Archive | May, 2016

304 N. Main St

31 May

304NMain

340 N. Main Street. Plymouth was once known as the “Air Rifle Capital of the World” and it all started here: This building was originally the Markham Air Rifle Company. Markham started making BB Guns in 1886. The modern day BB gun was invented/developed here in Plymouth, MI by Markham (2 yrs prior to Daisy). Markham Air Rifle was the supplier of BB guns to one of the Nation’s largest toy companies. The demand for BB Guns became so popular that the Plymouth Iron Windmill company changed it’s name to Daisy and started making Air Rifles themselves. In 1916 Daisy Air Rifle acquired controlling interest and in 1928 Markham was renamed King Air Rifle. This structure is the largest commercial all brick building in Plymouth. Today this building now houses office space and has a restaurant on the first floor.

Additional info: Founder William F. “Philip” Markham also built the iconic white Victorian home that sits in the center of town across from Kellogg Park which is most known today as the “Wilcox House”.

Below is a photo of the Markham building before the SW section was torn down.

MarkhamAirRifle

650 Church Street

11 May

650Church

650 Church Street. Built in 1917 on property that was donated by Senator E.J. Penniman (who lived down the street).  The original High School built on this property in 1884 burned down in 1916. This served as Plymouth High School until 1970, this building then served as Central Middle School until 2015. This Plymouth treasure has served thousands of students and generations of families. Within these walls the education of so many occurred, many who went on to be Business owners, Authors, Attorneys, Doctors, Mayors, Teachers, War Heroes and so many more who have served our community and beyond. Today this beloved building now serves the community as PARC (Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex).  Today we are able to enjoy the benefits of this historic structure due to the efforts of countless volunteers and people like Don Soenen and Mark & Patricia Malcolm. We highly encourage checking out all the new renovations and all the activities, programs, and organizations that are available to serve a number of interests. Be sure to check their web site at www.plymouthparc.com

Below is a photo of Plymouth High School as it appeared in the 1950s

PlymouthHS1160

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