Chelsea in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Welfare Building
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 28, 2012
1. The Welfare Building Marker
The Welfare Building was constructed in 1906 as a recreation facility for the workers of the Glazier Stove Company. It featured a swimming pool, a billiard hall, a basketball court, a theatre and a reading room. Chelsea native Frank P. Glazier, who was Michigan state treasurer from 1904 to 1908, founded the stove company in 1891. Because Chelsea, a predominantly rural community, lacked skilled labor, most of the company's workers commuted weekly via a special train from Detroit. In 1907 Glazier declared bankruptcy. The building was sold to the Lewis Spring & Axle Company, which manufactured the short-lived Hollier Eight automobile. Since 1960 the building has housed the Chelsea Standard.Erected 1986 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S0524.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 42° 19.17′ N, 84° 1.18′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chelsea / Chelsea Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); First Congregational Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Landmark Site of the Former B&B Glazier Stove Co. Offices (about 400 feet away); McKune Block (about 500 feet away); The Durand Hatch Block (about 600 feet away); Vogel's & Foster's (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Vogel's & Foster's (about 600 feet away); Chelsea's Corner Grocery Store (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chelsea.
Regarding The Welfare Building. According to an update received from Michelle Rogers, editor of the The Chelsea Standard, the newspaper has not been housed there since 1995.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 25, 2021
2. The Welfare Building Marker
View of building from west showing marker location
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 28, 2012
3. Welfare Building South view
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 28, 2012
4. Welfare Building Main Entrance
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 28
5. Glazier Stove Co.
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 28, 2012
6. Welfare Building Southeast view
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 28, 2012
7. Welfare Building East view
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 5, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. 2. submitted on April 3, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on April 5, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
