Grand Haven in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Central School

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2015

1. Central School Marker

North side of two sided marker

Inscription. The first Central School was built in 1871. The Grand Haven Tribune hailed the belfry-topped school as the "finest in the state" and "the pride of every citizen of Grand Haven." The newspaper blamed arsonists for burning the school on May 5, 1901, and stated that more than one man would "contribute his services to a lynching bee, if the firebug could be detected." A second school, built on this site in 1902, housed over 600 students in grades kindergarten through twelve. That school burned in 1963. The bell from the school was salvaged, but not usable. The following year the present elementary school opened. In 1965 the local Methodist church donated a bell from its old church so that the school could continue its tradition of ringing a school bell to call students to class.

Erected 1989 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1655.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 43° 3.631′ N, 86° 13.521′ W. Marker is in Grand Haven, Michigan, in Ottawa County. It is on S. 6th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 South Sixth Street, Grand Haven MI 49417, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan,

specifically in Greater Grand Rapids,

and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

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: United States Coast Guard (here, next to this marker); First Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named United States Coast Guard (about 700 feet away); Ottawa County Court House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fallen Heroes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Central Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named United States Coast Guard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ottawa County Honor Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Haven.

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2015

2. Central School Marker

south side of two sided marker

Central School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2015

3. Central School

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,123 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on October 7, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.