Historical Marker Ahead
@historicalmarker.bsky.social
2.1K followers 1.5K following 3.6K posts
Yes, I’m pulling the car over to look at plaques. I’ll be just a minute. Not a historian, but did minor in history at Indiana University. Formerly notgoingpro on other socials.
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Well, it turns out that as I was putting up personal historical markers in Gladstone, Michigan, my mother — the reason I was up there so much — died suddenly at her Colorado home. She had health problems you’d expect from an 82-year-old but did well in her recent doctor visits. So it goes.
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Another personal marker: the bath house at the Gladstone, Mich., beach along Lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc. I remember the original: a white, New Deal-funded structure. Replaced in 2002. Walking distance from my grandparents’ house. I got to know some local kids as the, uh, big-city outsider.
City of Gladstone Historic Tour, 1323 Lake Shore Drive marker. It reads:

The Finest Bath House on the Finest Beach"

During the Great Depression, the Gladstone City Club saw an opportunity for funding through President Roosevelt's New Deal and made the recommendation to the City Council and Mayor Alfred Raddent, to build a new Bath House in the center of VanCleve Park. The research was done by the Parks and Harbor Commission, namely, G.R. Empson, George Beaudry, Dr. Otto Hult, Roger Smith, Will Marble and William Praits. In 1937, the commission traveled to Marquette and Menominee to view existing structures. The design selected was a 120x18 ft. concrete building with an 80x12 ft. veranda.

The roof was waterproof cement, and the Neoclassical Art Deco design was very ornamental. Will Marble and George Fergusen prepared the original drawings, and the Architect was Derrik Hubert of Menominee. The funding came from the Federal Government through the WPA for $12,922. The City Millage was $4,300 and the Gladstone City Club donated $4,000. Work started on the project on June 15th, 1938, and by January 18th, 1939, the exterior was completed. The dedication took place in the summer of 1939. It was the finest bath house on the finest beach.

In 1985 the Lake Michigan water levels were at an all-time high and the bath house was in danger of being washed away. The roof was crumbling, and stress cracks were evident throughout the building. It was no longer safe. Discussions began about building a new bath house and on February 23rd, 1999, the City Commission accepted a proposal from Timberland Engineering Inc. The Bath House was completed and dedicated in the summer of 2002 under the direction of City Manager Brian Horst.
 
Erected by Gladstone Historical Commission.
The current Gladstone (Mich.) Beach House, opened in 2002. It replaced a New Deal-funded facility. The boardwalk onto the Gladstone, Mich., beach.
historicalmarker.bsky.social
As a reminder, there’s a project putting up markers where people died in Chicago, as well as one for the incident that started the white riot bsky.app/profile/hist...
wihorne.bsky.social
I’m teaching abt Red Summer today, when white vigilantes & National Guardsmen across the country harassed, detained, assaulted, & murdered Black Americans as part of a backlash against Black military service in WWI.
Red Summer of 1919
eji.org
historicalmarker.bsky.social
This ad is not from 2025, but 2019. I saw this at the Raffles Place subway stop in Singapore’s financial district.
“Do you sense a trading opportunity when world leaders Tweet?” Title over Trump tweet on an ad for a trading company at a subway stop in Singapore’s Financial District
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Haven’t been there much in recent years so not sure. There’s always been reeds and bulrushes but they don’t look like phragmites
historicalmarker.bsky.social
I just was in Munising! (I was born there and have family there)
A tour boat on Munising Bay, taking tourists to see the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior near Munising, Michigan Me and the bear at Das Gift Haus in Munising, Michigan Inside the gym at Munising Junior-Senior High School in Munising, Michigan Forested hills surround Munising, Michigan
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Another personal marker: the bath house at the Gladstone, Mich., beach along Lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc. I remember the original: a white, New Deal-funded structure. Replaced in 2002. Walking distance from my grandparents’ house. I got to know some local kids as the, uh, big-city outsider.
City of Gladstone Historic Tour, 1323 Lake Shore Drive marker. It reads:

The Finest Bath House on the Finest Beach"

During the Great Depression, the Gladstone City Club saw an opportunity for funding through President Roosevelt's New Deal and made the recommendation to the City Council and Mayor Alfred Raddent, to build a new Bath House in the center of VanCleve Park. The research was done by the Parks and Harbor Commission, namely, G.R. Empson, George Beaudry, Dr. Otto Hult, Roger Smith, Will Marble and William Praits. In 1937, the commission traveled to Marquette and Menominee to view existing structures. The design selected was a 120x18 ft. concrete building with an 80x12 ft. veranda.

The roof was waterproof cement, and the Neoclassical Art Deco design was very ornamental. Will Marble and George Fergusen prepared the original drawings, and the Architect was Derrik Hubert of Menominee. The funding came from the Federal Government through the WPA for $12,922. The City Millage was $4,300 and the Gladstone City Club donated $4,000. Work started on the project on June 15th, 1938, and by January 18th, 1939, the exterior was completed. The dedication took place in the summer of 1939. It was the finest bath house on the finest beach.

In 1985 the Lake Michigan water levels were at an all-time high and the bath house was in danger of being washed away. The roof was crumbling, and stress cracks were evident throughout the building. It was no longer safe. Discussions began about building a new bath house and on February 23rd, 1999, the City Commission accepted a proposal from Timberland Engineering Inc. The Bath House was completed and dedicated in the summer of 2002 under the direction of City Manager Brian Horst.
 
Erected by Gladstone Historical Commission.
The current Gladstone (Mich.) Beach House, opened in 2002. It replaced a New Deal-funded facility. The boardwalk onto the Gladstone, Mich., beach.
historicalmarker.bsky.social
With all due respect to Dr. Naismith’s hometown: in 195 countries and 49 states it’s just basketball BUT THIS IS INDIANA
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Side A of the Cradle of Basketball historical marker in Crawfordsville, Indiana. It reads:

In 1892 the game of basketball was brought to Crawfordsville from its birthplace in Massachusetts by Rev. Nicholas McCay, General Secretary of the Crawfordsville YMCA that was located on this site in what would become known as the Terminal Building. Teams from Crawfordsville and Montgomery County schools and Wabash College first played the game here. Over the years, the game of basketball evolved into “Hoosier Hysteria” culminating every year with the Indiana High School Basketball State Tournament Finals and the NCAA National Finals.
Side B of the Cradle of Basketball historical marker in Crawfordsville, Indiana. It reads:

Crawfordsville won the first IHSAA State Basketball Championship in 1911. Wingate won the State Championship in 1913 and 1914. The first eight IHSAA State Basketball Championships were won by schools located within 30 miles of Crawfordsville making this region the “Cradle of Basketball” in Indiana and contributing significantly to the development of the game nationally. Wabash College was instrumental in promoting basketball on the college level.
 
Erected 2011 by The Basketball Heritage Project, Inc., The Montgomery County Basketball Hall of Fame, Inc., and Friends of BHP and MCBHF. Cradle of Basketball historical marker in Crawfordsville, Indiana, located by the bank parking lot that formerly had the gym where the game was allegedly first played in Indiana. (Evansville argues the game came there sooner.)
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Given how well it worked last year Pacers running it back again with a stumbling, injured start to hustle the rest of the league
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Another personal marker: Little Bay de Noc. It’s an inlet of Lake Michigan in the UP. I spent lots of time along here visiting family. The marker and second shot are from Escanaba’s Ludington Park. The other two pics, from 2017, show the bay and the family cottage, built in 1930, that’s on it.
Little Bay de Noc historical marker in Escanaba, Michigan. It reads:

The Noquet (or Noc) Indians, who once lived along these shores, gave this bay its name. Here at Sand Point, in 1844, Douglass Houghton came with his party of government surveyors to chart the land to the north. In 1864 the first ore dock was built on the shore of this deep harbor, from which the ores of all three of Michigan's rich iron ranges have been shipped. Escanaba, which was incorporated in 1866, was one of the earliest lumbering centers in the Upper Peninsula. Sawmills were built here as early as 1836. Up the west shore of the bay, Gladstone was founded in 1887 by Senator W. D. Washburn to serve as a rail-lake terminal. Here, as at other points such as Ford River, Masonville, Rapid River, and Garth, the major source of income was timber products.
 
Erected 1957 by Michigan Historical Commission. View of Little Bay de Noc from Ludington Park in Escanaba, Michigan. Go right of the buoy and you’ll head out to Green Bay (the waterway, not the city). You’d then need to travel between some islands to get onto the Big Lake, as we bay folk called the unprotected waters of Lake Michigan. View of Little Bay de Noc from a family cottage, circa 2017. The beach and bulrushes are different every year depending on the lake level. View from Little Bay de Noc to the family cottage, circa 1930.
Reposted by Historical Marker Ahead
summitlibraries.bsky.social
Hot take: libraries are more than books.
historicalmarker.bsky.social
The first commercially practicable integrated circuit: an invention so nice they historical marked it twice
rbd.bsky.social
... “oh by the way I should mention you can put your desk in the exact spot where Bob Noyce created the modern world.”

You paying extra?
Historical marker noting the place where the integrated circuit was invented by Robert Noyce at Fairchild
Reposted by Historical Marker Ahead
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Thanks to @hmdb.org for the free fridge magnet and the cards! The cards are for handing out to anyone wondering why you’re taking pictures of signs. Having that backup, alas, seems especially necessary these days. Go to hmdb.org to get yours!
Refrigerator magnet that says “I brake for historical markers.” Business card that explains HMDB.org, the Historical Marker Database. It comes in handy if anyone asks why you’re taking pictures.
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Part of my childhood was in the Muskegon area, and the Hackley name was everywhere. Charles Hackley had a lumber mill and kept Muskegon going after all the wood was cut down. My mom had breast cancer surgery at Hackley Hospital. It no longer exists. My mom does. www.mlive.com/news/muskego...
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Make me an offer, record collectors 2/2
Me with the Datura Seeds’ “Who Do You Want It to Be” album
historicalmarker.bsky.social
With the recent re-introduction of Amelia Earhart in the news I don’t have a marker but I have a catchy tune about her from a late 1980s Indianapolis band too obscure for @vintageobscura.net. I have this on vinyl. Want proof? See next skeet. 1/2 youtu.be/bA7wE117Wyg?...
Amelia
YouTube video by Datura Seeds - Topic
youtu.be
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Honestly, I really worried about this.
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Thanks to @hmdb.org for the free fridge magnet and the cards! The cards are for handing out to anyone wondering why you’re taking pictures of signs. Having that backup, alas, seems especially necessary these days. Go to hmdb.org to get yours!
Refrigerator magnet that says “I brake for historical markers.” Business card that explains HMDB.org, the Historical Marker Database. It comes in handy if anyone asks why you’re taking pictures.
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Doing the research to get an “Antifa Founded Here” historical marker up
Reposted by Historical Marker Ahead
nero-wolfe.bsky.social
We’ve really turned a corner into “war between the states” territory.
juliedicaro.bsky.social
This is getting wild.

The states of Iowa, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and 14 others have just asked for permission to file THEIR amicus brief in IL v. Trump.
The States of Iowa, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina and 14 additional States
respectfully move for leave to submit the attached amicus curiae brief in support of Defendants
and their opposition to Plaintiffs’ requested temporary restraining order and preliminary
injunction. Proposed amici are States with a vested interest in federalism, the relationship between
States and the federal government, and deploying the National Guard. We also each have a vital
interest in supporting the President and Congress in enacting and enforcing valid immigration
laws. Every State has a responsibility to protect our citizens.
The federalization of States’ National Guard units is a matter of profound public
importance, as it directly implicates the delicate balance of power between state and federal
governments—a true cornerstone of Federalism. States generally maintain authority over their
National Guard units, allowing governors to deploy them for state-specific needs, such as disaster
response or public safety. Federalization of state National Guard units without gubernatorial
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Another personal marker: All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone, Mich. A block from my grandparents’ house. Half this parking lot used to be its school. It had a wall perfect for hitting a tennis ball against, or marking a strike zone with chalk for when my brother and I pitched to each other.
715 Wisconsin Avenue historical marker in Gladstone, Michigan. It reads:

This magnificent church was formally dedicated June 12th, 1922. The former All Saints Catholic Church burned to the ground on March 5th, 1920. From that devastation, this beautiful edifice was constructed. The community gathered to rebuild under the leadership and direction of Rev. Father Owen J. Bennett, whose vision during his 16 years in Gladstone was unparelleled. In 1911, the former Haywarden Inn became available. The church purchased the inn and converted it into a school. At the same time, Father Bennett encouraged the congregation to purchase the 11 adjacent lots. After the fire, these lots were available to rebuild. The Architect was G. Arntzen from Escanaba, and the General Contractor was Arnt Arntzen. Ole Peterson laid the foundation. The cornerstone was set Nov. 7th, 1920. Every imaginable fundraiser took place, not only by church members but individuals, organizations and other churches. The brick, marble and cut stone came from Milwaukee, and the windows were imported from Munich, Germany. Services were held in the Lyric Theatre until the basement was ready for services on Easter Sunday, 1921. The church grew from 125 families to over 400 upon completion. On the Board of Trustees were Peter Burkard, Phil Hupy, James LeVelle and John Kennedy.
 
Erected by Gladstone Historical Committee. All Saints Catholic Church, Gladstone, Michigan Parking lot behind All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone, Michigan. There used to be the parish’s school here.
historicalmarker.bsky.social
Indianapolis

(Correctly pronounced IN-duh-nap-plus)
merriam-webster.com
What’s the word where you’re from that, when pronounced exactly as it looks, identifies a tourist immediately?
Reposted by Historical Marker Ahead
nbabeau.bsky.social
Y’all, here’s the first NBA Top 10 I’ve called working directly for the league.

We really hope you enjoy it. m.youtube.com/watch?v=fiec...
NBA's Top 10 Plays of the Night | October 6, 2025
YouTube video by NBA
m.youtube.com
Reposted by Historical Marker Ahead
lpizzle.bsky.social
Social media has destroyed the urban legend. If social media was around in the 80s Mikey from The Life Cereal commercials would've hopped on here like "Fuck y'all talkin' bout? I'm right here!" and then got endorsement deals from Coke AND Pop Rocks