39. The Hill

 

The view of Saugatuck from Mount Baldhead, 1874. Saugatuck’s hill area, east of Butler Street, is highlighted in yellow. 

As industrial activity grew along Saugatuck’s riverbanks so did smoke, pollution, overcrowding, the risk of fire and social problems such as drunkenness and crime. As a result, the “respectable” class of the village — including skilled workers, wealthy merchants and industrialists — moved to the high ground east of “the Flats.” o

The first churches of the village were located on this higher ground, as was the Saugatuck Union School, built in 1866. Living “on the Hill” came to indicate a higher social status as well as a geographical elevation.