CROWELL PARK

One of Albion’s tallest structures is our 1961-erected water tower, located in Crowell Park. This Park dates back to Albion’s original 1836 plat map, when it was known as Washington Square, named after U.S. President George Washington. President Washington is featured on our U.S. quarter, you know. In 1912 there was a local effort to recognize "Albion’s Greatest Benefactor," Jesse Crowell (1797-1872) who helped form the Albion Company which laid the plat for our village in the 1836, brought the Post Office here, gave land for Albion College and Riverside Cemetery, and other endeavors.

The Albion Recorder reported in its weekly edition dated August 1, 1912: "Washington Park is now Crowell Park. The Park on Baptist Hill surrounding the city water tower, which has been known as Washington Park for a number of years past, will in the future to be known as Crowell Park, the common council passing a resolution to that effect at their meeting last evening. This is only one of a number of things being consummated of late to perpetuate the name of Jesse Crowell, Albion's revered pioneer and one-time leading citizen whose memory cannot be kept too fresh in the minds of Albion citizens on account of the great number of acts he performed for the public good, in this community, the performance of some of which caused him to die almost in poverty. He presented the land at present included in the park which will in the future bear his name."

From our Historical Notebook this week we present a World War II-era postcard photo of Crowell Park. In the distance is the water standpipe which stood there from 1889 until it was dismantled on February 26, 1962 after our present water tower was erected and began operating. On the left is a circular flower bed which used to be much more elaborate. In the early 20th century this was a goldfish pond with flowing water, and surrounded by rocks. The "Albion Mills 1845" marker was in front of that pond. A drinking fountain was located in the center of the park.

Today, Crowell Park has few amenities in it, and is mostly a walking path for residents to get to and from downtown to the northwest side of town. The attractions at Crowell Park are the water tower, and the Albion Mills 1845 marker. How many of our readers have visited Crowell Park recently?

	Frank Passic — Albion Historian An Albion native and 1971 graduate of Albion High School, Frank Passic has been researching and writing Albion history since 1976. He is the creator of the Albion Historical Notebook, with hundreds of articles appearing weekly in the Morning Star and The Recorder. Frank maintains an extensive personal archive including Riverside Cemetery records, family surname files, genealogies, photographs, city directories, and high school yearbooks. Support his 2026 research at the Historic Albion Michigan Facebook page. Historical Notebook \| From the Archives \| Subject List \| 100 Years Ago \| Alphabetical Index \| Frank Passic Home Page \| Albion History Books \| Contact Frank
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