Oct. 3, 2005

The Michigan Historical Commission recently approved seven new state historical markers, commemorating several important pieces of our state's rich history. They include markers honoring:

The Birth of Professional Hockey. Professional ice hockey dates from 1904, when Houghton businessman James Dee and Houghton dentist John Gibson formed the International Hockey League. The marker will be placed outside of Dee Stadium in Houghton, Houghton County.

The State Highway Department. The Michigan Department of Transportation has been celebrating its centennial this year. The historical marker will highlight the origins and achievements of the "State Highway Department" and tell the story of Horatio Earle, the first state highway commissioner and the leader of early road improvements. The marker will be erected outside the Transportation Building in Lansing, Ingham County and will be dedicated on Friday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m.

The first American soldier to die in Germany during World War I.  Joseph W. Guyton of Evart was the first American soldier to die on German soil during World War I. A marker telling of the circumstances of his service and death as well as the honors he received will be erected in Guyton Park in Evart, Osceola County.

The Duck Lake School, NE corner of 26 ½ Mile Road (North Shore Drive) and U Drive North (Monroe Road), Clarence Township, Calhoun County. Physician and logging magnate Stephen Munroe built the school in 1883 to serve the children of his family and friends.

Fractional District No. 3 School, 2 miles north of Morenci on M-156, Seneca Township, Lenawee County. The brick Fractional District No. 3 School, which still has an intact bell and belfry, served children from 1899 to 1955.

Stoney Creek School, 1051 Washington, between Tienken and Runyon, Rochester Hills, Oakland County. The school retains its historic appearance and was associated with two important Michigan women: surgeon Bertha Van Hoosen and her niece, agriculture expert Sarah Van Hoosen Jones. It served children from 1848 to 1931.

Port Huron Public Library, 1115 Sixth St., Port Huron, St. Clair County. Steel entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated money to the citizens of Port Huron for a public library. The structure opened in 1904 and served until 1967. The building now houses the Museum of Arts and History.

Most of the markers will be dedicated sometime in 2006.

Since the Michigan Historical Marker Program began in 1955, the Michigan Historical Commission has erected some 1,500 historical markers throughout the state. The texts and locations of the markers appear in "Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers" which the University of Michigan Press published this year. The book is available anywhere books are sold or by calling (517) 373-1663.

The Michigan Historical Marker Program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office.  To learn more about the marker program and registered historic sites, visit the State Historic Preservation Office Web site at www.michigan.gov/shpo.

The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan heritage, and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.