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THE HISTORICAL
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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Mackinaw Township in Mackinaw City in Cheboygan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
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Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995

Mackinaw City Historical Pathway

— Dedicated to a Gentleman with a Community Spirit... —

 
 
Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 19, 2019
1. Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker
Inscription.
Perry Darrow was a special person in our community; wherever he went, he had a smile and willing hands to help anyone.

He was born in Kniffenville, a small settlement of Mackinaw City near Drydock Lake. His parents, Glen (Slim) and Bea Darrow settled here in 1932, and raised nine children, Don, Jim, Bud, Duane, Dick, Nancy, Glenda, Perry and Pat.

During the summer of 1962 Perry met a summer employee and college student, Katie Hoolihan from Lake Orion. They were married January 15, 1964. Two children, a son, Darby, and a daughter, Cindy, who died at an early age, were born to them. Darby and his wife, Mary, have three children, Dylan, Elizabeth and Kaitlin. They brought many joys to Perry, especially when he would hear the words "PaPa Perry."

As owner of Darrow Bros. Excavating, Perry continued the Darrow family legacy in Mackinaw City and played a significant role in the construction and development of our hometown. Perry's life was distinguished by service to his God, country, family, friends and neighbors. Perry died while deer hunting on November 15, 1955 at the age of 56.

On this site, Perry and his eight
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brothers and sisters attended Mackinaw City Public Schools. Many remember him as an exceptional basketball player who set many scoring records.

As a testament to his legacy, his family, friends, community organizations and the Village of Mackinaw City developed this playland where children can find joy in each other and the great outdoors.

This spruce log sculpture of Perry Darrow was crafted by the gifted and caring hands of artisan Jerry Prior, who also carved Ojibway Indian Chief Wawatam and English fur trader Alexander Henry, prominent eighteenth century statesmen living in the straits region. These sculptures stand in Mackinaw City parks named for them. The parks are located on North Huron Avenue. (Marker Number 50.)
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 15, 1964.
 
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 45° 47.061′ N, 84° 43.672′ W. Marker was in Mackinaw City, Michigan, in Cheboygan County. It was in Mackinaw Township. It was on Henry Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Old School Park, between
Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 19, 2019
2. Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker
East Jamet and East Sinclair Streets. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 302 Henry St, Mackinaw City MI 49701, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula, on the Straits of Mackinac, and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It was also in the American Midwest. Globally, it was in North America, in the Great North Woods, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Perry B. Darrow 1939-1995 (here, next to this marker); Old School Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackinaw Woman's Club, Inc. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marine and Weather Reporter (about 700 feet away); Anchor (about 700 feet away); The Lumbering Era (about 800 feet away); Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (approx. 0.2
Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker - left image image. Click for full size.
3. Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker - left image
miles away); Alexander Henry 1739 - 1834 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinaw City.
 
Other markers no longer nearby. Marine & Weather Reporter (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Anchors and their retrieval (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Lumbering Era (was about 800 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
 
More about this marker. Marker has been replaced
 
Also see . . .
1. 50. Old Schools. Web page with audio tour file. (Submitted on September 25, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.) 

2. History Carved in Wood. Article about wooden sculptures of people of historical importance to Mackinaw City carved by Jerry Prior. (Submitted on October 9, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.) 
 
Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker - center image image. Click for full size.
4. Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker - center image
Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker - upper right image image. Click for full size.
5. Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker - upper right image
Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker - lower right image image. Click for full size.
6. Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker - lower right image
Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 19, 2019
7. Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 Marker
The playland structure at the park.
Perry B. Darrow Statue image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 19, 2019
8. Perry B. Darrow Statue
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 578 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on July 9, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos:   1. submitted on September 24, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.   2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 25, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
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Aug. 5, 2026