Gladstone in Delta County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
911-915 Minnesota Ave.
| | City of Gladstone Historic Tour | |
Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 9, 2025
1. 911-915 Minnesota Ave. Marker
This amazing building served the community in various ways. It was one of the first buildings to be built in the new city to house the government offices. Completed in May of 1888, the new City Hall and Police Station were formally dedicated. The Fire Department was known as "The Engine House".
James J. Miller arrived in Gladstone in 1887 and served as President of the Village and then Mayor of the new city. The city grew so fast that good leadership was necessary to accommodate the number of people arriving daily.
The first Marshal was Mr. Dollan. Alex Murker served as the Chief of Police, Truant Officer and Deputy Sheriff, for several years. The Fire Chief was William Gaufin. Mr. Gaufin owned the Gaufin Brothers Cigar Company on Central Avenue. One of three Cigar Manufactures in the city. His son also served as Fire Chief a few years later. Torval Kallerson served as Fire Chief for 32 years. Carl (Pike) Johnson was on the Fire Depart. for 35 years. The tower was used to hang and dry the fire hose. The first motorized fire truck arrived in November of 1922, under the leadership of Alford Raddant.
The city outgrew the first school within a year so the Engine House was rented by the school for $15 a month for high school classes, until the new school could be completed. Early clubs and organizations
this page online
This unique building was the centerpiece of the city and served until the new City Hall was completed on Delta Avenue in 1937.
Erected by Gladstone Historical Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1888.
Location. 45° 50.779′ N, 87° 1.266′ W. Marker is in Gladstone, Michigan, in Delta County. It is on Minnesota Avenue west of 9th Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 915 Minnesota Ave, Gladstone MI 49837, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 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: 11 South 9th Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 904 Wisconsin Avenue (about 300 feet away); 911 Delta Avenue (about 400 feet away); 913-915 Delta Avenue (about 400 feet away); 909 Delta Avenue (about 400 feet away); 903 Wisconsin (about 400 feet away); 1001 Delta Avenue (about 400 feet away); 901 Delta Ave. (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gladstone.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 9, 2025
2. 911-915 Minnesota Ave. Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 46 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
