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Eaton Rapids: A History
Eaton Rapids, also known as the “Island City,” is located at the juncture of the Grand River and Spring Brook. Within easy commuting distance to Lansing, Jackson, and Battle Creek, Eaton Rapids offers the charm of a small community rich in history. The power of the river attracted early settlers to the area, where a variety of mills helped businesses to thrive. In addition, the water under the ground drew many visitors, lured to Eaton Rapids by the mineral baths that were so popular in the late 1800s.
The area that would become Eaton Rapids was first inhabited by Native Americans mainly from the Potawatomi tribe. They hunted, fished, made pottery, and grew corn, squash and beans in the wilderness that was rich in natural resources. However, in the Treaty of Saginaw in 1819, the United States government negotiated with prominent Native American chiefs, resulting in the U.S. government taking possession of most of the land in lower Michigan. In the 1830s and 1840s, pioneers began to purchase the land that would eventually become Eaton Rapids and the surrounding areas. An early timeline, up to the 2020s, traces some of the major developments of Eaton Rapids that forged the thriving city it has become today.
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1840s
During the 1840s, several more mills were built along mill races created by water power from the Grand River, spurring growth for the area.
In 1847, the first newspaper in Eaton County was published in Eaton Rapids, the Eaton Democrat.
1850s
In 1850, the Smithville Dam was built by the Perrine brothers as a sawmill, 167 feet long and 14 feet tall, and located two miles upstream from Eaton Rapids.
In 1852, E.B. Frost first discovered mineral water that lay beneath the ground. This mineral water was much sought-after and believed to have many health benefits. Eaton Rapids was nicknamed the “Saratoga of the West”, referring to Saratoga Springs in New York, which was famous for its mineral waters. Fourteen wells were drilled to supply water for mineral baths, and people came from a wide range of areas to take advantage of them.
In 1854, the Eaton Democrat ceased publication.
1830s
Around 1835, pioneers began to settle in the area, along a rapids on the Grand River, drawn by the abundance of timber and the power that could be generated from the water. Among the first pioneers were Amos and Pierpoint Spicer, Samuel Hamlin, and C. C. Darling.
In 1836, a sawmill was built near Spring Brook in Spicervillle, and this mill provided lumber for the homes and buildings that would make up early Eaton Rapids.
In 1837, the Old Red Mill was built, using the power from the water, to grind corn. In 1859, Eaton Rapids was organized as a village. Eaton Rapids was named after John Henry Eaton, the youngest member to ever join the U.S. Senate. He was 28 years old.
1860s
By the 1860s, businesses were growing in Eaton Rapids, including grocers, shoe stores, hardwares, as well as liveries, milliners, and other establishments.
In 1864, a major fire destroyed half of the buildings in downtown Eaton Rapids.
In 1868, the Grand River Valley Railroad (later Michigan Central Grand Rapids branch) came through Eaton Rapids from Jackson.
1870s
In 1872, what is now G.A.R. Island Park was owned by J.D. McAuliffe. According to the G.A.R. Island Park museum website, it was known as “a shady retreat for pleasure seekers… with a fine collection of animals and a museum of rare specimens.”
In 1873, the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad’s Lansing branch was built through Eaton Rapids.
In 1874 and 1877, two major fires destroyed even more of the town.
In 1877, George Croke and Frank Daily were sentenced by Judge Van Zile to prison in Jackson for robbery at the Eaton Rapids train depot. Croke was sentenced to thirty-five years and Daily to twentyfive years.
1890s
In 1891, Henrietta Carr, one of the first women physicians and surgeons, practiced medicine in Eaton Rapids. She would continue to be a doctor there for the rest of her life.
In 1896, Miller Dairy Farms started freezing ice cream, hand cranking each gallon and delivering it in town with a bicycle. This turned into the largest independent producer/manufacturer/retailer of its kind in the United States.
In 1897, the city of Eaton Rapids bought the Island to use as a city park.
1880s
By 1880, eleven hotels were operating in Eaton Rapids, to house the many tourists coming to take advantage of the mineral baths.
In 1880, Samuel Horner purchased an existing woolen mill and turned it into a successful business venture, including several factory and mill buildings. His companies prospered into the 1950s. In 1881, as a response to the recent fires, a Fireman’s Hall was constructed to house the village’s fire station.
1900s
In 1907, Main Street was paved with bricks by Farrel Bros. & Algate of Lansing.
In 1908, the Eaton Rapids James B. Brainerd Post 111 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) requested City Council that the Island be made in suitable condition for the annual encampment of the Eaton County Battalion of the G.A.R. A year later, the city agreed, named the island G.A.R. Island Park.
1920s
In 1921, John B. Davidson, Sr. came to Eaton Rapids from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He started a textile mill that spun its own yarn, the only one of its kind at that time in Michigan. Davidson Mill supplied 95% of the wool yarn used in major league baseball uniforms, as well as highgrade yarns for other purposes.
In 1924, Corey J. Spencer and his wife donated a 472-acre farm near Eaton Rapids to be used as a home for widows and orphans of U.S. veterans.
In 1927, construction began on a Tudor Revival mansion being built for automobile baron Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife, Janet. Mr. Reuter was the General Manager and President of the Oldsmobile Corporation. The Reuters named the 10,000 square foot home “Medovue’”. The property included 15 acres, a pergola, pool, artesian well, and more. They entertained lavishly at Medovue during the years of 1928 to 1936, until they relocated to Florida.
1930s
In 1936, Dennis Miller of Miller Dairy Farms built his own power plant after purchasing Smithville Dam, to supply power to his ice cream factory and farms, which had grown to 14 farms across 1,300 acres.
1940s
In 1945, a train wreck near the depot on Hall Street made national news. A freight train traveling approximately 40 mph crashed headon into a passenger train carrying 175 passengers, killing the train engineer and brakeman and injuring 26 people.
From 1940 to 1962, the Roman Catholic Church owned the Medovue home and property. The Most Reverend Joseph H.Albers, first Bishop of the Diocese of Lansing, used the home as his private residence.
1950s
In 1955, Eaton Rapids native Harlow Curtice was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year. He became president of General Motors in 1953.
In 1957, the Eaton Rapids Medical Center was built. Over the years, it has evolved into an independent, top-ranking critical access hospital providing Mid-Michigan residents with exceptional, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
1960s
In 1962, the last mineral bath was closed.
In 1965, Maurice “Skip” Dowding opened a small tool and die shop near the family home on Narrow Lake. Little did he know this would become Dowding Industries. In 1970, within five years of its founding, Dowding Industries continued to grow and expanded into metal stampings. The company’s drive to do more resulted in its manufacturing of turn signal and cruise control components for Eaton Corp.
In 1975, Skip Dowding teamed up with Michigan State University to develop a tractor for use in developing countries.
1980s
In 1980, the new four lane divided state highway M-99 connecting Eaton Rapids and Lansing was dedicated and opened to traffic.
In 1982, the Eaton Rapids Police Department was founded, serving the city of Eaton Rapids and providing 24/7 emergency services.
In 1989, the Medovue home was renovated and converted to an Inn, restaurant, and conference center, now known as the English Inn. The English Inn has retained much of the beauty of its past, with fine antiques, beautiful grounds, and delicious food.
1990s
In 1991, the DNR’s “Protecting Michigan’s Future” Recreation Bond Program and the Downtown Development Authority completed the first phase of a downtown riverwalk trail, including a foot bridge connecting Howe Memorial Field and the business district.
In 1991, the English Inn was listed on the State Register of Historic Sites.
In 1992, the Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society acquired Miller Farm, and the property is now used for special events and historical education.
In 1993, the Eaton Rapids DDA continued the riverwalk trail, extending it along the north end of downtown and to the north canoe launch.
In 1998, Skip Dowding consolidated Dowding Industries into a single location in Eaton Rapids.
In 2003, the Eaton Rapids Fire Department moved to a new location that they share with the Police Department.The facility features state of the art technology, including a crime processing lab, an advanced audio/visual training facility, video taping capabilities and offices for fire and police personnel.
In 2008, Von Weise, Inc. announced it would move its Indiana and Missouri operations to its facility in Eaton Rapids, creating jobs and investment in the area.
In 2009, Dowding Industries received the prestigious Women Business Enterprise certification in 2009. One year later, it was named as the Small Tier Manufacturer of the Year by the Michigan Manufacturers Association.
2010s
In 2012, Eaton Rapids hosted its first annual Urban Air festival, a gathering of airstream trailers from all over the U.S. and Canada, whose owners camp out downtown for a long weekend. Festivities include live music, activities, an outdoor movie, and other events.
In 2013, heavy rainfall caused the Grand River to flood, causing damage in many areas along the river.
In 2015, after surviving the Great Recession and economic downturn, Dowding Industries celebrated its golden anniversary, having served for 50 years. The company was honored with a key to the city by the Eaton Rapids mayor and City Council.
In 2016, the Eaton Rapids Outdoor Recreation Center opened, offering kayak, tube, canoe, and bike rentals.
In 2017, the Eaton Rapids Medical Center celebrated 60 years by announcing a $6 million expansion project.
In 2018 and 2019, the Eaton Rapids Medical Center was the first hospital in the Greater Lansing region to receive a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Sources:
https://cityofeatonrapids.com/?page_id=392
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eaton_Rapids,_Michigan
https://eradl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Eaton-Rapids-General-History.pdf
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http://mirisingtide.org/wp-content/uploads/Eaton-Rapids-Parks-and-Rec-Plan.pdf
2020s
In 2021, the city of Eaton Rapids announced that it will no longer host the Urban Air festival, in order to focus more resources on the city’s Fourth of July celebration and also the grand reopening of the G.A.R. Island Park and Riverwalk facility.
In 2021, the city of Eaton Rapids began a renovation project at G.A.R. Island Park. The city received a grant from the state of Michigan to make improvements at the park, including the construction of a riverwalk connecting Hamlin Square to Mill Pointe Park. The project is expected to be finished in September 2021.
Eaton Rapids Today
Eaton Rapids, proudly known as “the only Eaton Rapids on Earth,” is a unique community that offers its residents a high quality of life. With a healthy downtown business district, strong sense of community and a friendly atmosphere, Eaton Rapids is a great place to call home. The unique aspects of life along a river, including scenic natural beauty and recreational opportunities, add to the small city’s appeal. There are approximately 40 acres of parkland among 12 different sites, all located wholly within the city limits. The “Island City” is a charming place to both visit and make your hometown.
