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Historical plaques installed in downtown Manchester

J. Proctor Co. Crew Installing Plaque by Flower Garden

The Village of Manchester Downtown Development Authority recently completed the installation of eight historical plaques at key locations around the downtown area. These plaques were designed and funded by a grant from the Washtenaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau, through its Community Tourism Action Plan (CTAP). Their CTAP funding was partially matched by contributions from the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Area Historical Society, and DDA funds.

The CTAP grant recognized both the growth in family history and genealogy related tourism that is occurring in the Manchester area, and the upcoming Sesquicentennial Celebration in August. The Village has recently seen several large family groups come from out of state to Manchester to research their histories, see the homes and farms their ancestors developed, and reconnect with relatives. This leads to “historical based tourism” benefits for local businesses.

The eight plaques provide specific information on the evolution of the village, events, and personalities that shaped the growth of Manchester. The plaques are located at or near:

The Manchester Mill (“The Founding of Manchester”)
The Flower Garden seating area (“Exchange Place”)
The Post Office (“The Manchester Hotel and Clinton Street Corner”)
Kirk Park ball diamonds (“Kirk Park”)
The Over the Edge Sports Bar seating area (“Life on a Manchester Corner”)
Wurster Park (“The Village Green”)
Chi-Bro Park (“Manchester Railroads”)
Washington Street near former railbed (“The Old Burying Ground”)

The plaques were manufactured by Pannier Graphics, and installed by local contractor J. Proctor Co. Sue Maher of MoxieGrafix did the design and graphics layout. A historic walking map will be printed containing the location of each sign, as well as other historic sites of interest around Manchester.

Manchester Railroads Historic Plaque in Chi-Bro Park

by Ray Berg