Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
German-English Schoolhouse
Photographed By Nathan Bierma
1. German-English Schoolhouse Marker
On this site for 114 years stood the historic German-English schoolhouse. Built in 1868 by the German-English School Association, the structure was used as a school and meeting house for the pioneer German families of Grand Rapids. In 1880 it was acquired by Joseph Jackoboice for use as a factory by his west side iron works for the manufacture of steam engines, logging and saw mill machinery, wood working machinery and later, road equipment and hydraulic power control systems. The fourth automobile in Grand Rapids was constructed in this building by a son. Edward J. Jackoboice in 1897. The original family firm continues in operation on the Grand Rapids scene as the Monarch Road Machinery Company on Michigan Street, N.E. The building was ravaged by two disastrous fires in 1979 and again in 1981 (while in the process of restoration as a registered landmark). It was subsequently demolished. The site was donated to the Gerald R. Ford Museum by the Jackoboice family.
Erected 1983.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Immigration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 42° 58.17′ N, 85° 40.634′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. Marker can be reached from the intersection
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Baptist Mission Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Final Resting Place of Gerald R. Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Flood of 1904 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gerald R. Ford (about 500 feet away); Betty Ford (about 600 feet away); Grand River Bridges (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Grand River (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stanley Ketchel (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.
Photographed By Nathan Bierma
2. German-English Schoolhouse Marker
Photographed By Nathan Bierma
3. German-English Schoolhouse Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2024, by Nathan Bierma of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This page has been viewed 58 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 8, 2024, by Nathan Bierma of Grand Rapids, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
