Hurlbut Memorial Gate facts for kids
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Hurlbut Memorial Gate
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| Location | East Jefferson Avenue at Cadillac Boulevard Detroit, Michigan |
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| Built | 1894, restored in 2007 |
| Architect | Brede & Mueller |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000967 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 27, 1975 |
The Hurlbut Memorial Gate is a very large and impressive structure. It stands at the entrance to Water Works Park in Detroit, Michigan. The gate is about 132 feet (40 meters) long, 50 feet (15 meters) high, and 40 feet (12 meters) deep.
It is named after Chauncey Hurlbut, who was a grocer in Detroit during the 1800s. He also led the Board of Water Commissioners and was known for his generous donations. The gate was built in 1894 and was fully repaired in 2007. It became a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
History of Water Works Park
The city of Detroit started building its water system a long time ago, in 1824. After the American Civil War, Detroit grew richer. This allowed the city to build a modern water system. It used water from the Detroit River.
In 1868, the city began creating Water Works Park. This park was on Jefferson Avenue. Its main job was to provide water for the city. But it was also meant to be a public park for everyone to enjoy.
By 1879, the water pumping station was finished. By 1900, the park was 110 acres (0.45 km²) big. It had become the second most-used park in Detroit. Early French settlers had planted twelve special pear trees there. These trees were called "the twelve Apostles."
In 1910, Water Works Park was renamed Gladwin Park. This was to honor Major Henry Gladwin. He was involved in the Siege of Fort Detroit during Pontiac's War. However, most people still call it Water Works Park today.
Who Was Chauncey Hurlbut?
Chauncey Hurlbut was born in 1803 in Oneida, New York. He moved to Detroit in 1825. For a few years, he worked making saddles and harnesses. Then, he started a grocery business with his brother-in-law. In 1837, Hurlbut took over the grocery store himself. He continued to run it until he passed away in 1885.
Hurlbut was also very active in public service. He served on the fire department board. He was a city alderman, which is like a city council member. He also served on the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners from 1861 to 1863. Then again from 1868 until his death in 1885. From 1871, he was the president of the commission. In this role, he helped buy the land and plan Water Works Park.
When Chauncey Hurlbut died in 1885, he left most of his money to make Water Works Park more beautiful. He left about $250,000 for this purpose. At that time, people believed that grand gates should be built at the entrances of public places. These gates would show that the park was a special place, separate from the busy city. Part of Hurlbut's money was used to build this very impressive gate.
About the Gate's Design
Herman A. Brede and Gustave Mueller were the architects chosen to design the Hurlbut Memorial Gate. It cost $30,000 to build. The gate is made of limestone and looks like a three-part arch. It is 132 feet (40 meters) long, 40 feet (12 meters) deep, and over 50 feet (15 meters) high.
The gate is decorated with carved designs like garlands, water fountains, and round shapes. An American eagle with its wings spread wide sits on top of the whole structure. Two sets of stairs lead up to a terrace that is twelve feet (3.6 meters) above the ground.
When it was first built, the gate had a statue of Chauncey Hurlbut inside its main arch. It also had a fancy iron gate for cars to drive through. Both of these are now gone. In 2007, the gate was fully repaired. Damaged limestone was fixed or replaced. The stairs were changed, the eagle sculpture was repaired, and the lights were fixed or replaced.
See also
In Spanish: Puerta conmemorativa Hurlbut para niños
