Civic Center in Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The First Theater in Michigan
J. J. Prats Collection, Photographer Unknown, December 13, 1935
1. The First Theater in Michigan Marker
Original newspaper or wire photo. Whiteout was carefully brushed around the edge of the tablet so the background could be quickly cut out with a razor in composing.
In the top story of a government warehouse on this site, in the year 1819, was located Michigan’s first theatre. Amateur performances were given by officers stationed at Fort Shelby for their families and other civilians. In 1826 the first Thespian Society was organized.
Presented to the City of Detroit in the month of September, 1926.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1926.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 42° 19.457′ N, 83° 3.178′ W. Marker was in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It was in Civic Center. Marker was on the foot of Wayne Street near present-day Steve Yzerman Drive. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Fort Street Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); The Detroit Free Press (approx. 0.3 miles away); Detroit Free Press (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Detroit News (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Pontchartrain (approx. 0.3 miles away); James A. Bailey (approx. 0.3 miles away);
this page online
More about this marker. Wayne Street no longer ends at the Detroit River due to new construction so the exact location can no longer be ascertained.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 515 times since then and 17 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on April 20, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
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