This aerial view of Albion, Michigan features the Forks of the Kalamazoo River seen at the top right. This was the spot where in 1833, Tenney Peabody, with his wife Eleanor, built a thatched roof shack. The area became known as “The Forks.”
The Mill Race in the center of this art map, is where there was once a water-powered mill that ground grains for Albion farmers. Before that, the friendly Potawatomi Indians settled near the Forks of the Kalamazoo River. where they fished and hunted the wild life, which was plentiful.
This view from 1993, shows Stoffer Plaza, the location of Albion’s Farmer’s Market in the center, below the Mill Race, with the covered patio and small trees. Three of Albion’s 17 parks are shown in this view, from left to right are Lloyd Park, where there is a picnic area and deck over the river, Rieger Park (labeled) and far right is Victory Park, above the Forks. Several buildings are now removed that are shown in this scene.
These include the large grain elevator behind the Bohm Theatre, the old car dealership near the Farmer’s Market, and the electric company building near Erie Street. The small blue building that still stands today between the grain elevator and the river was called the Frog Pond and was once a Purple Gang hangout.
This art is part of a larger view that was commissioned by the Abion Recorder and sponsored by Albion businesses and residents in 1993. Learn more about Albion’s history including the Purple Gang, Superior Street, parks, art, and trails at AlbionMich.net.
Print #198F - Aerial View 1993, The Forks, Albion, Michigan
Vibrant color Giclée prints by Maggie LaNoue are archive quality with fade resistant ink and acid free paper. They are fade-resistant prints lasting up to 100 years under glass.
|