New Farmington Sign Shares History of Grand River

Walk past Talmer Bank & Trust in downtown Farmington, and you'll find a new wayside sign that shares the history of Grand River, the busy thoroughfare that cuts through the heart of the city.

Farmington Historical Society president Brian Golden emceed the Friday afternoon unveiling, attended by a small crowd of residents and city officials. He said the cost of the $1,900 sign was largely covered by a federal grant that came to MotorCities Heritage Area, through the Michigan Dept. of Transportation and the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries. 

The Historical Society contributed $375, which went toward the design, Golden said. The group collaborated to develop the content for the sign. 

Kathy Platzke of Talmer Bank & Trust said offering the property as a location for the sign fit with the bank's tradition of being involved in Farmington. 

"We thought, what a great way to give one more piece to the community to let the plaque be displayed here," she said. 

"In Farmington, we're full of special moments and special places, and this is creating another special place in Farmington," Mayor Tom Buck said, noting the sign commemorates the significance of Grand River and Farmington as a transportation and trading hub. 

Disclosure: Brian Golden is the husband of Farmington-Farmington Hills Patch editor Joni Hubred-Golden.