Airport – Mackinac Island MI
The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) developed Mackinac Island’s airport, originally a “simple grass runway.”
Fort Holmes Restoration – Mackinac Island MI
The WPA conducted extensive restoration work on this site. According to Frank Straus: “The second cycle began in the summer of 1936, when the Works Progress Administration rebuilt Fort Holmes, using an 1817 engineer’s detailed drawing and elevation of the… read more
Fort Mackinac Building Restoration – Mackinac Island MI
The Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) restored “several historic buildings in Fort Mackinac.”
Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery Landscaping – Mackinac Island MI
The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) landscaped the Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery on Mackinac Island.
Historic Marker [Court House] – Mackinac Island MI
In front of the Mackinac Island Courthouse and Police Department building is one of many “incredibly detailed, two-sided oak signs showing scenes of the island’s heritage,” that were hand-carved by WPA artisans. As of 2017 this example, created by J. W…. read more
Historic Marker [Ft. Mackinac] – Mackinac Island MI
On display at the second floor of the Soldiers’ Barracks of Fort Mackinac is one of many “incredibly detailed, two-sided oak signs showing scenes of the island’s heritage,” that were hand-carved by WPA artisans. This example, “Built 1829 // Presbyterian Mission… read more
Historic Marker [Manoogian Museum] – Mackinac Island MI
Located inside The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum is one of many “incredibly detailed, two-sided oak signs showing scenes of the island’s heritage,” that were hand-carved by WPA artisans. This example, “Retail Store // American Fur Co // 1818 –… read more
Historic Markers [Stuart House] – Mackinac Island MI
On display at the Stuart House City Museum on Mackinac Island are four (or possibly five) of what were many “incredibly detailed, two-sided oak signs showing scenes of the island’s heritage,” that were hand-carved by WPA artisans. As of 2017 the… read more
Mackinac Island Relief Map – Mackinac Island MI
“Perhaps one of the most unique contributions from WPA artists is a large relief map of Mackinac Island. Measuring ninety-one inches by fifty-three inches, and made from wood, plaster, and foam, the map is impressive to look at to this… read more
Scout Barracks – Mackinac Island MI
Located north of Fort Mackinac and at the east end of the Parade Ground, the historic Scout Barracks building was constructed by the Mackinac Island Civilian Conservation Corps unit in 1934.
WPA Historic Markers – Mackinac Island MI
“On Mackinac Island, several WPA engravers created incredibly detailed, two-sided oak signs showing scenes of the island’s heritage.” Hand-carved, many were created for placement outside the island’s historic buildings. After decades of decay, Carpenter Dale Gensman rescued seven signs from disposal… read more