Sally Bjork
October’s I Spy features a 1924 plaque at 315 W. Huron St., just west of Huron and First streets, and reportedly near the site of Ann Arbor’s first structure. It depicts Ann Allen and Mary Ann Rumsey, wives of founders John Allen and Elisha Rumsey, seated under a grapevine arbor. The text beneath it claims that “the arbor was called –Anns’ Arbor– and from it in honor of these pioneer women, the city received its name.”
“Lovely, but highly unlikely,” says Dave Bicknell of the plaque’s romantic tale. Still, “when I … moved here for grad school in 1987,” writes Susan Whitlock, “I came upon that plaque … and decided I was in the right place: few cities can claim such a feminist origin myth.”
In 1962, historian Russell Bidlack suggested Ann Allen inspired “Ann,” while a grove of bur oaks explained “Arbor.” For the city’s bicentennial in 2024, a second plaque was installed “correcting the apocryphal naming story (no grape arbor, etc.),” says Amy Barnett. “It was placed there by the History Subcommittee of the Bicentennial Committee with the help of the Ann Arbor Historical Foundation,” writes Susan Wineberg. “It’s a pity that Huron St. has so much traffic and only a few pedestrians get to see it,” says Rudi Hauleitner—but those who do will find legend and truth, side by side.
Related: Centennial Celebrations
Regardless of where the name came from, “we are unique,” says David Karl. “There is no other city in the world so named.”
Eighteen entrants correctly identified the plaque. Pamela Kittel, our random drawing winner, will enjoy her $25 gift certificate at Zingerman’s.
To enter this month’s contest, use the image and clue below and send your answer to [email protected].
Hint: Bisque Happens