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

816 Wisconsin Avenue

— City of Gladstone Historic Tour —

Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 12, 2026

1. 816 Wisconsin Avenue Marker

Inscription.
The unassuming two-story garage behind this charming home is the original 640 sq ft building, "Where it all Began." Webster Marble made 19 Folding Safety Axes for friends in this location and designed the first of many Gun Sites.

"Webster Marble was likely the most reluctant industrial celebrity. A shy semi-reclusive surveyor, timber cruiser and woodsman, with a genius for improving the tools of his trade. Marble never sought fame; it sought him. What began on a workbench in his garage, became the world's most famous outdoor equipment manufacturer; Marbles, Gladstone Mich. USA." Arne Dunathan.

Webster Marble arrived in Gladstone in 1887, the year the Village was organized. Working as a timber cruiser he started improving his designs for the Safety Axe, Compass, the Ideal Knife and the Waterproof Match-Safe. These were the first of many outdoor sportsman's items that were invented and patented by Marble's. The Company went on to outfit hunters, anglers, campers, soldiers and scouts worldwide.

Admiral Perry and Teddy Roosevelt outfitted their crew with Marble products. Charles Lindberg carried a Marble compass

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and Match-Safe on his historic flight. This company survived two world wars and the greatest depression of all time.

After establishing a large Manufacturing Plant, this structure served as a home for Lansing Marble, Webster's father, and as general office space.

Photo courtesy of Delta County Historical Society

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 1887.

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: 816 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

816 Wisconsin Avenue and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 12, 2026

2. 816 Wisconsin Avenue and Marker

816 Wisconsin Avenue is the garage.

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 814 Wisconsin (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: Inventing the Outdoors Museum. Information about Webster Marble, his inventions, and the museum devoted to both on the Visit Escanaba website. (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 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.