Bellaire in Antrim County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Jail and Sheriff's Residence
Photographed by Michael Fischer, September 21, 2025
1. The Jail and Sheriff's Residence Marker
As the new county seat, the Antrim County Board of Supervisors recognized in 1879 that Bellaire needed a jail and a sheriff's house. They were completed in 1881 at a cost of $5000. The sheriff lived in front and the jail was attached behind. There were six cells, each 8 foot square with 14 foot ceilings. There was also a six foot corridor running around the outside to prevent jail breaks. The generous 18 foot by 26 foot residence was used by several Antrim County sheriffs and their families. After 68 years, the jail was closed on December 7, 1949, because of deteriorating conditions. First, Burrell and Sue Smith and, then, Jack and Shari Unger bought and renovated the buildings, honoring their historical importance. Appropriately, Jack Unger had his law offices in the residence. The house has continued to be a private residence.
For more history of Bellaire, visit the Bellaire Area Historical Museum: 202 N. Bridge Street
Erected by Bellaire Area Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Peace. A significant historical date for this entry is December 7, 1949.
Location. 44° 58.598′ N, 85° 12.547′ W. Marker is in Bellaire, Michigan, in Antrim County. It is on Broad Street east of
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula and in the Grand Traverse Bay Region. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, 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 walking distance of this marker: Maltby Livery (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Aunt Jane Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bellaire Community Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Hardware Corner (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bellaire The Antrim County Seat (about 400 feet away); Pump House No. 1 (approx. Ό mile away); Nixon House (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellaire.
Photographed by Michael Fischer, September 21, 2025
2. The Jail and Sheriff's Residence and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
