Oct. 7, 2005

Clinton Township Clerk Cheryl Matzinger will accept a Michigan Historical Marker – honoring the Mortuary Chapel at Riverside Cemetery and Detroit architect Wirt Rowland, who was born in Clinton (Lenawee County) – at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8.  The marker will be presented by Michigan Historical Commission member Edward Surovell outside the chapel, located at 208 Coman St. in Clinton.

Mortuary chapels are rare among the sites marked by the familiar green and gold markers with the wolverine at the top. Typically, at  historic cemeteries the markers are placed outside the gates. The Mortuary Chapel at Riverside is exceptional for its architecture. Designed by Clinton-born architect Wirt Rowland, who made his mark in the city of Detroit, the fieldstone chapel is a landmark in the village of Clinton.

Wirt Rowland rose to prominence through his association with major architectural firms in Detroit: Smith, Hinchman and Gryls; George Mason; and Albert Kahn. Among Rowland's best-known designs are the Buhl Building, the Penobscot Building and the Guardian Building in Detroit.

Since the Michigan Historical Marker Program began in 1955, nearly 1,500 markers have been erected throughout the state.  To learn more about the marker program and registered historic sites, visit the State Historic Preservation Office Web site at www.michigan.gov/shpo.

"Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers" contains the text and location of state markers. It 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, 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.