Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Manufacturing History
at the Corner of Norris & Forest
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016
1. Manufacturing History at the Corner of Norris & Forest Marker
Manufacturing here spanned most of the 20th Century,
reflecting the changing economy in Ypsilanti and in America. In 1907 the Ypsilanti Hay Press Company first built a factory here by the Huron River and the railroad tracks to make hay-presses and tractors. Between 1919 and 1964 the site grew to be Central Specialties Company's 28-acre metal foundry complex, producing items like piston-rings and Sears power tools. After the site's 19 buildings were sold to Motor Wheel Corporation in 1964, automotive brake drums and rotors were produced here until closing in 1997. Today's Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery occupies a Central Specialty / Motor Wheel office building.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service; Huron River Watershed Council; Ypsilanti Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 42° 15.007′ N, 83° 36.606′ W. Marker is in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. Marker is at the intersection of Norris Street and East Forest Avenue, on the right when
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Michigan Central Freighthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ypsilanti Civil War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); The Last Hudson Dealership (approx. ¼ mile away); The Oliver House (approx. ¼ mile away); The Real McCoy (approx. ¼ mile away); Michigan Central Railroad Gardens (approx. ¼ mile away); Michigan Central Railroad Depot (approx. ¼ mile away); The Thompson Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ypsilanti.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016
2. Upper left image
Drawing of the Ypsilanti Hay Press factory, 1909. The factory made products for the agricultural lifestyle of the time, including hay-presses and early gasoline tractors. Image courtesy of the Ypsilanti Historical Society.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016
3. Lower left image
Ypsilanti Hay Press Company, 1916. Photo courtesy of the Ypsilanti Historical Society.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016
4. Middle image
Central Specialties' complex, looking west along Forest Avenue, 1925. By this time, the facility had grown to produce metal products for industry. Photo courtesy of the Ypsilanti Historical Society.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016
5. Upper right image
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016
6. Lower right image
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016
7. Arbor Brewing Company with the Manufacturing History at the Corner of Norris & Forest Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016
8. Manufacturing History at the Corner of Norris & Forest
View west across Norris Street at the former factory complex.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 20, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
