The track was closed in 1937 when the state closed it down leaving only the detroit fairgounds in the state. The michigan war veterans memorial june 2006 photo this unique memorial is located at the northeast corner of woodward and state fair avenues in detroit, mi. The diverse and glorious story of the arizona state fair is vividly portrayed here with images from the territorial days to the present. As state fair redevelopment stalls, neighbors will gather to. Serving ann arbor, detroit, flint, grand rapids, kalamazoo michigan state fairgrounds michigan radio. Its been more than five years since developers first floated an enormous reenvisioning of the former michigan state fairgrounds site in detroit. The michigan state fair michigan history the detroit news.
The state fairgrounds occupy 80 acres in the heart of phoenix, and neighborhoods listed on the national register of. Aug 31, 1997 the editor of the michigan farmer wrote for that years october 1 issue. Development plan for michigan state fairgrounds unveiled. Grand rapids speedrome legacy lives on 50 years after.
At that time, military park was the familiar name for camp sullivan. And it probably explains why fair historians rarely if ever refer to the event, and instead start counting the fairs from 1849. The track opened as the west michigan state fairgrounds, and it featured an oval just over a mile in length and it hosted automobile and horse racing, according to allan brown of comstock park. Michigan, the wolverine state, joined the union in 1837. Since 1917, michigan history magazine has shared the great lakes states diverse history through feature articles and special sections. It was a onemile dirt track with the first race held on september 26, 1903. Sugar bears for sale at the michigan state fair duration. Since 1940, the central new york chapter, nrhs, has been preserving railroad heritage and offering numerous events and programs to promote the railroad industry and its history. The state fairgrounds occupy 80 acres in the heart of phoenix, and neighborhoods listed on the national register of historic places surround it on all four sides. The michigan state fair is an annual event originally held from 1849 to 2009 in detroit, the. Grant once lived the structure itself is located on the fairgrounds, where it was moved from its original location elsewhere in detroit. The present size of the fairgrounds in detroit is 164 acres 0.
A brief history of the indiana state fair indiana state. The michigan state fair had been a state tradition for 160 years and held at eight mile and woodward, within detroit city limits, since 1905. Inappropriate the list including its title or description facilitates illegal activity, or contains hate speech or ad hominem attacks on a fellow goodreads member or author. Future uncertain for historic state fairgrounds properties.
More information about the history of the memorial can be found here. The michigan state fair is being produced by a private entity, and presented by sponsor ram trucks. Subsequent fairs were held in other cities until it received its permanent home in 1905 at the michigan state fairgrounds in detroit. Local history books on michigan arcadia publishing. From grandstand events to midway entertainment, the eastern michigan state fair has it all.
Race date cars winners st make model len sfc miles purse pole cau laps speed lc. Michigan state fair by john minnis and lauren beaver first held in 1849 in detroit, the location of the michigan state fair rotated in the early years between detroit, ann arbor, kalamazoo. The state fairgrounds has been purchased by the city, 142 acres, and joel fergusons group magic plus llc, 16 acres. John minnis has more than 25 years of experience as an editor and journalist. The original michigan state fair, which debuted in detroit in 1849, was one of the first statewide fair events to. Premium book for home arts at the 1958 michigan state fair held august 29 september 7. Subsequent fairs were held in other cities until it received its permanent home in.
Feb 22, 2014 seabiscuit historical marker at the michigan state fairgrounds in detroit, mi. Originally constructed to represent detroit at the worlds columbian exposition in 1893 in chicago, michigan stove co. Michigan history for kids curriculum set written for third and fourth graders, michigan history for kids explores the history and heritage of all michigan. The michigan state fairgrounds site is located in a highly urbanized area in detroit, michigan. I have a few, but theyre in my seabiscuit book in my room, which ive read. Vietnam veterans of america detroit chapter 9 is collecting donations in order to move a memorial to world war i veterans that has stood on the michigan state fairgrounds since for more than 80 years. Becoming a state with the opening of the erie canal in 1825, more settlers began to move to michigan and the population grew. The fair volunteers are truly the shining face of the fair, and their smiles were mirrored by the smiles of our fairgoers, as they graciously thanked michigan state fair staff and volunteers for working so hard to keep a michigan tradition alive.
It moved permanently to its home at the michigan state fairgrounds on woodward avenue in 1905 and was staged there until 2009, when it was discontinued by a resolution of the state government, due to ongoing budget issues. Read the rest of the history of the michigan state fairs theres also a up fair and click for the official sites for the michigan state fair wednesday, august 22nd through labor day, september 3rd, 2007 and the upper peninsula state fair held august th 19, 2007. The fairgrounds provide an area for the 4h and agricultural communities. The 2020 eastern michigan state fair starts tuesday, july 28th, and runs through saturday, august 1st. Hayes and his wife, lucy, visited the michigan state fair in 1879. Aug 04, 2016 the first indiana state fairgrounds were located in what is now known as military park in downtown indianapolis. This is one of the best michigan history books i have read. Motor racing of all kinds has been a hugely popular pastime in michigan. In 1839 a handful of michigan pioneers planned a state fair, the first in the country. The editor of the michigan farmer wrote for that years october 1 issue.
The grand rapids racing club was formed on september 12, 1903 and the first race drew 1,900 paid admissions which allowed the club to break even. Central new york national railway historical society. You can also visit the inventing the outdoors museum at multiuse complex on the upper peninsula state fairgrounds that showcases the history of marble arms. Michigan state fairgrounds 1120 w state fair highland park mi 48203. Through investing in the state s charitable organizations, convening business, government and nonprofit leaders, collaborating on critical issues, seeking innovative solutions, sharing knowledge and advocating, we. There are no surface water bodies or wetlands nearby. Grants 1849 home in detroit may be restored the house he rented as a young officer is now boarded up and full of trash on the site of the former michigan state fairgrounds. Chronicle chronicle is the membership publication of the historical society of michigan and is published quarterly. Michigan history magazine awardwinning michigan history provides history enthusiasts with exciting stories about michigan. Since then, more than 1,700 have been placed all across the stateand in several other states and europemaking michigans one of the premier marker programs in the nation. From monster trucks to demolition derbys, there is nightly entertainment for all in our grandstand area.
Saloon smasher carrie nation sold miniature hatchets at the county fairgrounds. We are fortunate to have a copy of a pictorial map of the 1856 fair grounds map rms islz 912. Come out for the day or the week and spend time watching the rodeo, eating great food, riding carnival rides and watch the animal shows. The michigan historical marker program was established by the legislature and governor in 1955. Michigan state fair michigan fairs and exhibitions. Original state fairgrounds site of diverse michigan history. The michigan state fair is an annual event originally held by the state of michigan in detroit and currently operated by the private entity michigan state fair llc in the suburban collection showplace in the metro detroit suburb of novi. Founded by webster marble in gladstone over a century ago, marble arms patented more than 60 outdoor products. I am fascinated by the mining and logging industries and both are covered in great detail. It was a fertile land with an abundance of fresh water supplied by the st. State budget deficits could mean the michigan state fair, the nations oldest, held its last event when it ended its 11day run monday. Detroit rock city detroit michigan detroit history local history history photos history books michigan facts windsor ontario history education.
Proposal map from the michigan state fairgrounds development coalition in 20, mt news editor curt guyette wrote a series of stories covering the fate of the former site of the michigan state fair. A year round schedule of events climaxes during two funfilled weeks in august when the fair comes to town. The nations oldest state fair and one of michigans most treasured traditions is in danger of being blown away. The track was built in 1899 for horse racing, and it was part of the ground purchased to provide a permanent venue for the michigan state fair. The hertel coliseum at the michigan state fairgrounds in detroit in 2018. Seabiscuit historical marker at the michigan state fairgrounds in.
Detroiters and citizens from across the state gather to enjoy music, midway games, and all the activities offered by the nations second oldest state fair. The course features beautiful green, parklike areas with strategic holes, including the famous islandgreen no. Renderings for the redevelopment of the michigan state fairgrounds were released thursday, showing plans for an environment filled with entertainment, retail. Future of the michigan state fairgrounds posts facebook. Located in the center of the great lakes, michigan is divided into two land masses known as the upper. If you think that is any mistake or any concert missing please let me know at. Future of the michigan state fairgrounds home facebook. A year round schedule of events climaxes during two funfilled weeks in august when.
When you volunteer, it means you give of yourself without condition and with heartfelt devotion. Incorrect book the list contains an incorrect book please specify the title of the book. Speedrome gone, but not forgotten grand rapids historical. This years fair sees the opening of our new office, and addition of many new features and exciting improvements to our fairgrounds.
Joseph lowthian hudson donated the land, at woodward avenue and what is now 8 mile road, to the michigan state agricultural society. Order online tickets tickets see availability directions location. Michigan railroads and railroad companies is an invaluable reference manual for everyone interested in regional transportation history, the history of railroading, and michigan history in general. There are a handful of historicallydesignated properties on the michigan state fairgrounds. Michigan history told in rich detail in books published by arcadia publishing. Seabiscuit historical marker at the michigan state. Created in partnership with the minnesota historical society and the minnesota state fair foundation, the minnesota state fair history walking tour consists of various stops that focus on a particular subject.
The michigan association of fairs and exhibitions will promote the development of agriculture and related industries, coordinate the objectives of fairs and exhibitions across the state, inform and educate its members through meetings and an annual convention, and encourage the participation of youth in these endeavors. Detroit the city of detroit launched its drivethru covid19 testing site at the former michigan state fairgrounds on friday as the city becomes an emerging hotspot for the disease. Photographs included in michigan state fair are courtesy of the burton historical collection of the detroit public library, wayne state universitys walter p. Years ago it was required for a class, but i have since reread this for enjoyment. Plan for former state fairgrounds site gets an urban vibe. Spam or selfpromotional the list is spam or selfpromotional. By 1908, the racetrack, at the east end of the fairground, had a 5,000seat capacity grandstand. Nw in comstock park, mi, a suburb of grand rapids, mi. Lumbermen and laborers in saginaw, bay city, and muskegon, 18701905 great lakes books by jeremy w. Sep 08, 2009 state budget deficits could mean the michigan state fair, the nations oldest, held its last event when it ended its 11day run monday. By jenny nolan jeff macnaughton, 10, of grand ledge, sleeps on his prizewinning heifer at the michigan state fair in 1985. In 1905, the fair moved to its permanent and current location in novi, michigan. Michigan state fair by john minnis, lauren beaver alibris.
The countys colorful past is the result of forgotten locals and visitors. First held in 1849 in detroit, the location of the michigan state fair rotated in the early years between detroit, ann arbor, kalamazoo, adrian, jackson, grand rapids, east saginaw, lansing, and pontiac before settling permanently in detroit. The big stove was moved to the michigan state fairgrounds in. A popular history magazine geared toward professionals and enthusiasts alike, michigan history offers a wide variety of subject matter, time frames, and perspectives while inspiring, educating, and entertaining its readers. State fairgrounds sale to magic johnson company complete. In michigan, the disappearing state fair the new york times. Lauren beaver is a michigan state university student pursuing a career in book publishing. The worlds largest stove detroit, michigan atlas obscura. Original state fairgrounds site of diverse michigan history wkar.
Feb 22, 2014 seabiscuit historical marker at the michigan state fairgrounds in. Aug 23, 2010 the late, lamented michigan state fair closed its gates for good last september, another victim of the state s wretched finances. Michigan state fairgrounds deal leaves detroit picking up. During the fair, you can pick up a brochure at the minnesota historical society booth or any of the 12 stops located around the fairgrounds. Heres more info on the businesses of stoves from detroit historical society. Entertainment diversity is the hallmark of the michigan state fairgrounds. May 08, 2017 the diverse and glorious story of the arizona state fair is vividly portrayed here with images from the territorial days to the present. Apr 15, 2019 the hertel coliseum at the michigan state fairgrounds in detroit in 2018.
Established in 1849, the michigan state fair was over 160 years old when an ill considered decision was made to stop holding the annual state fair. On monday the great gathering commenced and on tuesday the multitudes came pouring in from every quarter and through every channel, by railroad, by steamboat, by stage, in wagons. From 18631904, it rotated amongst different michigan cities. The ust site is located near the midway area as shown on figure 2. Click on the race number to see the results of that race. Board of worlds fair managers for the state of michigan collection, 18911894.
Comstock and his connection to the birth of the west michigan fairgrounds, comstock park and eventually the historic speedrome. The chapter operates restored railroad station museums at martisco and central square, ny, and a display of historic equipment at the new york state fairgrounds in. The late, lamented michigan state fair closed its gates for good last september, another victim of the states wretched finances. It contains complete, crossreferenced listings for every company formed to operate a railroad in the state of michigan. Aug 04, 2007 from 18631904, it rotated amongst different michigan cities. The site hosted the michigan state fair from 19052009. History of the michigan state fair michigan in pictures. Your public radio source for npr and michigan news, events, politics, artsculture, environment. For many years, the memorial was the scene of the annual veterans day activities of the michigan state fair. Magic johnsons development firm has purchased 16 acres of the site and the city of detroit will purchase 142 acres. On this evening doug taylor will focus on the history around c. The michigan state fairgrounds speedway was a dirt oval racing track located in detroit, michigan.
The council of michigan foundations is a community of philanthropists committed to improving outcomes for michigan, and beyond. Author to speak at troy library about wwii pows in michigan. Michigan state fairgrounds 1120 w state fair highland park. What happened to the big stove next to entrance of state fair in.
Michigan applied for statehood and, on january 26, 1837, michigan was admitted to the union as the 26th state. Hudson sold 5 acres of woodward avenue farmland to the michigan state agricultural society in 1905 for. Future of former michigan state fairgrounds in detroit to be revealed duration. The west michigan fairgrounds was located on north park st. The original michigan state fair debuted in detroit in 1849, and was one of the first statewide fair events to take place in the country. Michigan state fairgrounds coliseum, also known as the hockeytown state fair coliseum, is a 5,600seat multipurpose arena located on the fairgrounds. State fairgrounds sale to detroit completed michigan news. In 1899 a onemile track was constructed at the fairgrounds and originally used for thoroughbred flat racing and.
712 908 1173 1228 1330 1179 229 448 1268 545 1050 784 912 236 1085 1310 1029 950 1499 381 1127 489 702 885 233 746 452 1314 136 305 453 408 1314 405 2 958 560 1113 1486 1030 1309 407 315 585 878 1461 951 670 407 45