When it opened on August 1, 1928, the Detroit Zoological Park was unique and progressive in its design. The Detroit Zoological Society commissioned Boston landscape architect Arthur Shurtleff to draw the plans for the park. Shurtleff did so . . . — — Map (db m157817) HM
On Northwood Blvd. at Crooks Road, in the median on Northwood Blvd..
On this site stood the old homestead of Dr. Firman W. Clawson the original owner & subdivider of Northwood "the Homesite Beautiful"
Planned & planted
A.D. 1900 — — Map (db m33003) HM
On North Main Street, 0.1 miles north of Eleven Mile Road, on the left when traveling north.
(Side 1)
Several members of this church were significant to its early development. In 1839 charter member Hamlet Harris, "a free colored person" according to the 1840 census, donated $25.00 towards the construction of the first church. . . . — — Map (db m85288) HM
On Woodward Avenue (State Highway 1) south of Parkway Drive, on the right when traveling south.
During the early summer of 1818 the first white men to systematically explore this region camped near this spot on the first night they spent in what is now Oakland County. These men were: D.C. McKinstry, Benjamin Stead, John Montieth, A.G. Whitney, . . . — — Map (db m158437) HM
"A unique air-conditioned cafeteria serving excellent food in an unusual and pleasing atmosphere."
Five concrete Native American statues stood in front of the restaurant from 1927 until its closure in 1967. This statue, the 5th from the left . . . — — Map (db m213123) HM
Near South Center Street north of West Fourth Street, on the left when traveling north.
Long before the Royal Oak was known for its terrific food scene and nightlife, Territorial Governor Lewis Cass and his staff stopped for lunch beneath a mighty oak tree near what is presently the intersection of Main Street, Rochester Road and . . . — — Map (db m221884) HM
On West Fourth Street at South Lafayette Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Fourth Street.
This plaque is issued by the
Historical Society of Michigan
in recognition of
Howard & Howard
founded in 1869
for more than 150 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for contributing to . . . — — Map (db m161227) HM
Near Crooks Road, 1.1 miles east of Woodward Avenue (Michigan Highway 1).
This depressed path, northwest across the Almon Starr land, is the last visible remnant of a trail worn by the feet of Indians and the hoofs of their horses traveling between Detroit and Saginaw until the mid 1800s.
The children of the American . . . — — Map (db m33002) HM
On North Main Street, 0.1 miles south of West 13 Mile Road, on the right when traveling south.
Orson Starr (1803-1873) and his wife, Rhoda Gibbs Starr, (1806-1853) built this home in 1845. Five generations of the Starr family lived here until 1964. The house was purchased by the city of Royal Oak in 1976. Orson Starr came to this area in . . . — — Map (db m32971) HM
On South Washington Avenue at West Seventh Street, on the right when traveling south on South Washington Avenue.
On May 3, 1918, the Royal Oak Tribune boasted that, "architecturally and artistically," the new Methodist Episcopal Church was "the achievement of a master mind." William E. N. Hunter, a Detroit architect and Methodist who designed many . . . — — Map (db m34270) HM
On West Second Street west of South Center Street, on the right when traveling east.
In recognition of the efforts of
the Royal Oak Postal Family
in providing services and
support following the tragedy
of November 14, 1991.
Robert Fisher
Acting MSC Manager/Postmaster — — Map (db m161590) HM
Near Rochester Road, 0.2 miles south of East Twelve Mile Road.
Royal Oak Township Cemetery
In 1826 Daniel Burrows donated land for use as a cemetery. The first burial was the infant daughter of Laura Swift Chase and David Chase, who later served as township supervisor and a delegate to the "Convention . . . — — Map (db m85340) HM
On East Third Street at Williams Street, on the left when traveling east on East Third Street.
Organized February 13, 1913
Presidents
George J. Scott 1913-19
Mark Halsey 1920-21
J.F. Codling 1922
Wm. Sullivan 1923
Chas. E. Crampton 1924-26
George J. Scott 1927-30
J.L. Halsey 1932-32
Casper Schropf 1933-34
Robert . . . — — Map (db m161336) HM
On South Pleasant Street at West Fourth Street, on the right when traveling south on South Pleasant Street.
Erected in 1839, this building was originally a small frame Baptist church. The village purchased it for a town hall in 1914 and used it for municipal purposes until 1923, when the Royal Oak Woman's Club acquired it. The club, founded in 1902 as a . . . — — Map (db m34271) HM
On Crooks Road, 1.1 miles west of Woodward Avenue (Michigan Highway 1), on the right when traveling south.
Saginaw Trail
The Saginaw Trail, running from Detroit to Saginaw through Pontiac and Flint, was originally an Indian trail. In 1816 Michigan territorial government authorized the building of a road from Detroit to Saginaw along the trail. . . . — — Map (db m33001) HM
Near West 10 Mile Road near Woodward Avenue (Michigan Highway 1).
1883
First zoo in Detroit, result of bankrupt circus. Sited where Tiger Stadium once stood.
1911
First meeting of Detroit Zoological Society
1916
Royal Oak site of Detroit Zoo . . . — — Map (db m213154) HM
The student population in Royal Oak's district schools had increased to one-hundred fifty pupils which necessitated the building of a larger school.
In September, 1902, the new school was opened for session. It was named Union School because . . . — — Map (db m213125) HM