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Mich. Historical Commission Approves 4 New Markers

LANSING (AP) - The Michigan Historical Commission has approved historical markers for four sites, including one in Grand Rapids, to recognize accomplishments of the Meijer retail chain.

The markers were approved last week during a meeting where officials celebrated the commission's 100th anniversary. They will be among more than 1,700 Michigan historical markers found around the state as part of a program in place since 1955.

"They are part of the fabric of history that connects Michigan communities to their past, helps them understand their present and guides them as they plan their future," Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan Historical Center, said in a statement.

The Grand Rapids marker will highlight the work of Hendrik and Fred Meijer, who pioneered the combination of discount department stores and supermarkets into a single "Thrifty Acres" store. Grand Rapids-based Meijer now operates in several Midwest states.

Other new markers include the Duane Doty School in Wayne County, which opened in 1909 to serve Detroit's then-growing population; the Indian Lake Cemetery in Cass County, which has been in use since the 1840s; and Holy Cross Church, built in 1860 on Beaver Island.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

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