Gladstone in Delta County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

814 Wisconsin

— City of Gladstone Historic Tour —

Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 12, 2026

1. 814 Wisconsin Marker

Inscription.
This charming family home is functional and practical and suited the personality of Webster L. Marble in 1900. Webster Marble was one of the greatest inventors and entrepreneurs of his time. He designed and developed practical, useful outdoor items for timbermen, hunters, fishermen, soldiers, campers and Boy Scouts. From a humble beginning in the shop behind his home, he designed and patented his first gun sight in 1891.

Marble was born in 1854 in Milwaukee. He married Rosa Derry in 1878 and they raised two sons. In 1887 the family came to Gladstone, the year the City was established. He was a Timber Cruiser by trade yet realized that the community was perfect for new industry. He founded the Gladstone Exchange Bank and served as President for 40 years. He partnered with Frank VanCleve and J. T. Jones to build the largest Outdoor Sportsmen's Production Company in the world. At peak production he employed almost 1000 people. Webster Marble invented and patented over 60 outdoor sportsmen products that are highly collectable today. He helped to build the City of Gladstone and served the community until he died in 1930.

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He was inducted into the Sporting Goods Hall of Fame and continues to be recognized today.

This beautiful home stands in remembrance of its history remaining humble & welcoming.

Photo courtesy of Delta County Historical Commission

Erected by Gladstone Historical Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 45° 50.75′ N, 87° 1.153′ W. Marker is in Gladstone, Michigan, in Delta County. It is on Wisconsin Avenue east of 9th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 814 Wisconsin 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:

814 Wisconsin and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 12, 2026

2. 814 Wisconsin and Marker

This marker is the one on top.

816 Wisconsin Avenue (here, next to this marker); 818 Wisconsin Avenue (a few steps from this marker); 802 Wisconsin Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 805 Wisconsin (within shouting distance of this marker); 904 Wisconsin Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 903 Wisconsin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 715 Wisconsin Avenue (about 300 feet away); 714 Wisconsin (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gladstone.

Also see . . . Webster Marble. Wikipedia article that includes a section on Marble's notable inventions. (Submitted on April 26, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.