Depot Town in Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Food and Drink
Haab's Carries on the Tradition
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 6, 2017
1. Food and Drink Haab's Carries on the Tradition Marker
Along the road, a welcoming tradition.
The road was once called the Sauk Trail, the Military Chicago Road, Congress Road, and, eventually, Michigan Avenue. For travel by foot, horse, stagecoach, truck, or automobile, it has endured as a main east-west route in this part of our nation. Along this route, and especially near river crossings like this, merchant communities grew to serve the needs of travelers and local residents.
Food and drink have been served here since the 1870s,
as a saloon and restaurant, under many owners. Haab's Restaurant offers a welcome at their door, continuing the tradition that goes back 140 years.
You Auto Know
The tin ceiling and bar you see in Haab's Restaurant were originally installed in 1905.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 42° 14.469′ N, 83° 36.766′ W. Marker is in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Depot Town. Marker is at the intersection
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Settlement in Washtenaw County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Michigan Avenue Industry (about 400 feet away); Power on the River (about 400 feet away); The Amazing Quarter Mile (about 400 feet away); Elijah McCoy (about 700 feet away); Ypsilanti Area Sesquicentennial (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); 220 N. Huron (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ypsilanti.
Also see . . . The Haab's Traditon. History of Haab's on their website. (Submitted on October 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 6, 2017
2. Left image
Charles A. Smith, owner of what was then called Smitty's Saloon & Riverside Club, 1905. Photo courtesy of Haab's Archives.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 6, 2017
3. Left middle image
The existing bar, with fans and tin ceiling. Photo courtesy of Haab's Archives.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 6, 2017
4. Middle right image
The exterior façade of Haab's Restaurant, installed in 1963.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 6, 2017
5. Right image
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 6, 2017
6. Food and Drink Haab's Carries on the Tradition Marker
Marker is on the side of the building, to the right of the dark windows on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
