building serve as reminders of the company’s origins. Michigan Millers continued to grow through the 1940s and 1950s. Its present office, designed by Childs and Smith of Chicago, was built in 1956-57. The building’s symbolic link to the company’s origins is the 1858-vintage steam pumper fire engine, encased in glass on the front lawn.
Erected 1988 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1567.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is October 26, 1881.
Location. 42° 44.614′ N, 84° 30.976′ W. Marker is in Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker is on East Grand River Avenue (Michigan Route 43) near North Francis Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2425 East Grand River Avenue, Lansing MI 48912, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The "Queen City" (a few steps from this marker); Plymouth Congregational Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Michigan National Guard Armory / 119th Field Artillery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lansing Fire Station No. 8 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Church of the Resurrection / Monsignor John A. Gabriels (approx. 0.9 miles away); Union Depot (approx. 1˝ miles away); Secchia Stadium (approx. 1˝ miles away); College Field (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 25, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.