South Arm Township near East Jordan in Charlevoix County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John and Eva Porter Estate
Elm Pointe is an eleven-acre estate developed c. 1926 by John J. and Eva Porter. the house, designed by Grand Rapids architect J. Alexander McColl, was constructed of lumber milled by the East Jordan Lumber Company. An unusual, contemporary version of Colonial architecture, the house provided a showcase for the company's products when the Porters entertained clients. Robert W. and Augustine Allen purchased the estate in 1942 to use as a summer home. They built the lodge in the early 1940s. Augustine Allen Westgate donated the property with many of its original furnishings to the city of East Jordan in 1972. The Portside Art and Historical Society's museum was established here in 1976.
This property was a part of the original holdings of the East Jordan Lumber Company, owned by John Porter's father, William P. Porter. Organized in 1888, the company began manufacturing cedar shingles in 1890. By 1912 it operated two sawmills and a maple flooring plant. It made lumbering the leading industry in East Jordan until the last of the company's mills closed in 1928. John Porter directed the sales department. Recognizing the need for an alternative source of employment as the lumbering one came to an end, the Porters formed the East Jordan Canning Company. From 1927 into the 1970s, the company processed and marketed the region's produce. John Porter became its president in 1931.
Erected 1999 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L2004.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.
Location. 45° 10.724′ N, 85° 9.754′ W. Marker is near East Jordan, Michigan, in Charlevoix County. It is in South Arm Township. Marker can be reached from M-66, 0.8 miles north of Lord Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is about 365 feet from M-66. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1656 M-66, East Jordan MI 49727, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Essex (approx. 6.3 miles away); The Stackus Furniture Store & Funeral Home (approx. 7˝ miles away); Bellamy Opera House (approx. 7.6 miles away); The Railroad Round House (approx. 7.6 miles away); Schaub Meat Market (approx. 7.6 miles away); Downtown Boyne City (approx. 7.6 miles away); John & Harriet Miller (approx. 7.6 miles away); Boyne City United Methodist Church (approx. 7.6 miles away).
Also see . . . Michigan SP Porter, John J. and Eva Reynier, Estate. The National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet includes information about the home's architecture as well as additional photos. (Submitted on February 6, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 6, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.