57. Iron Clad Basket Factory

Workers stand outside the Old Iron Clad – in 1889, Saugatuck

The Calvin Whitney Basket Factory was locally known as the “Iron-Clad” because it was partially covered with sheet iron for fire protection. The company produced baskets for local shippers and fruit farmers. Records show some 40,000 baskets were manufactured in 1888. The owner, Calvin Whitney, was a Civil War veteran and local farmer. When the factory closed one large section of the building was moved upriver to become a part of a new hotel named the Tourist Home.