Kalamazoo County Directories
KALAMAZOO COUNTY HISTORY and DID YOU KNOW
MICHIGAN STATE SYMBOLS
Michigan State Bird - In 1931, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was chosen the state bird. It had been favored by the Michigan Audobon Society. Sponsors called the robin "the best-known and best-loved of all the birds in the state of Michigan."
Michigan State Flower - In 1897, the Apple Blossom (Pyrus coronaria) was designated the state flower. Sponsors noted it was "one of the most fragrant and beautiful flowered species of apple." It is native to the state.
Michigan State Tree - In 1955, the towering White Pine (Pinus strobes) was designated the state tree. It was chosen as a symbol of one of Michigan's greatest industries. From 1870 to the early 1900's, Michigan led the nation in lumber production.
Michigan State Stone - In 1965, the Petoskey Stone (Hexagonaria pericarnata) was adopted as the state stone. The Petoskey stone is fossilized coral that existed in the northern Lower Peninsula about 350 million years ago.
Michigan State Fish - In 1965, the Trout was designated as the state fish. In 1988, the Michigan Legislature specified the Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as the state fish. The brook trout is native to Michigan and found throughout the state.
Michigan State Wildflower - In 1998, the Dwarf Lake Iris (Iris lacustris) was designated as the state wildflower. Native to the state, the endangered flower grows along the northern shorelines of Lakes Michigan and Huron.
Michigan State Reptile - In 1995, the Painted Turtle (Chysemys picta) was chosen as the state reptile after a group of Niles fifth graders discovered that Michigan did not have a state reptile.
Michigan State Gem - In 1972, Chlorastrolite (literally "green star stone") was adopted as the state gem. Known as the Isle Royale greenstone, Chlorastrolite ranges in color from yellow-green to almost black. It is primarily found in the Upper Peninsula.
Michigan State Game Mammal - In 1997, the White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was designated the state game mammal after the successful lobbying efforts of a group of Zeeland fourth graders. Found in every Michigan county, the white-tailed deer is an important natural and economic resource.
Michigan State Fossil - In 2002, the Mastodon (Mammut americanum) became the state fossil. Fossils of the prehistoric mammal have been found in more than 250 locations in the state.
OFFICIAL MICHIGAN STATE SONG
Michigan, My Michigan
Written by: William Otto Miessner & Douglas M. Malloch
A song to thee, fair State of mine,
Michigan, my Michigan;
But greater song than this is thine,
Michigan, my Michigan;
The whisper of the forest tree,
The thunder of the inland sea;
Unite in one grand symphony
Of Michigan, my Michigan.
I sing a State of all the best,
Michigan, my Michigan;
I sing a State with riches blest,
Michigan, my Michigan;
Thy mines unmask a hidden store,
But richer thy historic lore,
More great the love thy builders bore,
Oh, Michigan, my Michigan.
How fair the bosom of thy lakes,
Michigan, my Michigan;
What melody each river makes;
Michigan, my Michigan;
As to thy lakes the rivers tend,
Thy exiled children to thee send
Devotion that shall never end,
Oh, Michigan, my Michigan.
Thou rich in wealth makes a State,
Michigan, my Michigan;
Thou great in things that make us great,
Michigan, my Michigan;
Out loyal voices sound thy claim
Upon the golden roll of fame
Our loyal hands shall write the name
Of Michigan, my Michigan.
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