Mackinaw Township in Mackinaw City in Cheboygan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Perry B. Darrow 1939-1995
This park is dedicated to a gentleman with a Community Spirit
| | Mackinaw City Historical Pathway | |
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
1. Perry B. Darrow Marker
Perry Darrow, through his work, touched every square inch of Mackinaw soil. But Perry was more than an excavating contractor. He liked people, listened to people, and built bridges between people.
He was loved enough that volunteers turned out to build the playground equipment in this park in his memory.
Perry was born and raised in Mackinaw City. He excelled at basketball, setting five high school records in his junior year.
In 1968, Perry bought his dad's construction business and created Darrow Bros Excavating Inc. with his brother Jim. The business has moved dirt, dug holes, help repair foundations, sewers, roads and every other need on the ground in Mackinaw. Through this business Perry got to know everyone in town. With his untimely death at age 56, the business passed to his son, Darby. Today the company is managed by Dylan, Perry's grandson.
Captions
Perry's grandson Dylan, wife Katie, and son Darby in front of one of the always spotless red trucks.
Jerry Prior, who carved all the statues in town, carved Perry. The statue was installed in 1996.
The Darrow gravel sorting area south of town.
Topics.
this page online
Location. 45° 47.06′ N, 84° 43.673′ W. Marker is in Mackinaw City, Michigan, in Cheboygan County. It is in Mackinaw Township. It is on Henry Street south of East Sinclair Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is at Old School Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 Henry St, Mackinaw City MI 49701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula, on the Straits of Mackinac, and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, 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: Old School Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackinaw Woman's Club, Inc. (about 400 feet away,
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
2. Perry B. Darrow 1939-1995 Marker at the entrance to Old School Park
Other markers no longer nearby. Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995 (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); 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).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
3. Perry B. Darrow statue
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
4. Perry B. and Cindy I. Darrow playground dedication plaque
Mackinaw City Playground
In Loving Memory of
Perry B. (1939-1995)and Cindy I. Darrow (1966-1968)
Dedicated to the children of Mackinaw City by Family and Friends
September 28, 1996
In Loving Memory of
Perry B. (1939-1995)and Cindy I. Darrow (1966-1968)
Dedicated to the children of Mackinaw City by Family and Friends
September 28, 1996
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 9, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 4. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
