Fillmore Township near Holland in Allegan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Old Wing Mission
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 6, 2014
1. Old Wing Mission Marker
The main portion of this building was the residence of George N. Smith, a Congregational missionary to the Indians in this area and at Waukazoo's Village on nearby Lake Macatawa. The mission was named after an Indian convert. Built in 1844-45 by Isaac Fairbanks, a government agricultural agent to the Indians, this house is the oldest structure in the vicinity. Nearby were a church and school, and some Indian dwellings. The first Dutch settlers in 1846-47 lodged here and in the Fairbanks cabin on the knoll to the southeast. As the Dutch settlement grew, Smith and the Indians moved away and established a new village on Grand Traverse Bay. Isaac Fairbanks remained in this area and was active in the settlement of Holland.Erected 1969 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number L0070.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.
Location. 42°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Ebenezer Reformed Church (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Van Raalte Farm (approx. 1.4 miles away); Grace Episcopal Church / Grace Episcopal Church Buildings (approx. 2˝ miles away); Van Vleck Hall (approx. 2˝ miles away); Western Theological Seminary (approx. 2˝ miles away); Hope College (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Netherlands Museum (approx. 2.6 miles away); Holland City Hall and Firehouse No. 2 (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holland.
Also see . . . Old Wing Mission. A publication edited by Robert P. Wierenga and William Van Appledorn. Full title is Old Wing Mission: The Chronicles of the Reverend George N. and Arvilla Powers Smith, Missionary Teachers of Chief Wakazoo's Ottawa Indian Band in Western Michigan,
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 6, 2014
2. Old Wing Mission
Additional commentary.
1. Marker Out for Repair
Visited the site on June 6, 2021, and the marker had been removed. Someone from the house told us that it had been removed last year to be renovated. Years of being hit by snow and road salt from snow plows had caused significant damage, so a local church volunteered to have the marker restored. We were told that the sign would be returned in the near future. Perhaps it is there now.
— Submitted September 20, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills.
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 6, 2014
3. View to East along E. 147th Avenue
Photographed By John Garman, June 6, 2021
4. Old Wing Mission Marker - REMOVED
Image shows the location of where the marker resided prior to being removed to be restored.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 29, 2023
5. Old Wing Mission Marker after Restoration
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,098 times since then and 257 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 4. submitted on September 20, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. 5. submitted on August 5, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
