Alma in Gratiot County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Site of Old Main

1886-1969

Photographed by Joel S., October 25, 2015

1. Site of Old Main Marker

Inscription. Originally known as the Administration Building, Old Main and an adjacent structure, Pioneer Hall, were actually older than Alma College. Completed early in 1886, the buildings were to constitute the Central Michigan Normal School and Business College. However, that venture failed and in autumn of the same year they were given by Mr. Ammi W. Wright to the Synod of Michigan of the United Presbyterian Church so that it might establish Alma College. For the first 83 years of the College's history, Old Main was the principal classroom building. It was destroyed by fire on March 10, 1969.

Central Normal School
A.D. 1886

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is March 10, 1969.

Location. 43° 22.763′ N, 84° 40.232′ W. Marker is in Alma, Michigan, in Gratiot County. It is on West Superior Street near Maple Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 614 West Superior Street, Alma MI 48801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan.

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 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of Folsom Hall (here, next to this marker); Alma College / Old Main Fire (a few steps from this marker); Michigan Masonic Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); Sidney S. Hastings

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 3.8 miles away); Saint Louis (approx. 3.8 miles away); Joseph Clapp Memorial Park (approx. 3.9 miles away); Henry R. Pattengill (approx. 6.8 miles away); Henry Romain Pattengill (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alma.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Alma College (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Joel S., October 25, 2015

2. Site of Old Main Marker

Photographed by Joel S., October 25, 2015

3. Site of Old Main Marker

Detail of the image of Old Main.

Site of Old Main Marker / Site of Folsom Hall Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel S., October 25, 2015

4. Site of Old Main Marker / Site of Folsom Hall Marker

Site of Old Main marker is on the right; Site of Folsom Hall marker is on the left.

circa 1905

5. Old Main

Vintage postcard image of Old Main, cropped to match the image above.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 739 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 22, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 5. submitted on December 22, 2015.