Elk Rapids in Antrim County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Township Hall

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023

1. Township Hall Marker

Inscription. Designed by Charles H.Peale and built in 1883 near the site where the earliest white settler, Abram Wadsworth had lived, the Elk Rapids Township Hall has served as a social and political center center for over ninety years. Largely due to lumbering and related industries, the village was the most important economic force in the area. Located on Grand Traverse Bay, the prosperous community needed a permanent meeting place. Thus this hall was erected and has hosted theatrical, patriotic, school and township activities.

Erected 1979 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number 59.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 44° 53.838′ N, 85° 25.045′ W. Marker is in Elk Rapids, Michigan, in Antrim County. Marker is at the intersection of River Street and Spruce Street, on the left when traveling west on River Street. It is across Veterans Memorial Village Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 River St, Elk Rapids MI 49629, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of

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this marker. The Island House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Methodist Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); Because of the Water... (approx. 0.4 miles away); Rotary Park "Centennial Project" (approx. 0.4 miles away); Elk Rapids (approx. 0.4 miles away); Land of Anishinabek (approx. 0.4 miles away); Why All of the Stumps? (approx. 0.4 miles away); Early Elk Rapids and the Elk River (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Rapids.

Also see . . . Wikipedia entry. Excerpt:

The Elk Rapids Township Hall is a rectangular, single-story structure, constructed of buff-colored brick with a mansard roof. It measures approximately 38 feet (12 m) by 100 feet (30 m), topped by a mansard roof. The entrance is reached through a modern rectangular vestibule addition. The side walls have round-arch windows with stepped buttress piers. Inside, the main hall seats approximately 180 guests, with the stage retaining its early twentieth-century valley scene.

(Submitted on October 21, 2023.)

Elk Rapid Township Hall and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023

2. Elk Rapid Township Hall and Marker

Marker is on the building, between the steps and the set of three windows. River Street runs left to right while Spruce Street heads south on the left.

Elk Rapids Town Hall, 1884 image. Click for full size.

Engraving from the book The Traverse Region by H.R. Page & Co. (Public Domain), 1884

3. Elk Rapids Town Hall, 1884

Compare with photo No. 2. The present entrance vestibule had not been added when this engraving was made.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.