South Haven By the Big Blue Water: Historical Walking Tour

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UPC:
9781499317237
Maximum Purchase:
3 units
Binding:
Paperback
Publication Date:
2014-05-11
Author:
James Ollgaard
Language:
english
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South Haven By the Big Blue Water When South Haven became an incorporated town in 1869, it was a tiny but prosperous village with a bustling economy. Lake Michigan provided travel by boat which led to lively fishing, lumbering, shipping and fruit industries in the 1870s. A few dirt roads provided transportation by horse and buggy or stagecoach. It was the lumber that launched the towns great era of shipbuilding. Many schooners were built on the banks of the Black River. These vessels and many others were used by lumbermen to ship their products to Chicago and Milwaukee. As the lumber industry began to dwindle, land owners began experimenting with agriculture and soon learned that the moderate climate allowed for a lucrative business in fruit. Peach and apple trees were soon planted and then came plums, pears, grapes and strawberries. Soon there was a need for improved methods of getting the fruit delivered. Railroad lines were built into town and the era of the steamship soon began. Steamers built at South Haven served ports throughout the Great Lakes. With faster means of transportation, tourists soon discovered this mecca for leisure. The slogan By the Big Blue Water emphasized the glittering heyday for South Haven resortism. The first resorts started in the late 1800s. By 1900, the resort business was at a roaring peak. South Haven claimed 215 resorts and hotels in 1902, the year it became incorporated as a city. Today, South Haven remains one of West Michigans most popular travel destinations. Quaint Victorian guest houses and contemporary townhouses offer scenic views of South Havens harbor, historic lighthouse and sparkling beaches. Visitors can relax on the beach, fish, golf, hike or bike local rail trails, cruise aboard a tall ship or river launch, or visit area farms, nature preserves, historical museums and art galleries. Downtown South Haven offers a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. The areas business and agricultural communities continue to grow and prosper. Hundreds of nearby farms produce bountiful crops of blueberries, apples, pears, corn and other fruit and vegetable crops. Three industrial parks, several major retailers and a branch campus of Lake Michigan College are located within the city. Although South Haven is firmly vested in the 21st century, its tree-lined streets dotted with century-old architectural treasures offer glimpses into the citys rich heritage. Each building has a story. The Historical Association of South Haven is pleased to present some of those stories in this walking tour of the buildings in downtown South Haven and the businesses that have helped our city prosper. We hope you will enjoy your tour.