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

Inscription. 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° 45.717′ N, 86° 4.038′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is near Holland, Michigan, in Allegan County. It is in Fillmore Township. Marker is on East 147th Avenue

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

, half a mile east of South Waverly Road (54th Street), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located next to Holland city limits; street names in this area often change between their City of Holland designation and Allegan County designation. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5306 E 40th St, Holland MI 49423, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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. 2½ miles away); Van Vleck Hall (approx. 2½ miles away); Western Theological Seminary (approx. 2½ 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, 1838-1849. (Submitted on May 13, 2014.)

Additional commentary.
1. Marker Out for Repair
Visited the site on June 6, 2021, and the marker

Old Wing Mission image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 6, 2014

2. Old Wing Mission

George N. Smith Home

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.

View to East along E. 147th Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 6, 2014

3. View to East along E. 147th Avenue

Old Wing Mission Marker - REMOVED image. Click for full size.

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.

Old Wing Mission Marker after Restoration image. Click for full size.

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 1,249 times since then and 103 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.