1994.01.05

Michigan Senate Resolution No. 246 offered by Senator Gary Byker A RESOLUTION FOR THE CENTENNIAL OF THE VILLAGE OF DOUGLAS WHEREAS, The Village of Douglas celebrates its Centennial, dating from the October 14, 1870 act of incorporation by the Allegan County Board of Supervisors; and WHEREAS, The area's earliest history opens with the brief settlement of several white traders drawn there by establishment of the American Fur Company's trading post, and in the 1850s one Jonathon Wade built his sawmill on the bank of Wade's Bayou, an eddy of the Kalamazoo River flowing through the virgin forests of those days; and WHEREAS, Other pioneers arrived, and in 1855 the William Dutcher family bought part of Wade's land and the mill to plat a town in 1861 named Douglas to honor their son-in-law's native Isle of Man capital city. Mr. Wade platted his village in 1861 also, naming it Dudleyville, and nine years later the twin villages were incorporated as the Village of Douglas; and WHEREAS, Mills and tanneries developed; and near the century's close when fruit growing emerged as a major industry, Douglas was its shipping junction and converted the old mill into a basket factory, employing many local Indians and supplying growers all along Michigan's western shores. Later, Douglas was "discovered" by tourists, and October 11, 1904 a resolution by the Allegan County Board of Supervisors inaugurated annexation of part of Lake Mich-gan's shoreline and opened development of their lovely outdoor life for visitors and residents and for generations of happy children. Chase Manufacturing Company, now a part of Gulf Western Corporation, and the River Queen Boat Works, Division of U.S. Industries, increased the Village economy and give permanent employment for her citizens; and WHEREAS, The week of August 17-22, 1970 is dedicated to Centennial Galas, offering a gamut of oldtime contests of costume and beards judging, watermelon eating, firemen's waterball fight, and numerous water sports, antique autos, auction, open air art exhibit, garden flower show, and The Old-fashioned Parade, among others; now therefore be it RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That by these presents the Village of Douglas is accorded tribute to join the citizens in their gala Centennial, commemorating stalwart pioneers and the continuing heritage the Twentieth Century people are preparing for their next century in-heritors; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this tribute be presented to the Village of Douglas President, Council members and other officials and to the members of the Centennial Committee, in testimony of the esteem of The Michigan Senate. Adopted by the Senate, April 29, 1970.

Festivals, events, parades, celebrations

Winthers, Sally

04/10/2026

04/10/2026