On Tanners Alley near East Mill Street, on the right when traveling north.
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
On Cochran Avenue (Business Interstate 69) south of Tirrell Street, on the left when traveling south.
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
On West Lawrence Highway, on the right when traveling west.
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 Narrow Lake Road, 0.1 miles east of Brookfield Road, on the left when traveling east.
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
On West Lawrence Avenue (Michigan Route 79) at Cochran Avenue (Michigan Route 50), on the right when traveling west on West Lawrence Avenue.
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
On West Lawrence Highway (Michigan Route 79) near Legacy Park Drive, on the right when traveling west.
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
On West Lawrence Avenue (State Highway 79) at North Cochran Avenue (State Highway 50), on the right when traveling west on West Lawrence Avenue.
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
On West Lawrence Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
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
On Cochran Avenue (Business Interstate 69) near Tirrell Highway, on the right when traveling north.
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
On West Lawrence Avenue at West Lawrence Avenue (State Highway 79), on the left when traveling west on West Lawrence Avenue.
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
On Mulliken Road at West Gresham Highway, on the right when traveling south on Mulliken Road.
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
On Cochran Avenue (Business Interstate 69) 0.1 miles south of Tirrell Street, on the left when traveling south.
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
On West Harris Avenue at North Clinton Street, on the right when traveling west on West Harris Avenue.
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
On East Lawrence Avenue (Business Interstate 69) at Washington Street, on the left when traveling west on East Lawrence Avenue.
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
On Brookfield Road, 0.4 miles south of East Clinton Trail (State Highway 50), on the left when traveling south.
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
Near Cochran Avenue (Business Interstate 69) at Tirrell Highway.
"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
On West Jefferson Street at Oak Street, on the right when traveling south on West Jefferson Street.
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
On North Canal Road near Seney Drive, on the right when traveling north.
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
On South Bridge Street at West Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west on South Bridge Street.
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
On Bridge Street near East Quincy Street, on the right when traveling north.
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 lsaac Dimond, . . . — — Map (db m192247) HM
On Bridge Street at East Quincy Street, on the right when traveling north on Bridge Street.
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
On Bridge Street near West Washington Street, on the right when traveling south.
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
On West Jefferson Street south of Walnut Street, on the right when traveling south.
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
On South Main Street (Michigan Route 50) at East Knight Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street.
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
On Spicer Street at South Main Street, on the right when traveling west on Spicer Street.
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
On South Main Street, 0.1 miles north of State Street, on the right when traveling south.
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
On Kinneville Road at Hale Highway, on the right when traveling south on Kinneville Road.
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
On State Street, 0.2 miles west of Greyhound Drive, on the right when traveling west.
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
On South Main Street (Michigan Route 50) 0.1 miles south of Spicer Street, on the right when traveling south.
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
On Aloha Hawaii Parkway at Rhode Island Drive, on the left when traveling south on Aloha Hawaii Parkway.
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
On West Jefferson Street at Harrison Street, on the right when traveling west on West Jefferson Street.
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
On South Bridge Street at East River Street, on the right when traveling north on South Bridge Street.
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
On unnamed park road, 0.2 miles west of Tallman Road, on the left when traveling south.
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
On Fitzgerald Park Drive, 0.4 miles north of West Jefferson Street.
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
On West Jefferson west of Harrison Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
Near East River Street east of South Bridge Street, on the right when traveling north.
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
On North Bridge Street at East Front Street, on the left when traveling north on North Bridge Street.
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
Near unnamed park road, 0.2 miles west of Tallman Road, on the right when traveling south.
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
On West River Street at Harrison Street, on the right when traveling west on West River Street.
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
On South Bridge Street north of West Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling north.
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
On unnamed park road, 0.2 miles west of Tallman Road, on the left when traveling south.
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
On unnamed park road, 0.2 miles west of Tallman Road, on the left when traveling south.
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
On unnamed park road, 0.2 miles west of Tallman Road, on the right when traveling south.
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
On unnamed park road, 0.2 miles west of Tallman Road, on the left when traveling east.
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
On unnamed park road, 0.2 miles west of Tallman Road, on the left when traveling south.
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
On Delta River Drive at Ingersoll Road, on the right when traveling west on Delta River Drive.
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
On Boardwalk near West River Street, on the right when traveling west.
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 island, . . . — — Map (db m239639) HM
On West St. Joseph Highway at South Canal Road, on the right when traveling east on West St. Joseph Highway.
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 West Saginaw Highway (Michigan Route 43) at North Canal Road, on the right when traveling west on West Saginaw Highway.
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 the . . . — — Map (db m182784) HM
On College Street at East Street, on the right when traveling west on College Street.
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 South Main Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street.
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
On South Main Street at Cottage Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street.
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
On North Main Street near Kalamo Street, on the right when traveling north.
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
On North Main Street near Kalamo Street, on the right when traveling north.
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
On Vermontville Highway at North Church Street, on the right when traveling west on Vermontville Highway.
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
On Main Street east of 1st Street, on the right when traveling east.
(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
On Main Street near 1st Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On South Main Street at East 1st Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street.
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
On South Main Street at East Main Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street.
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
On South Main Street at West Main Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street.
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
On South Main Street at East 1st Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street.
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
On North Main Street at West Main Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street.
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
On West Main Street at Westside Drive, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street.
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 West Main Street at West Main Street, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street.
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
On North Main Street at East Main Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street.
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
