Otsego Lake Township in Waters in Otsego County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

History of the Bottle Fence

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 6, 2024

1. History of the Bottle Fence Marker

Inscription.
The early history of Waters revolved around the logging industry. The Henry Stephen's [sic] family was a major employer in the area, with three generations involved in the Stephens Lumber Company. Henry Stephens III had a colorful reputation, and the bottle fence was his creation. It was listed in Ripley's "Believe It or Not" and also listed on the National Historic Register. Stephens said the fence was a tribute to the hardworking lumbermen. However, legend contends he contributed his share of the bottles, most of which had contained alcoholic beverages.

The fence, which was constructed out of empty bottles, was 110 feet long by 5 feet high. The original site is located across the street in the vicinity of what is now the Fire Department. That fence did not stand the test of time and was gradually destroyed. A replica built in the 1970's faced the same deterioration as the original.

If you look closely at the picture above, you will notice a group of taller trees behind the fence. In addition, you will notice the brick which formed the pedestals for the lion gate. A portion of the cap of the original fence survives and is part of the bottle fence replica as displayed.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture.

Location.

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44° 52.691′ N, 84° 41.942′ W. Marker is in Waters, Michigan, in Otsego County. It is in Otsego Lake Township. It is on Old US Highway 27 South 0.1 miles north of Marlette Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is next to the Otsego Lake Township building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10616 Old US Highway 27 South, Gaylord MI 49735, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Waters (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Otsego Lake State Park (approx. 3½ miles away); a different marker also named Otsego Lake State Park (approx. 3.7 miles away); Major Edward E. Hartwick (approx. 9.7 miles away); Hartwick Pines State Park (approx. 9.7 miles away); Glacial Landscape (approx. 10 miles away); Forest Heritage Trail (approx. 10 miles away); First Congregational Church (approx. 10.3 miles away).

History of the Bottle Fence Marker — photo of the bottle fence image. Click for full size.

2. History of the Bottle Fence Marker — photo of the bottle fence

History of the Bottle Fence Marker — The Lion Gate image. Click for full size.

3. History of the Bottle Fence Marker — The Lion Gate

4. History of the Bottle Fence Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 476 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 12, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view of the marker to replace the Google Street View image. • Can you help?