Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fordson High School
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 2, 2010
1. Fordson High School Marker
When it was dedicated on March 22, 1928, Fordson High School was hailed as "one of the finest school buildings in the United States." Designed in the Neo-Tudor style, the school is reminiscent of sixteenth century English universities and manor houses. The tower was inspired by the Yale University Memorial Quadrangle and the Lawyers Club at the University of Michigan. Fordson's interior houses mosaics, statuary, Pewabic tile, and murals by Hungarian-born artist Zoltan Sepeshy (1898-1974). A major restoration occurred during the 1970s. In 1926 the school's architect, Everett Lane Williams of the Detroit firm of VanLeyen, Schilling and Keough, wrote, "May the youth of this city be inspired to enjoy life to its full extent."
Completed in 1928, Fordson High School stands on a fifteen-acre parcel in what was then the village of Fordson. Citizens raised $2.2 million through a bond issue to build the school. In 1929 the village merged with the city of Dearborn, creating the current boundaries. Fordson has a rich history of graduating students of many nationalities and cultures who have become leaders in all fields of endeavor. Notable graduates include UAW president Walter Ruether, class of 1930; Dr. Jerome Wiesner, 1932, science advisor to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson; and U.S. Senator Robert Griffin, 1941. Local personalities
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Erected 1998 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S660.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1886.
Location. 42° 19.781′ N, 83° 10.682′ W. Marker is in Dearborn, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is at the intersection of Ford Road (State Highway 153) and Neckel Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Ford Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13800 Ford Road, Dearborn MI 48126, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dearborn City Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dearborn Town Hall Complex / Orville L. Hubbard (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Schaefer Building (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dedicated to Christopher Columbus (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Neighborhood (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dearborn War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Henry Ford Birthplace
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 2, 2010
2. Fordson High School Marker Reverse
Also see . . .
1. Fordson High School website. (Submitted on July 15, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
2. Fordson High School. Wikipedia article with a history of the school, including: "During World War II, the Tower was used to spot enemy aircraft that could have been headed for the River Rouge Plant, where tanks were in production." (Submitted on October 5, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 2, 2010
3. Fordson High School (right side)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 2, 2010
4. Fordson High School (left side)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 2, 2010
5. Fordson High School (main entrance)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 2,216 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 12, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
