This old wooden church that stands in Muir has an interesting connection to an American President. The history marker next to it tells it unique story and reads: In 1856 the Reverend Isaac Errett organized Disciples of Christ congregations in Montrose (present-day Muir) and Lyons. Membership grew quickly, and in 1861 this church was built
The big red Lighthouse that proudly stands at the entrance to the harbor was built in 1865. It is now maintained by the Marquette Maritime Museum which also gives tours of the historic lighthouse. On different occasions, tour guides and visitors have seen a ghost of a little girl wearing a 1910s style dress. Sometimes she
This historic town hall sits in Tyrone Township south of Fenton. The historical marker on the front reads: Tyrone Township was settled in 1834, and Joseph M. Becker was elected as the first township supervisor in 1838. Township meetings were held in the homes of the townsfolk until 1887, when this hall was erected on
This old mill sits near Saranac. It is all that remains of the old town of Waterville. In 1836 Robert Hilton from Grand Rapids purchased the large tract of land and platted a village he named Waterville. Hilton believed the town would prosper from people visiting it as they traveled along the Grand River Turnpike.
This old courthouse stands in the middle of Bellaire, the historical marker in front of it tells a little bit of its history and reads: The first pioneers of Antrim County settled along Grand Traverse Bay near Elk Rapids in the 1850s. Later settlers moved inland, and urged that the county seat be transferred from
This sandstone house sits just outside of downtown Ionia. It’s hard to miss when driving through town and the historical marker in front tells the story of the house and the man who built it. John Celsus Blanchard (1822 – 1905) epitomized the American “self-made man.” He left his home in Cayuga County, New
This castle-like gate is at the entrance to Elm Lawn Cemetery in Bay City. It was built in the 1890s at a time when cemeteries were built to be more of a park like setting and people would come a relax while spending time visiting deceased relatives and loved ones. Several of Bay City’s early
Standing along the Lake Michigan Shoreline is a small lighthouse tower. It is located near the boat launch in Empire in memory of Robert H. Manning. He was born in 1927, and lived in Empire his entire life. He was an avid fisherman and would stay out after the sun had set. He would tell
This large home is located in the middle of Alma. Called Saravilla, this mansion was built in 1894, originally as an enticement for Sara Wright to stay near her father, local businessman Ammi Wright, after marriage. It has been used as a Masonic Home, a retirement home and for the past few decades it
In 1836 Lucius Lyon wrote in a letter to a relative. “The place is called Arthursberg but we will change the name, I own the whole town site. It will become one of the most important towns in Michigan.” Located on the banks of the Grand River east of Ionia is the town of Lyons. It
