Union City in Branch County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The St. Joe Tavern & The Bucket
Union City Heritage Water Trail
Photographed By Val Rossman, June 24, 2016
1. The St. Joe Tavern & The Bucket Marker
Union City Heritage Water Trail website entry #8
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
In 1833 just behind this home a livery was first deeded to feed and stable local horses. In 1913 it was known as Bell Livery Stable. In 1937, Mr. Densmore converted the livery to The St. Joe Tavern after moving the bar business from the Riverside Hotel next door which was being razed. It is currently owned by the Smith family who purchased it in 1975 and then in 1977 renamed it “The Bucket.” It is now managed by Tony Smith, grandson of the original owner. The Smith family owns the home here on the shore and invites paddlers to pull up and head through the fence for a rest stop and refreshment at this popular local watering hole.
Erected 2016 by Union City Heritage Water Trail. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan - Union City Heritage Water Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 42° 3.967′ N, 85° 7.999′ W. Marker is in Union City, Michigan, in Branch County. This marker is on private property please do not attempt to access it by trespassing on foot. It is meant to be viewed by paddling the St. Joseph
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Fire Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Riverside Hotel, Duo Coach & UCI (within shouting distance of this marker); Caille Richards Company (within shouting distance of this marker); The Broadway Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Chivas & Jack's Grocery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Titlow House & Parachute Factory (about 500 feet away); The Flood of 1908 & Broadway Bridge "Island" (about 500 feet away); Union City Iron Furnace (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union City.
More about this marker. There are 28 of these markers comprising the Union City Heritage Water Trail on the Coldwater River and the St. Joseph River launched in 2016 for the village's Sesquicentennial. These markers can be viewed by paddling the 5 mile stretch of river from the JP Palmer Launch in the Village of Union City to the Riley Dam on the SW Corner of Union Lake. Most of these markers CANNOT by accessed by foot as they are on private property along the river. Please do not trespass. More details can be found at www.uchwt.com
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2016, by Val Rossman of Union City, Michigan. This page has been viewed 334 times since then and 19 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on June 24, 2016, by Val Rossman of Union City, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. View of the marker in context • Can you help?
