Williamston in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
McCormick Park Gazebo
circa 1900
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 7, 2023
1. McCormick Park Gazebo Marker
In the early 1900s, this Gazebo stood in the intersection of Grand River and Putnam. Positioned on posts, it stood high above the street, over a water trough for passing horses. Its position made it a platform for speeches, concerts, and civic gatherings.
As the automobile era emerged, the gazebo was moved from the street, to the residence of George Pennock, on High Street. In the 1930s, the gazebo was moved to the new city park, now McCormick Park.
Restoration
Resting in grass, near St. Mary's Church, it had been last painted in 2000, as part of a community service project. In 2010, it was moved to its present location as part of the McCormick Park Renovation Project. In 2011, restoration began, funded by the Williamston Sunrise Rotary Club.
Layers of paint were removed and rotten wood was replaced to restor the gazebo.
The final phase of replacing the asphalt shingles with period cedar, was completed in September 2012.
Fred Campbell & Tom M. Johnson headed up the Gazebo Restoration Project.
Historic plaque funding by: Williamston Sunrise Rotary
Design by: Earl Wolf
Photos courtesy of: Depot Museum, David Jones, and Cloyce Odell.
Erected by Williamston Sunrise Rotary
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 2012.
Location. 42° 41.46′ N, 84° 16.859′ W. Marker is in Williamston, Michigan, in Ingham County. It can be reached from North Cedar Street. Marker is in McCormick Park near the east end, next to the Red Cedar River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 High Street, Williamston MI 48895, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan and in Greater Lansing. 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: A different marker also named McCormick Park Gazebo (here, next to this marker); McCormick Park Shelter (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Mary Parish (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); McCormick Park (about 500 feet away); Williamston Wall of Honor (about 600 feet away); Williamston Civil War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Williamston Area World War II Memorial (about 700 feet away); The Bridge (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamston.
2. McCormick Park Gazebo Marker top left image
The gazebo as it appeared in the Grand River intersection about 1900.
3. McCormick Park Gazebo Marker bottom middle image
The gazebo can be seen in the background of this photo taken of the three grandchildren of George Pennock, at his home on High Street, about 1915. Mr. Pennock was a partner in Pennock & Porter Hardware.
4. McCormick Park Gazebo Marker bottom right images
The gazebo in McCormick Park, 1936. St. Mary's Church can be seen on the right.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 7, 2023
5. McCormick Park Gazebo and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 28, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
