DDA selling inscribed bricks

Published 11:26 am Thursday, March 22, 2007

By Staff
Have you married in the last year, celebrated the birth of a child or grandchild or marked an important anniversary?
If so and you're looking for a special way to celebrate the occasion, you may want to join the hundreds of families that have purchased memorial bricks, which comprise the bricked pathway surrounding Haggin-Wimberley Bandstand in Beckwith Park in downtown Dowagiac.
Families, businesses or organizations wishing to order an inscribed brick, which will be installed within Beckwith Park in May, have until Friday, March 30, to place their order with the Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
The DDA launched its sale of inscribed bricks in the summer of 1993, as the development of the central business district park began.
Following development of the park, construction of the Haggin-Wimberley Bandstand and initial installation of the inscribed bricks that encircle the bandstand, the DDA has continued to take orders from individuals, businesses and organizations that wish to be a part of their community's living history.
According to Vickie Phillipson, DDA program director, regular-sized bricks that measure 8 by 4 inches are available for $45.
Larger bricks, measuring 8 by 8 inches, are available at $125.
The larger brick provides four lines of type, rather than only two on the regular-sized brick.
Order forms are available at the DDA office in the historic Dowagiac train depot at 200 Depot Drive or by phoning the office at (269) 782-8212.
Phillipson said any bricks ordered following the March 30 deadline will be installed in the park next fall.
"We want to make sure everyone, including former Dowagiac residents, have the opportunity to be part of this history-making project," Phillipson said. "Inscribed bricks make wonderful gifts for birthdays and anniversaries, offering a unique way to honor one's parents, grandparents or loved one."
"During warmer months, Beckwith Park continues to capture the attention of curiosity seekers who meander the bricked pathway, as they read the many hundreds of names of families and friends who are represented there," Phillipson said.
People who would like to take their place in Dowagiac's living history are encouraged to also consider the adoption of a streetscape amenity, located within the central business district.
Phillipson said the Heritage Committee of the DDA offers residents, businesses, industry and community organizations the opportunity to adopt a streetscape amenity, which provides the Victorian appeal for which Dowagiac is noted. "The adoption of an amenity is also a wonderful way for families to pay homage to a loved one or to a dear friend. In appreciation of this kindness, an attractive brass plaque will be installed on the amenity to commemorate the donation."
Streetscape furnishings available for adoption include: cast-iron benches; Mediterranean flower planters; Victorian-styled single- or double-globe lampposts; Bethesda Series receptacles; banner and flagpoles; and iron tree guards.
At a fraction of the actual cost, a business, organization or family can adopt a streetscape furnishing.
"We believe this is a wonderful way for the community and business leaders to celebrate their pride in Dowagiac, as they become a part of The Grand Old City's living history," Phillipson said. Such gifts or donations enable the revitalization efforts of the City of Dowagiac and its DDA to continue.
For more information on the Adopt-an-Amenities Program, the DDA has available a brochure, which provides photographs of the amenities that are available, along with an order form and price list.