The Douglas Union School

Location: 130 Center Street, Douglas
Date: 1866

Known as “The Old School House, “ this noble Italianate structure with its bell cupola, wide roof overhang with fancy brackets, classical corner pilasters on its four corners, elongated windows, and classical entryway, is regarded by some as the finest architectural building in Douglas—and unsurpassed in Michigan as a example of the importance attributed to raising the educational (and aesthetic) standards of Michigan schools at the time. The building was divided into multiple classrooms—a progressive “graded school” system of its time. The building was also used for public meeting and concerts. It is the oldest surviving building of its type (a “union” or consolidated school) in Michigan. It is now the headquarters and educational center for the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center