ALDEN B. DOW...
Michigan's Architect Laureate
Midland, Michigan is unique ... an "architectural island" ... and the
only city in the United States, possibly the world, that has been so
profoundly affected by a single architect; Alden B. Dow. He was born in
Midland in 1904 to Grace A. and Herbert H. Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical
Company.
After Alden Dow's graduation from Columbia University in 1931, attending and
returning as a Charter Member from Frank Lloyd Wright's Fellowship at
Taliesin, he moved back to his hometown, Midland. It is here that you may
enjoy seeing and sharing the genius that was Alden Dow. In Midland, Michigan
alone, he designed over 140 residential, religious, civic, commercial, and
educational structures. In addition, he also designed most of the bridges in
the Dow
Gardens.
OTHER EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
MIDLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS
One of the top art & science centers in the nation. Facilities regularly
open to the public include the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, art
galleries and historical exhibits. Musical and dramatic performances held
regularly. (989) 631-5930. Visit their web site for current exhibits,
performances and classes.
www.mcfta.org
HERITAGE PARK
This site includes the Bradley House, an early Victorian home with period
furnishings, the Carriage House and the Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum - a
series of structures replicating the original facility, which housed the
operations that became The Dow Chemical Company.
www.mcfta.org/A_HistoricalSociety
GRACE A. DOW MEMORIAL LIBRARY
State of the art library/research/reference facility!! The LIbrary offers
activities for all from storybook reading for young children to the "Teen
Spot" designed specifically for teens to hangout and read. Adults can enjoy
the art exhibits and a refreshment at the Cup and Chaucer Coffee Bar.
Movies, classes, lectures, and much more.
www.midland-mi.org/gracedowlibrary
THE DOW GARDENS
Started in 1899 by Herbert H. Dow, Dow Gardens features nearly 2000
varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers spread over 100 acres with rocks and
water in a series of eye-pleasing vistas. This exquisite illustration of
landscape architecture is open from 10:00 a.m. to dusk daily, except on
major holidays. For more information call 1-800-362-4874 or visit our web
page.
www.dowgardens.org
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
The Chippewa Nature Center is a wonderful indoor and outdoor facility to
explore and enjoy nature on it's over 1000 acres and it's 14 miles of
trails. It is also accessible by bike and/or walking the new Chippewa Trail
that is connected to the Pere Marquette Rail Trail and Midland downtown.
www.chippewanaturecenter.com
FOR MORE ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION VISIT...
http://www.abdow.org/RelatedLinks/t7-Related-Links.aspx
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