The Markeroni Blog
The blog of Markeroni, the Gentle Art of Landmark-Snarfing

Thirteen snarfs in Ann Arbor:

Ann Arbor is a great place to go snarfing. The city boasts not only state historical markers, but an entire set of displays and plaques put up by the city as well as a series of University related plaques throughout the U of M campus. This week’s TT features some of the essential Ann Arbor snarfs and my favorites, too!

1. Michigan Becomes A State: This marker is out in front of the courthouse (an area ripe with snarfs), and tells the tale of how Michigan settled a border dispute with Ohio. Congress approved a plan that would give most of the upper peninsula to Michigan, while the area around Toledo would go to Ohio. Delegates from the state met at the first courthouse, rejected the proposal at first, but at a second meeting, the “Frostbitten Convention”, they assented and Michigan became a state in 1837.
2. The University of Michigan: These days, when most people think of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan comes to mind. This marker tells us about the beginnings of the University, how the legislature chose Ann Arbor for the University in 1837 and how it first held classes in 1841. There were 7 students and two faculty. We’ve come a long way since then.
3. Michigan Theater: The Michigan Theater is a wonderful place to visit. Not only is it interesting from the outside, the interior has its own history to tell. The theater boasts one of the last remaining organs still in use from its days accompanying silent films, and it has a series of wall plaques that give another perspective on the history of Ann Arbor and its founders. The theater often shows independent films and things you wouldn’t otherwise get to see, in addition to hosting concerts. You can learn more about it at their website.
4. The Diag: The Diag is really the heart of central campus. A wide, open square surrounded by campus buildings and paths criss-crossing from one corner to the other. You’ll often find students relaxing in the sun or holding any number of events during the school year. The land for the original campus was donated to the city, and the original diagonal paths emerged in 1850.
5. Law Quadrangle: The Law quad is another area that the University is quite proud of. If you take any tour through campus, you will undoubtedly see this area, with its beautiful architecture and its stained glass. The money for the law buildings was originally donated from an alumnus, William W. Cook. At the time of his donation, it was the largest gift from an individual. It allowed the university to create the four beautiful buildings surrounding the law quad.
6. Kennedy Defines the Peace Corps: On October 14th, after debating Nixon in New York, John F. Kennedy flew back to Ann Arbor and addressed the thousands of students waiting for him on the steps of the union. An impromptu speech, he challenged the students to donate their time to improve conditions throughout the world. While he never specifically says “Peace Corps,” the idea of his speech is clear. You can see the text of his speech here.
7. Michigan Central Railroad Depot: The Michigan Central Railroad Depot is quite an impressive building, and it signaled new opportunities for Ann Arbor. The Depot was host to many visitors, including presidents and the returning football team. Now, the Amtrak station is across the way, and depot itself is a seafood restaurant.
8. The Underground Railroad: This marker tells of Rev. Guy Beckley, who helped usher slaves on the Underground Railroad through to Canada. I’d honestly never thought much about the Underground Railroad in Michigan before, but it makes sense.
9. Social and Political Change on South University: This is one of the city’s glass displays that are scattered through town. They show older pictures of the area. This particular marker shows a student march and describes how the South University changed during the sixties. One of the things I found most interesting about this marker, is that in the picture you can see one of the businesses that still exists today.
10. Civil War Recruitment: This is a rather unique marker - it’s a bronze replica of an Ann Arbor newspaper that asks able-bodied men to join the 20th Regiment. The plaque isn’t one you’ll notice right away; it’s inside the planted area near the courthouse, as if it’s just a piece of newspaper that was tossed there. There are two other front pages in the area too, so they’re fun to see.
11. Politics and Processions on Courthouse Square: This is another marker in the courthouse square that describes some of the political spectacles that have happened at the courthouse. I was amused by the description of William Jennings Bryan’s visit to Ann Arbor while on his presidential campaign. His speech was eventually canceled after he was continuously heckled by several hundred students.
12. Hill Auditorium: Hill Auditorium is an Ann Arbor musical institution. Designed by architect Albert Kahn, he collaborated with an acoustical engineer from New York, giving the auditorium its tremendous acoustics. Many orchestras, singers, and speakers have performed there, and it is definitely worth visiting while in town.
13. The Clairvoyant Physician: This one is my favorite Ann Arbor snarfs. One of the city’s quirkier residents, Dr. Daniel Kellogg claimed to channel Native American medicine in order to see patients internal organs. He even offered mail-order diagnoses. All he needed was your name, age, address, and a fee, of course.

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