Rapid City in Kalkaska County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rugg Pond Dam

Photographed By Craig Doda, January 15, 2022

1. Rugg Pond Dam Marker

Inscription. In 1904, Ambrose E. Palmer founded the Kalkaska Light and Power Company and built a dam and power plant at Rugg Pond where the two branches of the Rapid River meet. Palmer reportedly commissioned farmers to bring wagonloads of stone to the pond to construct the foundation of the dam. This plant supplied electricity to the village of Kalkaska and surrounding areas. The pond was named for R. F. Rugg, a prominent local businessman. According to legend, Ernest Hemingway spent a night fishing from the Rugg Pond Dam powerhouse.

In 1950, Consumers Power Company purchased the former Kalkaska Light and Power Company hydroelectric plant, located at Rugg Pond Dam. Consumers Power sold the dam to Kalkaska County for one dollar in 1953. In 1980 the Army Corps of Engineers condemned the dam. Two years later concerned citizens formed Save Rugg Pond Natural Area to restore the dam and preserve the area. Local contributions, grants and monies from the Kammer Land & Trust Fund have been used to maintain this scenic area.

Erected 1990 by Burea of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1158.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition,

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it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 44° 47.038′ N, 85° 12.059′ W. Marker is in Rapid City, Michigan, in Kalkaska County. Marker is on Valley Road Northwest, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rapid City MI 49676, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Memorial To William Copeland (within shouting distance of this marker); Narrow Gauge Rails and Wheels (within shouting distance of this marker); Col. Baker Post No. 84 Memorial (approx. 3.7 miles away); Kalkaska County Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.8 miles away); Kalkaska County (approx. 3.8 miles away); Alden Veterans Memorial (approx. 7½ miles away); Pere Marquette Railroad Depot (approx. 7½ miles away); Excelsior Town Hall (approx. 8.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rapid City.

Photographed By Craig Doda, January 15, 2022

2. Rugg Pond Dam Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, January 15, 2022

3. Rugg Pond Dam Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, January 15, 2022

4. Rugg Pond Dam Marker

Rugg Pond Dam image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Doda, January 15, 2022

5. Rugg Pond Dam

Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.