11th Blue Star (1950-1954, Lost) & 60th Blue Star (2012)
The Elk Rapids Garden Club purchased a Blue Star Intermediate Marker sometime between 1950-1954. This is one of four Intermediate Markers dedicated along Michigan’s Blue Star Highway in the early 50’s. Unfortunately, this marker has been lost.
Prior to 2011, the Garden Club made a concerted effort to locate the lost marker. They searched old barns, cemeteries, spoke with farmers with farms south of Elk Rapids on US 31, reached out to MDOT and put an article in the Elk Rapids News. All, unfortunately, to no avail most likely due to the fact that US 31 was totally re-routed by MDOT after the 1950s.
The Garden Club’s effort concluded with the club members voting to replace the missing marker with a new Blue Star Memorial By-Way marker.
The Elk Rapids Garden Club dedicated a Blue Star Memorial By-Way on June 3, 2012. The marker is located at Rotary Park, 305 US 31, Elk Rapids (in front of the Chamber of Commerce Building).
- The garden was initially renovated in 2005, featuring colorful summer perennials.
- In 2012, following the Blue Star dedication, the garden was officially named the Blue Star Memorial Garden.
Pin: 44.89620287173317, -85.40962444676299