Depot Town in Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Oliver House
39-41 East Cross Street
Each day, many passenger trains stopped in Depot Town. Many hotels were built to accommodate the number of travelers stopping in the area. The building, known then as the Carr Hotel was built in the 1870s. It later became The Neat House, Lewis House and Dad's Tavern.
When Oliver Westfall purchased it, he renamed it Oliver House. Business prospered when he opened a tavern on the first floor and an upstairs dining room to compliment the sleeping rooms. When the sun is shining just right, you can see evidence of the name on the front of the building, along with the words "Buffet" and "Lunch" visible on the side. During the 1920s with the passage of the National Prohibition Act banning alcohol sales, the building became an ice cream parlor.
When the young men came home from World War I, they were greeted by a sign which read, "Welcome Home." During World War II and the post war period, the business was well-known as Ken's Bar. The soldiers returning to the Ypsilanti Depot and the employees of the Willow Run Bomber Plant frequented Depot Town resulting in a thriving business that led to waitresses on roller skates. It became the Alibi Bar in the 1960s.
Also...
In Michigan: In 1913, Henry Ford introduced the moving assembly line in Highland Park, Michigan. The introduction revolutionized automobile production by significantly reducing assembly time per vehicle, thus lowering costs. The first drinking & driving law was passed in 1910.
American Events: In 1914, World War I began in Europe, the United States entered the war in 1917. World War I, "the war to end all wars," ended in 1919.
Donated by Bill & Sandee French - 1998
Erected 1998 by Depot Town Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 42° 14.771′ N, 83° 36.596′ W. Marker is in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Depot Town. Marker is on East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is along the sidewalk between 29 and 33 East Cross Street, about 350 feet west of North River Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29 East Cross Street, Ypsilanti MI 48198, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Real McCoy (here, next to this marker); The Last Hudson Dealership (here, next to this marker); Michigan Central Railroad Gardens (here, next to this marker); Michigan Central Railroad Depot (here, next to this marker); The Thompson Building (here, next to this marker); Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company (a few steps from this marker); Early Days in Depot Town (a few steps from this marker); Michigan Central Freighthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ypsilanti.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 491 times since then and 116 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 9, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.