In 1858 twelve persons
organized St. John’s Church.
During the Civil War the
membership dispersed; the
congregation reorganized in
1864. They built their first
church in 1867. Shortly
after the close of
of Easter
evening services in . . . — — Map (db m253703) HM
This tablet is dedicated to the settlers who came from Rochester, N.Y., and marks the first organized settlement in Clinton County, Mich. - 1836 — — Map (db m217495) HM
In 1836 a Rochester, New York, association purchased land here and by winter several families were settled in newly built log homes. Methodist circuit riders in 1837 organized a class which became center of the three-county Mapleton circuit. In 1841 . . . — — Map (db m217494) HM
The Reverend William Benson organized a Methodist class for this area in 1849. The class, which had seven members, held its first worship service in a log school south of Eureka. Later it met in the Sherwood School and the Keystone Grange Hall. . . . — — Map (db m217225) HM
In the field south of this site on
July 4th, 1895 the Michigan Rushers,
a local team, played the first professional football game in Michigan, and possibly in the U.S.
This marker was placed by citizens
of Clinton County, Michigan after
a . . . — — Map (db m254370) HM
Westphalia Settlement
In October 1836 the Reverend Anton Kopp and five other men from Westphalia, Germany, arrived in New York. They traveled to Detroit by way of the Erie Canal. Advised to settle in the Grand River Valley, the Reverend Kopp . . . — — Map (db m215916) HM
Dedicated to the memory of
Westphalia area military personnel
who sacrificed their lives for our
home and country.
Civil War
Franklin Fish · Henry Rocholl · Andrew Seckinger · Peter Sontag · Ulrich Thoma
World War I
Edward W. . . . — — Map (db m215915) WM
Front Side
Horatio Hall built this mill for Manlius Mann in 1854. Powered by water from the Battle Creek, a three-town overshot waterwheel in the basement turned three pairs of millstones that ground grain from local farmers into flour. . . . — — Map (db m166296) HM
This building served as Eaton County's courthouse from 1846 to 1872. The first courthouse was built in Bellevue in the 1830s. In 1840, Charlotte became the county seat, and in 1844 the county supervisors voted to erect a new courthouse on the . . . — — Map (db m216458) HM
Dedicated in memory of those who
sacrificed their lives to preserve
our American heritage
"that we may live in peace."
In memory of S.S.G. David W. Barrus
Many shores,
many battles,
served without malice
In memory of Frederick A. Young . . . — — Map (db m217362) WM
On November 30, 1878, the local Methodist class purchased land for a church from Benjamin and Catherine Spotts for $25.00. Church men cut and hewed the logs for the building. The Reverend B. E. Paddock dedicated the church on November 10, 1881. . . . — — Map (db m126010) HM
The citizens of Charlotte proudly dedicate this monument to the memory of our two heroes who were awarded the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is America's highest military decoration for valor in combat. It is awarded to individuals whose . . . — — Map (db m216503) HM WM
Developed originally as a helicopter gunship for use in Vietnam, the Cobra demonstrated remarkable versatility and power.
Built 1968 Retired 1999
Service: Germany, South Korea, U.S.A.
Specifications
Made by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. . . . — — Map (db m216508) HM
Eaton County
Eaton County was organized in 1837 and named for President Andrew Jackson's war secretary, John H. Eaton. Pioneers had come to Bellevue, the first county seat, in 1833. The county was settled chiefly by New Englanders who . . . — — Map (db m121314) HM
Presented to A. S. Williams Post No. 40 Dept. of Mich. G. A. R. by U.S. Govt. in service of Civil War from 1861 to 1865.
This Post dedicated them to the memory of Soldiers and Sailors of Eaton County 1898. — — Map (db m216559) WM
This amazing oak tree is
approximately 250 years old.
It has stood as the Sentinel
on these grounds since the
American Revolution.
Courthouse Square Association
honors and celebrates its
life and history.
Eaton County's Museum
at . . . — — Map (db m216506) HM
Completed in 1846 for $1,000, the building was originally located on town
square, the current location of the 1885 Courthouse Museum. It served as
Eaton County's Courthouse until 1872, at which time it was sold and used as
the Episcopal Chapel. . . . — — Map (db m216457) HM
This handsome brick church was completed in 1881. Seven persons organized the congregation in 1851 in nearby Carmel Township. Moving to Charlotte the next year, they held services in the wooden courthouse and in 1856 built the city's first place of . . . — — Map (db m121366) HM
Members of the Gresham United Methodist Church first worshipped in a school and in homes. In 1879 Palmer and Rebecca McDonald gave this site on which to build a church. In order to erect the church, people in the community donated logs, which were . . . — — Map (db m191522) HM
The dam at Bennett Park was built around 1907 to provide cooling water for a stream generated water works facility. Additionally, it served as a local recreational attraction for many members of the community who would swim and fish here. The . . . — — Map (db m126182) HM
Local builder Nathan Johnson built this house around 1845 for Charlotte's first physician, Joseph P. Hall, and his wife, Mary. The house was moved from the business district to this site in 1868. Many professionals lived here, including . . . — — Map (db m126029) HM
Side 1
Served for many years by circuit riding ministers, the Methodist congregation dates from 1838, making it Charlotte's oldest religious society. People worshipped at the home of Jonathan Searles, in a temporary courtroom in the Eagle . . . — — Map (db m121387) HM
Luren D. Dickinson
Michigan's thirty-seventh governor, Luren D. Dickinson (1859-1943), prided himself on being a frugal farmer. As a young man he taught school and served as principal of Potterville High School before becoming . . . — — Map (db m125995) HM
"And the leaves of the trees were for the healing of the nations" Rev. 22-2
This Grove is dedicated to the memory of the Timberland Grange pioneers of Eaton County.
To the boys who answered their country's call.
To the study of trees . . . — — Map (db m216459) WM
In 1837, Methodists in Delta Township began meeting in a log schoolhouse. Served by circuit riders, they organized as a Methodist class in 1842 with two families. The class grew, and in 1865 the Reverend J. Gulic became its first appointed minister. . . . — — Map (db m182783) HM
On this site in 1839, residents of Delta Township built their first school. A one-room woodframe structure, it could seat sixty-five. In 1940 the building was remodeled and a second classroom was added. Although the township district was annexed to . . . — — Map (db m182785) HM
Delta Township Musgrove Evans platted this area in 1827. The first settlers, Erastus and Sally Ingersoll and their twelve children, did not arrive until 1835. The township was organized in 1842. At the first township meeting, citizens chose . . . — — Map (db m182784) HM
The Grand River, twisting and turning for 260 miles, is the longest river and the second largest watershed in Michigan. It begins near Jackson, flowing north through Eaton Rapids, past Woldumar and downtown Lansing. There the river turns west, . . . — — Map (db m252696) HM
"The door of the past swings open, I willingly draw near; I step inside the portals, Amid the scenes so dear."
- Fanny J. Moon, 1891
Arrival in Delta Township
In 1854, David Sands Moon and Mary (Wiltse) Moon moved to Delta . . . — — Map (db m252401) HM
"I feel the gentle hand-clasp, I hear the loving voice, I meet the tender glances. That made my heart rejoice."
- Fanny J. Moon, 1891
From Surveyors to Tycoons
Musgrove Evans, a surveyor instrumental in settling families . . . — — Map (db m252403) HM
"But present duties call me I cannot, must not stay. I go, but carry with me The thought of a summer day."
- Fanny J. Moon, 1891
Opportunity for Everyone
Woldumar Nature Center welcomes all learners. Some . . . — — Map (db m252406) HM
Known as 'Clay Hill', this was home to Dimondale's High School. Originally built in 1879, the two-story brick structure grew along with the community. It was demolished in 1965 after the school district annexed with Holt. — — Map (db m192589) HM
In memory of those who gave their lives in World War II
Alfred Merchant · Roy W. Bleisch · Alan F. Smith · Major E. Foerch · Woodrow O. Corson · Roger Keast · Lester H. Rhoades· Robert E. Hetrick · Oscar P. Kretschman · Delbert F. Meyers · . . . — — Map (db m192357) WM
It wasn't quite the Chicago Fire but a blaze in 1888 nearly wiped out Dimondale's
downtown, which at that time was located south of the river. The downtown was then
rebuilt on the north side of the bridge. — — Map (db m192591) HM
In 1846 Congregational services were conducted by the Reverend Joseph Smith in the home of one of Windsor Township's earliest residents, Nathan Pray. In 1875, nineteen years after the town of Dimondale was platted around the mill of Isaac Dimond, . . . — — Map (db m192247) HM
This bell first called the people of Dimondale to worship in 1882
It was removed from the church tower and displayed here in 1977
In memory of
Clara and Ray Burnett — — Map (db m192493) HM
Opening as a bakery, this building moved here in 1917 from where the hardware stands today. Hines Harness Repair operated here, as well as a general store. Lyle King opened a barber shop in the 1960's. Rick has served Dimondale since 1990. — — Map (db m192592) HM
This home, built in 1848
by Isaac Dimond, was sold
just after the Civil War.
In 1886 a fire burned the
house to the ground.
Owner O.H. Olmstead
rebuilt the Olmstead
House Hotel and stage-
coach stop on the original
stone foundation. — — Map (db m199011) HM
Eaton Rapids became a popular health resort when mineral water was discovered in 1869. Attracted by advertisements boasting of its curative powers, thousands came for treatment. The water was also bottled and shipped across the country. In 1874 . . . — — Map (db m171848) HM
Civil War governor Austin Blair (1818-1894) came to Jackson, Michigan, from New York in 1841. In 1842 he moved his law practice to Eaton Rapids. At that time the area was made up mostly of farmers, and Blair was paid for his legal services with . . . — — Map (db m171841) HM
We Dedicate This Plaque
"To The Ones Who Served"
In The
Spanish-American War
1898
World War I
1914-1918
World War II
1941-1945
The Korean Conflict . . . — — Map (db m171845) WM
In 1853 Warren and Sophia Ford deeded land for a school to Eaton Rapids School District No. 15. In 1869 the land became part of Hamlin Township. This one-room school, erected in 1884 with decorative Eastlake details, replaced one built in 1873. The . . . — — Map (db m171840) HM
This island, owned and operated by J. D. McAuliffe from 1872, was hailed as “a shady retreat for pleasure seekers...(with) a fine collection of animals and a museum of rare specimens”. In 1897 Eaton Rapids bought it for a city park. From . . . — — Map (db m171678) HM
In 1896 dairy farmers Dennis and Mary Miller produced ice cream for the first time on this site, using a hand-crank freezer. The 111-acre farm grew into a business with 14 farms, 1,300 acres, 500 Holstein cows, and modern equipment. In 1936 Miller . . . — — Map (db m171851) HM
In 1839 New York natives
Deodatus and Sarena Wright
settled in Parma Township
along the Territorial Road
(present-day Comdon Road).
In 1870 the Wrights sold a
parcel of their farmland,
which included this site, to
School District No. 7 . . . — — Map (db m257059) HM
The Eaton Rapids Reform Club, under the leadership of Isaac N. Reynolds, built this temperance hall in 1878. Affiliated with the national Red Ribbon movement, over a thousand local men knotted red ribbons in their lapels after pledging to abstain . . . — — Map (db m171843) HM
In 1923 the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) initiated a plan to build a national home for the families of deceased and disabled American veterans. The following year a Jackson, Michigan, cattleman made his Ingham County ranch available for the site . . . — — Map (db m171836) HM
Provided by the children of Victor J. and Rosella C. Huhn, in loving memory of their parents who were longtime Grand Ledge residents.
The Huhn family started their journey in the United States much the same as a majority of immigrants by . . . — — Map (db m125647) HM
Constructed in 1884 as a roller skating rink, this building was purchased by Peter Blake and opened as Blake's Opera House in 1886. Here, audiences enjoyed talent shows, vaudeville, silent movies and athletic contests. Between 1928 and 1984, the . . . — — Map (db m122824) HM
With over 40,000 bricks produced a day there were bound to be a few bad bricks. As you walk deeper into the wooded trails look closely at what appears to be hills of trees and vegetation. LOOK AGAIN - these hills are the remains of . . . — — Map (db m122706) HM
Migrant Indian tribes led by the famous Chief Okemos called this area "Big Rocks." They came here in early spring to tap the sugar maples. Later, the beauty of the ledges and woods attracted the Grand Ledge Spiritualist Camp Association which, in . . . — — Map (db m122708) HM
Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald Home
Here lived Frank D. Fitzgerald who served his first term as governor 1935-36. His second term, starting in January 1939, was cut short by his death in this house in March of that year. Born in Grand Ledge . . . — — Map (db m122729) HM
Look to your left and up to see the water tank built in 1909. There, an enterprising photographer took this photograph, perhaps the first aerial view of Grand Ledge. He captured a section of the Grand River where the north and south sides were . . . — — Map (db m125656) HM
This plaque is issued by the
Historical Society of Michigan
in recognition of
Preston's Grocery -
Preston's Bar
founded in 1914
for more than 100 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for . . . — — Map (db m125591) HM
The large pieces of shale rock that were dynamited from the quarry were carried up to the top of this hill by mining carts and dumped into the crusher which pulverized these 400 pound slabs into a dusty chalk which was sent down to the Pug Mill room . . . — — Map (db m122657) HM
Graced by the natural beauty of these soaring sandstone ledges, Grand Ledge was once famous for its Seven Islands Resort, a recreation area centered on this island from 1870 to 1910. At the turn of the century the ledges made this city one of the . . . — — Map (db m182468) HM
This plaque is issued by the
Historical Society of Michigan
in recognition of
Shane
Jewelry Company
founded in 1883
for more than 100 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for contributing to . . . — — Map (db m122826) HM
The structure in front of you was referred to by many of the workers as the old boiler room, being the original boiler room for the factory. Through changes in ownership and updating of equipment this building was turned into a storehouse once . . . — — Map (db m122652) HM
Although currently only a partial wall of this 300 foot kiln remains, this brick factory has withstood over a century of brick production through five separate owners, a fire which spread throughout the plant in 1927, the depression era of the . . . — — Map (db m122705) HM
Looking at this wooded park it is hard to imagine that from 1914 to 1947 this area was cleared of trees and was the home of up to 11 buildings which made up a brick factory. The longest of which was the kiln reaching some 300 feet from this point . . . — — Map (db m122660) HM
This building, known as the New Boiler room, was attached to a unit known as the gas producers. This gas was produced from coal. Producer gas was different from illuminating gases because no by-products such as smoke or coal tar were released. . . . — — Map (db m122707) HM
In 1891, Julian Scott Mudge constructed what is believed to be the first roller coaster in Michigan, on the
second island (now Island Park) of the Seven Islands Resort. The resort featured a hotel on the second
island, a casino on the third . . . — — Map (db m239639) HM
Looking down hill from this area you may notice a pond. Once two types of shale were processed from this quarry and used for brick making. It was said that at one time this quarry was over 60 feet deep and that during the last years of operations . . . — — Map (db m122653) HM
The First Congregational Church grew out of the evangelical movement that swept the country during the early nineteenth century. The congregation and its anti-slavery and temperance societies were organized in 1845. Temperance activities continued . . . — — Map (db m216435) HM
On February 24, 1844, the Reverend John J. “Father” Shipherd and thirty-nine followers arrived by ox-cart on this wilderness hilltop, driving their herds before them. They felt God had directed them to this oak grove for the purpose of founding a . . . — — Map (db m216434) HM
The supreme sacrifice
Pro Christo et humanitate
1914 - 1918
Henry G. Maxted
John S. Lothridge
A. Harold Webber
Harry A. Holliday
Harold J. Payette
Class of 1921 — — Map (db m216450) WM
Thank you to our veterans, past, present and future. For this that serve, we support you! For those that gave the last full measure of heir lives, we are eternally grateful. All gave some, some gave all. — — Map (db m216452) WM
John K. Jaquette
Memorial
Dedicated to the memory of the soldiers, sailors, and marines from Walton Township in the World War
1917-1918 — — Map (db m216451) WM
Side 1
The Potterville United Methodist Church was organized after the Reverend Hiram Nichols held a revival meeting in Potterville in 1867. The congregation appointed a building committee in 1875 and began work on the church in the spring . . . — — Map (db m125966) HM
(side 1)
The Samuel W. Grinnell Post No. 283 was granted its charter by the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) on October 6, 1884. The post operated until 1934, at which time it was disbanded. Members built this hall in 1898-99. Dedicated . . . — — Map (db m216648) HM
Richard W Krebs •
Richard Lenon •
Ralph R Powell •
Robert J Haynor •
☆ Howard Sandborn •
Jack S Smith •
Robert Deland •
Robert E Forshey •
Elmer Van Antwerp •
Wayne Bosworth •
☆ Carlton Estep •
George Fleetham •
Melvin King . . . — — Map (db m258169) WM
Sunfield G.A.R. Hall built in 1899 by Civil War Veterans of the Samuel W. Grinnell Post #283, Grand Army of the Republic. Post chartered 1884. Disbanded 1934. — — Map (db m216664) HM
Veterans' Memorial Park Built and maintained by members of American Legion Post 222 as a reminder of all of the people who gave so much that the flag of freedom still flies everyday above the land of the free! — — Map (db m191611) WM
Dedicated to the Vietnam veterans of Eaton & Barry Counties who honorably served & gave their all for our great country
Ronald D. Albertson - Dimondale
Ellis E. Austin - Vermontville
David W. Barnaby - Charlotte
David W. Barrus - . . . — — Map (db m191561) WM
The Rev. Sylvester Cochrane, a Congregational minister from Vermont, first conceived of a settlement in Michigan after a visit here in 1835. Returning home he formed a group called the Union Colony, which settled in Vermontville the next year. The . . . — — Map (db m191516) HM
Vermontville Opera House, completed in 1898, is still the main center of community activities. The two-story red brick structure with cutstone foundation, and an off-center tower over the front entrance, was constructed with funds solicited from the . . . — — Map (db m191515) HM
In 1836 a group from Vermont known as the Union Colony settled here. The members were determined that their children should receive a good education. The Vermontville Academical Association was formed, constructed this building, and opened it for . . . — — Map (db m191517) HM
This memorial marks the site of the first dwelling erected by the Vermontville Colony in 1837 It was called "The State House" and was used to shelter the pioneer families while building their own homes. — — Map (db m191600) HM
On this plot of ground was erected The First Schoolhouse in Vermontville in 1838.
It was used until a date in the early fifties, and was also occupied for church purposes from 1838 - 1844. — — Map (db m191599) HM
A Methodist class was organized in this area in 1845. Early worship services, held in private homes and local schools, were conducted by preachers traveling the Eaton circuit. In 1859 the Michigan Methodist Conference made Vermontville a separate . . . — — Map (db m191520) HM
On October 26, 1886, the Presbyterian Synod of Michigan accepted an offer by Ammi W. Wright of Alma of thirty acres of land, containing two buildings, and a gift of $50,000 from Alexander Folsom of Bay City, for the purpose of establishing Alma . . . — — Map (db m91690) HM
Alma College. On October 26, 1886, the
Presbyterian Synod of
Michigan accepted gifts of
thirty acres of land from
Ammi W. Wright of Alma
and $50,000 from Alexander
Folsom of Bay City to
establish Alma College. The
Synod resolved: “We . . . — — Map (db m253705) HM
In November 1885 the Michigan Masonic Home Association was established to raise funds for a home and health care facility for aged Masons. In 1891 Michigan's first Masonic Home, located on Reed's Lake near Grand Rapids, was opened. When fire . . . — — Map (db m91683) HM
When completed in 1895, this building was Alma College's first gymnasium. The physical education facilities were on the second floor and below them were a museum, locker room and classroom which at one time served the College's Kindergarten Training . . . — — Map (db m91764) HM
Originally known as the Administration Building, Old Main and an adjacent structure, Pioneer Hall, were actually older than Alma College. Completed early in 1886, the buildings were to constitute the Central Michigan Normal School and Business . . . — — Map (db m91763) HM
