text:
Laketown Township, Michigan

Laketown Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,928 at the 2020 census.

Communities
Castle Park is an unincorporated private community in the township, consisting of approximately 100 cottages and summer houses along Lake Michigan. It is situated on the former Castle Park estate of Michael Schwarz. Schwarz's brick, turreted castle-style house, built in 1890, now serves as the enclave's community center. There was a post office here from 1903 until 1953.

Macatawa is a small unincorporated community near Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa that once was home to resorts catering to visitors from Chicago. Nearly all that remains of these resorts was destroyed in several fires. It is now home to primarily cottages. The community is on the boundary between Laketown Township in Allegan County and Park Township in Ottawa County; however, it is on the south side of Lake Macatawa separated from most of Park Township. Macatawa is located at 42.76972°N, -86.20611°W. It has a "PO Box only" post office with the ZIP code of 49434.

Graafschap is a small unincorporated community, with areas in both Fillmore Township and Laketown Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 56.1 km2, of which 55.8 km2 is land and 0.3 km2, or 0.47%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,561 people, 2,080 households, and 1,591 families residing in the township. The population density was 257.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,373 housing units at an average density of 109.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.04% White, 0.50% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.51% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.70% of the population.

There were 2,080 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.4% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.5% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $60,893, and the median income for a family was $69,440. Males had a median income of $46,698 versus $31,597 for females. The per capita income for the township was $29,377. About 1.3% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Laketown Township, Michigan


text:
Lee Township, Allegan County, Michigan

Lee Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,805 at the 2020 census.

The township is rural with the population living mostly around the lakes. A small portion of the Allegan State Game Area is in the township.

CSX Transportation has a rail line that goes through the township in a north–south direction. The line also carries Amtrak traffic, but does not stop within the township. No major highways go through Lee Township.

Communities
There no villages within the township, but there are several unincorporated communities:
 * Bakersville is located on the northeast side of Lower Scott Lake (42.49°N, -86.06972°W Elevation: 659 ft/201 m).
 * Lacota is a shared community at the southwest corner boundary with Geneva Township, Van Buren County and Casco Township.
 * Lee is located on 56th Street between 105 Avenue and 104 Avenue (42.45083°N, -86.09083°W Elevation: 650 ft./198 m.).
 * Pullman
 * Sherman Park is located on the northwest side of Lower Scott Lake (42.49194°N, -86.08194°W Elevation: 666 ft./203 m.).

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.5 km2, of which 91.1 km2 is land and 2.4 km2, or 2.56%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,114 people, 1,313 households, and 983 families residing in the township. The population density was 116.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,807 housing units at an average density of 51.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 74.53% White, 7.73% African American, 0.95% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 12.86% from other races, and 3.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 21.10% of the population.

There were 1,313 households, out of which 43.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.09 and the average family size was 3.48.

In the township the population was spread out, with 34.7% under the age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $30,875, and the median income for a family was $32,688. Males had a median income of $28,789 versus $23,563 for females. The per capita income for the township was $11,836. About 16.6% of families and 21.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.7% of those under age 18 and 17.7% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lee Township, Allegan County, Michigan


text:
Leighton Township, Michigan

Leighton Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 7,001 at the 2020 census, up from 4,934 at the 2010 census.

Communities
Corning is a tiny unincorporated community at 42.72472°N, -85.60083°W near the center of the township and with the township hall nearby. There was a post office operating there from 1882 to 1902.

Green Lake was a summer resort at 42.745°N, -85.59972°W on the eponymous lake, which drains into Green Lake Creek, a tributary of the Rabbit River. A post office operated there from 1899 to 1901. There are now permanent residences around the lake.

Moline is an unincorporated community at 42.73917°N, -85.66389°W just east of U.S. Highway 131 exit 68. The ZIP code is 49335. The community lies mostly within neighboring Dorr Township but lies on the boundary, and some development extends into Leighton Township.

The city of Wayland is at the southwest corner of the township and has incorporated a small area of land from the township.

The Leighton Township Fire Department has 32 part-paid firefighters divided between two stations. The department responds to an average of 150 calls per year.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 92.2 km2, of which 90.3 km2 is land and 1.9 km2, or 2.03%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,652 people, 1,246 households, and 1,004 families residing in the township. The population density was 104.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,386 housing units at an average density of 39.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.75% White, 0.11% African American, 0.93% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.04% of the population.

There were 1,246 households, out of which 41.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.4% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.4% were non-families. 14.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the township, the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $51,743, and the median income for a family was $57,067. Males had a median income of $42,477 versus $27,679 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,736. About 5.2% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Leighton Township, Michigan


text:
Manlius Township, Michigan

Manlius Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,312 at the 2020 census.

History
A post to trade with the local Ottawa people was established by a man named Campau here in 1825. The township was established in 1839.

Communities
The city of Fennville is at the southwest corner of the township, but is administratively autonomous.

New Richmond
New Richmond is an unincorporated community within the township at 42.64778°N, -86.10556°W near where Old Allegan Road and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway cross the Kalamazoo River. It is about a mile west of where the Rabbit River flows into the Kalamazoo. In 1836, three eastern investors, led by John Allen of Ann Arbor, arranged to found a city here. Allen platted the village of "Richmond", after his home town of Richmond, Virginia. The village was platted covering all of section 8 and the eastern half of section 7, just a bit north and west of the present location. Some land was cleared, a general store and some houses were built, and in November 1837, a post office opened named "Richmond". However, the office closed in October 1839, after Allen's business venture failed in 1838 due to financial depression following the Panic of 1837.

Ralph R. Mann, who had been hired by Allen to direct improvements at Richmond, in 1844 moved to a location to the south of the first site and built a water-powered sawmill on the river. This settlement became known as "Manlius", and a post office opened in July 1846. It is said to be named after Manlius, New York. It was for a while a station on the Chicago and West Michigan Railway, but was mostly abandoned in 1874 after the destruction of the mill's dam and the local tavern burned down. With the coming of the railroad, H. F. Marsh laid out a new village of Richmond near the older site, which prospered and after a time supplanted Manlius. In October 1872, the post office was closed in Manlius and another was established named "New Richmond". After a time, the settlement also came to be known as "New Richmond".

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.1 km2, of which 91.1 km2 is land and 2.0 km2, or 2.14%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,634 people, 899 households, and 735 families residing in the township. The population density was 74.5 PD/sqmi. There were 948 housing units at an average density of 26.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 94.00% White, 0.57% African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 3.00% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.23% of the population.

There were 899 households, out of which 42.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.0% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.2% were non-families. 15.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.2% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 34.7% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $51,653, and the median income for a family was $54,868. Males had a median income of $36,078 versus $27,333 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,009. About 2.9% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.3% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Manlius Township, Michigan


text:
Martin, Michigan

Martin is a village in southeastern Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 377 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.78 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 410 people, 162 households, and 109 families living in the village. The population density was 525.6 PD/sqmi. There were 176 housing units at an average density of 225.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.9% White, 1.0% African American, 2.9% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.9% of the population.

There were 162 households, of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.7% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the village was 37.8 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 11% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 26.9% were from 45 to 64; and 13.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.7% male and 49.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 435 people, 172 households, and 126 families living in the village. The population density was 497.3 PD/sqmi. There were 181 housing units at an average density of 206.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.86% White, 0.46% African American, 0.92% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 2.30% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.76% of the population.

There were 172 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $41,389, and the median income for a family was $48,958. Males had a median income of $40,000 versus $28,929 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,238. About 6.4% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Points of interest
US-131 Motorsports Park, originally known as Martin Dragway, claims to be "The fastest track in Michigan".

title: Martin, Michigan


text:
Martin Township, Michigan

Martin Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,723 at the 2020 census.

Communities
The village of Martin is within the township. The Martin ZIP code 49070 serves a large portion of Martin Township.

The city of Plainwell is to the south, and the Plainwell ZIP code 49080 also serves the southeast corner of Martin Township.

Shelbyville is a small unincorporated community in the north of the township on the boundary with Wayland Township. The Shelbyville ZIP code 49344 also serves parts of northern Martin Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.2 km2, of which 92.0 km2 is land and 1.1 km2, or 1.22%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,514 people, 891 households, and 686 families residing in the township. The population density was 70.5 PD/sqmi. There were 935 housing units at an average density of 26.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.78% White, 0.16% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 1.11% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.11% of the population.

There were 891 households, out of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $40,565, and the median income for a family was $45,595. Males had a median income of $37,279 versus $26,471 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,233. About 5.5% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Martin Township, Michigan


text:
Monterey Township, Michigan

Monterey Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,436 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.2 km2, of which 92.5 km2 is land and 0.7 km2, or 0.79%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,065 people, 707 households, and 559 families residing in the township. The population density was 57.8 PD/sqmi. There were 760 housing units at an average density of 21.3 per square mile (8.2/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 95.30% White, 0.53% African American, 1.50% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.92% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.60% of the population.

There were 707 households, out of which 43.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.2% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.9% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.7% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 34.8% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $48,750, and the median income for a family was $54,286. Males had a median income of $34,792 versus $24,964 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,718. About 2.2% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Monterey Township, Michigan


text:
Otsego, Michigan

Otsego is a city in Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,120 at the 2020 census. The city is within Otsego Township, but is administratively autonomous.

Otsego is situated on M-89 about three miles (5 km) west of Plainwell and US 131. It is about nine miles (14 km) southeast of Allegan and the Kalamazoo River flows east to west through the city.

History
Otsego was established in 1831, called Pine Creek by its initial settlers: Giles Scott and Hull Sherwood. A post office was established in 1832 under the name of Allegan, the name being changed to Otsego in 1835 with the organization of Allegan County, spearheaded by Otsego resident Dr. Samuel Foster. 1833 brought a school to the new town, and a hotel - the Tompkins House - followed in the 1860s.

On June 6, 1863, at Aaron Hilliard's house Ellen G. White, a founder of the Seventh-day Adventist church, experienced a vision about health and disease, and it showed vegetarian food, as was described in Genesis 1:29, was the proper food for humankind. Her vision led to the creation of many vegetarian foods and vegetarian food companies, including the Battle Creek Sanitarium and Loma Linda Foods.

In the 1870s, visitors from all over the Midwest journeyed to Otsego to experience the "medicinal" waters at the Otsego Mineral Springs Bath House, which remained a regional draw until 1887 when George Bardeen's paper mill operation depleted the town's mineral springs.

The 1880s saw some big advances for Otsego. In 1883, Otsego High School held its first commencement ceremony, graduating three students; a home-delivery milk route was started up in 1885; and 1886 brought the establishment of the volunteer fire department, which initially used horse-drawn water-wagons. The decade closed out with the formation of the city's Republican Club in 1888.

In 1881, Wilson C. Edsell built the town's first bank and opera house. Edsell's Opera House was the primary entertainment venue in town for many years until the opening of the Nickelodeon (Irv Nichols's theatre venture) in 1909. An Uncle Tom's Cabin troupe played the Opera House stage on an annual basis. Native American vaudeville shows, called medicine shows, were popular. Maro the Magician, stock theater groups, minstrel shows took the opera house stage on a regular basis, with the minstrel shows led by the town's one African American resident Jim Smith.

The city's baseball park was sold to the area Catholics as a site for a church in 1890. The Russell Buggy Company came to town as well, making popular ironclad carriages. The Bardeen Mansion was completed in 1894, which was razed in 1962–63. A smallpox epidemic swept the town in 1894, as well.

During the 1902 baseball season, Otsego was home to Negro league baseball great Andrew "Rube" Foster, who played for George E. Bardeen's Michigan State League white semi-professional team, the Otsego Independents, before signing on as a pitcher with the Cuban X-Giants, considered by many to be the greatest team in Negro leagues history. He would later be instrumental in the founding of the Negro National League. For a time, Otsego had a "Rube Street," but it was renamed "Washington Street." On 17 April 2000, John Chapman, a local elementary teacher, petitioned the City Council to have one of the six baseball diamonds at Memorial Park renamed in Foster's honor. The city approved placement of a monument to him at the park by a 3–1 vote.

A flu epidemic struck 800 residents, killing some, in 1918.

Otsego was struck by a tornado in 1962, uprooting trees and wiping out electricity/telephone services for several days.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.13 sqmi, of which 2.07 sqmi is land and 0.06 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,956 people, 1,597 households, and 1,064 families living in the city. The population density was 1911.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,716 housing units at an average density of 829.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.2% White, 0.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 1.2% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 1,597 households, of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.4% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 36.1 years. 27.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.5% were from 45 to 64; and 13.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.1% male and 52.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,934 people, 1,553 households, and 1,062 families living in the city. The population density was 1971 PD/sqmi. There were 1,632 housing units at an average density of 817.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.10% White, 0.31% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.50% of the population.

There were 1,553 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,525, and the median income for a family was $44,308. Males had a median income of $36,429 versus $25,054 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,521. About 4.6% of families and 6.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Culture
"Otsego" is a recurring mention in industrial metal band Static-X's material, with songs named after the town including "Otsegolation", "Otsego Undead" and "Otsegolectric"; frontman Wayne Static attended Western Michigan University and at the time used a fake ID that claimed he was "Dean from Otsego".

Education
Otsego is home to Otsego Public Schools, which includes Alamo Elementary (located in Alamo Township), Dix Street Elementary, Washington Street Elementary (formerly Allegan Street Elementary), Otsego Middle School, Otsego High School, and the West Campus High School.

Notable people

 * Forman Brown (1901–1996), songwriter, composer, author
 * Sid Conrad (1923–2010), TV character actor
 * Hon. Wilson C. Edsell, state senator, Olivet College founder, founder of first national bank in Otsego, D.M. Canright supporter
 * Phil Regan, major league baseball pitcher, manager and coach
 * Kevin VanDam, professional bass fisher, BASS Angler of the Year (1992, 1996, 1999, 2008, 2009); graduated from Otsego High School

title: Otsego, Michigan


text:
Otsego Township, Michigan

Otsego Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,903 at the 2020 census. The city of Otsego is located within the township, but is administratively autonomous.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 87.7 km2, of which 86.1 km2 is land and 1.6 km2, or 1.86%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,854 people, 1,771 households, and 1,390 families residing in the township. The population density was 145.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,859 housing units at an average density of 55.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.20% White, 0.35% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.48% of the population.

There were 1,771 households, out of which 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.9% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.5% were non-families. 17.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $48,654, and the median income for a family was $54,917. Males had a median income of $39,619 versus $29,750 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,546. About 3.6% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

History
The Pine Creek settlement known also as New Rochester was a community located at 42° 27' 24.30" N, 85° 43' 59.64" W near the junction of Pine Creek and the Kalamazoo river in Otsego Township, Allegan County, Michigan. It was approximately two miles west of the present day city of Otsego. The site was first explored in 1829 by Giles Scott and the Sherwoods of Rochester, New York, Samuel Foster from Vermont, and Turner Aldrich, Jr. of Cattaraugus County, New York, while searching for pine tracts and a location to construct a mill site. Giles Scott, the son-in-law of Hull Sherwood returned to the mouth of the Pine Creek with his wife and small children in 1830 and constructed a small log cabin in 1831. Shortly following Scott, Turner Aldrich, Jr., arrived in Pine Creek. Aldrich built a water powered saw mill located on Pine Creek, one mile from its mouth in 1831. The mill constructed by Aldrich is believed to have cut the first lumber in Western Michigan. The mill burned down shortly after construction but was rebuilt by Aldrich in 1832. Hull Sherwood settled in Pine Creek in 1831. With the aid of Scott a dam and saw-mill were constructed at the mouth of the creek. The saw mill was completed in the winter of 1831-32. Soon followed by the construction of a grist mill in 1834. Lands were held by settlers through pre-emption until they were placed on the market by the government, at which time settlers were required to report to the nearest land office to pay for their land.

Hull Sherwood platted the village named New Rochester at Pine Creek, which remained a prominent settlement through the 1830s. In 1833 the first school was taught by Dr. Lintsford B. Coates just to the east of Pine Creek. A bridge crossing the Kalamazoo River was constructed at Pine Creek in 1835. In the same year the Higgins saw mill began operation at Pine Creek. In 1836, Giles Scott, who was known as an excellent fiddler constructed the tavern known as Pine Creek House over which he presided until his death in 1840. The decline of New Rochester began following severe economic conditions resulting from the panic of 1837, but some economic activity continued in the Pine Creek area. In 1850 another saw mill was constructed two miles south of the Pine Creek settlement, known as Leighton’s Saw Mill. A cider mill opened at Pine Creek in 1869. In 1880, an iron bridge with two spans and one pier was built over the Pine Creek. The following year the Pine Creek Grange Hall was completed. The building is still in use, after being moved to its present location east of the Pine River in 1903. Herman Jungnitsch open a blacksmith shop at Pine Creek in 1885. Wash Morter also operated a blacksmith shop at Pine Creek, the original building was relocated to its present location east of the Pine Creek on top of a hill. A post office was established in 1899 under the name Dent because a Pine Creek office already existed and was operated by Miss Mae Carroll. In 1903, the construction of the Pine Creek Dam of the Commonwealth, later known as Consumers Power Company, was completed and after the buildings of the small settlement near the Pine Creek known as New Rochester were either moved or torn down, the area was flooded.

title: Otsego Township, Michigan


text:
Overisel Township, Michigan

Overisel Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,113 at the 2020 census.

Overisel was named after the Dutch province of Overijssel. Overisel is the birthplace of mathematician George David Birkhoff, best known for what is now called the ergodic theorem.

Communities

 * Bentheim is a Dutch and German community that was also settled in the mid-1800s. Bentheim is found near the Rabbit River on the far Eastern edge of the Township.
 * Drenthe is a Dutch community that was first settled by Jan Hulst in 1847. His family's journey from Baltimore took six weeks when made by ox-cart in June 1847.
 * Overisel is a tightly knit community found in the far western part of Overisel Township and was settled in 1848 by Dutch immigrants consisting of only 12 families at the time. The village consists of two Churches, (Reformed and Christian Reformed) as well as a feed mill and dozens of family-owned farms.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 92.5 km2, of which 92.3 sqkm is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.22%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,594 people, 869 households, and 730 families residing in the township. The population density was 72.4 PD/sqmi. There were 897 housing units at an average density of 25.0 per square mile (9.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 96.92% White, 0.04% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 2.20% from other races, and 0.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.39% of the population.

There were 869 households, out of which 42.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.7% were married couples living together, 3.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.9% were non-families. 13.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $52,857, and the median income for a family was $56,964. Males had a median income of $39,594 versus $26,982 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,831. About 1.5% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Overisel Township, Michigan


text:
Plainwell, Michigan

Plainwell is a city in Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,788 at the 2020 census.

Plainwell is located on M-89 just east of its junction with US 131. The city of Otsego is about 3 mi to the west. The city of Kalamazoo is about 10 mi to the south, and the city of Grand Rapids is about 35 mi to the north. The Kalamazoo River flows through the center of the city and it is known as "The Island City".

History
This part of Michigan was settled in the 1830s, after the removal of native people. Allegan County was organized in 1835, and the Plainwell area was settled soon after. It was on a stagecoach route from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, and later the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad was constructed along the same route. After the advent of the automobile, U.S. Route 131 was created and run through the town. In the 1960s, an improved 4-lane US-131 was built west of town to connect Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, with an interchange on M-89 between Plainwell and Otsego. This allowed the town to become a kind of "bedroom community" for Kalamazoo or the southern part of Grand Rapids.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.06 sqmi, of which 1.98 sqmi is land and 0.08 sqmi is water. The nickname Island City has to do with a power canal which diverts a portion of the Kalamazoo River around the downtown area, causing it to be an island.

Major highways

 * is a freeway that is located in the western portion of the city.
 * follows M-89 for most of its route in Plainwell, but soon has a concurrency with U.S. 131 just before the city line.
 * has a concurrency with M-43 for most of its route in Plainwell, but continues west alone into Otsego.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,804 people, 1,561 households, and 966 families living in the city. The population density was 1921.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,674 housing units at an average density of 845.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.0% White, 1.0% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.

There were 1,561 households, of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.1% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 38.7 years. 23.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.2% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,933 people, 1,506 households, and 1,018 families living in the city. The population density was 1,897.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,593 housing units at an average density of 768.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.77% White, 0.46% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.66% from other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.65% of the population.

There were 1,506 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,590, and the median income for a family was $44,519. Males had a median income of $35,785 versus $26,397 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,982. About 1.4% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under age 18 and 18.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
K-12 Students are served by the Plainwell School District. There are two high schools, Plainwell High School, and Renaissance High School. Renaissance is the alternative education high school. There is only one middle school, Plainwell Middle School. The school district has three elementary schools. They are Cooper Elementary, Gilkey Elementary, and Starr Elementary.

Michigan Career and Technical Institute is also located nearby.

Notable people

 * Jack Conklin, American football offensive tackle
 * Dave Coverly, syndicated cartoonist
 * Mallory Comerford, competitive swimmer
 * Ed Gale, actor and child predator
 * Narada Michael Walden, singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer

title: Plainwell, Michigan


text:
Salem Township, Allegan County, Michigan

Salem Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,156 at the 2020 census, up from 3,486 at the 2000 census.

Communities
Burnips is an unincorporated community near the center of the township at 42.73194°N, -85.83944°W. It was first known as Salem Center. James Burnips was a local landowner and built the first store there in 1856. He began to sell lots of land for building in 1858. A post office named "Burnip's Corners" opened in 1868, and the name was changed to "Burnips" in 1915. The ZIP code is 49314.

Diamond Springs is an unincorporated locale in the southwest corner of the township on the Rabbit River at 42.68056°N, -85.89694°W. It was first settled in 1867 and had a post office from 1871 until 1875, and then reopened six months later until closing in 1905.

New Salem is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of the township at 42.75389°N, -85.80194°W. A post office first opened there in 1857 and opened and closed several times until 1865, after which it remained in operation until closing in 1905. New Salem is the home of St. Mary's Visitation Catholic Church which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.3 sqkm, of which 92.5 sqkm is land and 0.9 sqkm, or 0.92%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,486 people, 1,151 households, and 941 families residing in the township. The population density was 97.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,181 housing units at an average density of 33.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.99% White, 0.14% African American, 1.03% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.57% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.84% of the population.

There were 1,151 households, out of which 46.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.5% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.2% were non-families. 14.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.8% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 34.8% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 7.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $48,203, and the median income for a family was $54,625. Males had a median income of $37,768 versus $26,164 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,620. About 2.6% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Francis Adam Goodman, veteran of the Civil War; lived in Salem Township and represented the town in the State Legislature (1881-1883)


text:
Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck is a city in Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 865 at the 2020 census. The city is within Saugatuck Township, but is administratively autonomous.

Originally a lumber town and port, Saugatuck, along with the adjacent city of Douglas, became a noted art colony and tourist destination in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, Saugatuck was home to the famous Big Pavilion, a large dance hall that attracted bands and visitors from across the Midwest. The building was a popular destination on Lake Michigan from its construction in 1909 until it burned down on May 6, 1960.

Today, tourists are drawn to the art galleries, harbor, marinas, scenery, unusual stores, the view from atop Mount Baldhead, and tourist attractions as well as Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, which enjoys a worldwide reputation. Nearby are Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Allegan State Game Area as is the city of Holland. Saugatuck is known as a popular vacation destination for the LGBT+ community with similar cultural attributes as Fire Island Pines and Provincetown, Massachusetts.

History
William C. Butler was the first European-American settler in 1830 of "Kalamazoo village", as it was at first known. He bought land and had a village plat laid out in 1833. In 1836 the legislature gave Kalamazoo, formerly known as Bronson in honor of Titus Bronson, its current name. Thus the community was renamed after the township current name, Newark. The first postmaster suggested the name of Saugatuck, a native American name signifying a stream outlet, for the post office, and this name was taken when Saugatuck was incorporated as a village in 1868 by the County Board of Supervisors. The village was reincorporated by the legislature in its 1869-1870 session.

Its charter was amended in 1893. In 1895, the village came under the village general law for its government. The Saugatuck and Ganges Phone Company was formed for the village in 1893–1894.

In 1968, a hundred years after incorporation as a village, Saugatuck might have looked into incorporating as a city, but it appears incorporation actually happened in 1984, according to historical information on the Saugatuck city website.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.47 sqmi, of which 1.18 sqmi is land and 0.29 sqmi is water.

Tourism
Saugatuck's primary source of revenue stems from tourism: although only about 1,000 individuals call Saugatuck their year-round home, the population of the town swells to nearly 3,000 in the summer. Saugatuck is a prime summer weekend getaway destination for residents of Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Detroit areas, some attracted by the many bed and breakfasts in the area. In 2010, Saugatuck came in fourth in Budget Travel magazine's ten coolest towns in America.

In town, attractions include the many art galleries (over a dozen), small, independent shops, and several restaurants. The Star of Saugatuck, a large paddle-wheel boat, gives daily tours of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, a hand-cranked vessel, departs from Wick's Park and takes tourists from the town side of the river to the other shore for a walk to the beach, the historical museum or to climb the stairs at Mt. Baldhead. In addition to the art and music festivals throughout the year, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts features equity theater, music concerts, art exhibits, educational events, a green market, and is available for event rental.

Other attractions include the nearby town of Douglas, Saugatuck's sister city. Saugatuck's historic churches contribute to a vibrant community while preserving some of the oldest buildings in town. The oldest of these churches is First Congregational Church, founded in 1860. Douglas was home to the SS Keewatin, a coal-fired steamship formerly of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The 105-year-old ship was a floating museum and a fixture in the harbor until it was recently purchased and moved back to Canada.

Since the 1970s, Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas have been popular as a tourist destination for gay and lesbian tourists from the Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Grand Rapids areas, as well as other Midwestern urban areas. It has even been nicknamed by some as the Fire Island or Provincetown of the Midwest.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 925 people, 513 households, and 243 families residing in the city. The population density was 783.9 PD/sqmi. There were 942 housing units at an average density of 798.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.6% White, 0.6% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.8% of the population.

There were 513 households, of which 14.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 52.6% were non-families. 43.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.80 and the average family size was 2.43.

The median age in the city was 53.3 years. 12.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18% were from 25 to 44; 44.2% were from 45 to 64; and 21.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,065 people, 549 households, and 265 families residing in the city. The population density was 893.6 PD/sqmi. There were 928 housing units at an average density of 778.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.21% White, 1.60% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 1.41% from other races, and 0.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.32% of the population.

There were 549 households, out of which 18.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.7% were non-families. 41.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.93 and the average family size was 2.62.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.8% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 32.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,317, and the median income for a family was $64,582. Males had a median income of $46,160 versus $26,485 for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,382. About 6.7% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Saugatuck, Michigan


text:
Saugatuck Township, Michigan

Saugatuck Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,443 at the 2020 census, up from 2944 at the 2010 census.

Communities
There are no villages within the township, but there are two unincorporated communities:
 * Macks Landing is located at Riverside Drive and 62nd Street, near the Kalamazoo River (423753N 0860916W; elevation: 614 ft.).
 * Oxbow is located on Rupprecht Way, just north of Saugatuck (elevation: 594 ft).

History
In 1837, Oshea Wilder and his sons founded the community named for the southeastern Asia city of Singapore at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. In 1875, Singapore was abandoned.

The township name was Newark until 1861.

On December 13, 2004, Douglas residents voted to adopt a charter changing the status of the village into a city form of government removing Douglas from the Township.

From 2004 to 2006, Oklahoma billionaire Aubrey McClendon bought 400 acre of undeveloped duneland in Saugatuck Township for $39.5 million with plans to build luxury homes, 28 condos, a hotel, a marina, and a golf course. In 2006, the Saugatuck Township Board re-zoned the land, making McClendon unable to build his planned project. The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance opposes McClendon's plans, citing environmental concerns. In 2009, McClendon sold 171 acre of the land in order to alleviate the group's concerns. In March 2010, McClendon sued the township in federal court to overturn the zoning. The township has spent more than $250,000 fighting the lawsuit, and has raised taxes in the township in order to raise revenue.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 62.7 km2, of which 60.5 km2 is land and 2.2 km2, or 3.50%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,590 people, 1,581 households, and 937 families residing in the township. The population density was 142.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,089 housing units at an average density of 82.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.43% White, 0.42% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.25% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.12% of the population.

There were 1,581 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the township the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 30.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $43,771, and the median income for a family was $49,600. Males had a median income of $37,845 versus $30,543 for females. The per capita income for the township was $30,056. About 5.4% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Saugatuck Township, Michigan


text:
Trowbridge Township, Michigan

Trowbridge Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,530 at the 2020 census.

Communities
Merson is an unincorporated community in the township at the junction of M-40 and 102 Avenue (42.43472°N, -85.86611°W Elevation: 761 ft./232 m.).

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 92.7 km2, of which 89.7 km2 is land and 3.0 km2, or 3.22%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,519 people, 941 households, and 712 families residing in the township. The population density was 72.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,060 housing units at an average density of 30.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.71% White, 1.07% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.83% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.02% of the population.

There were 941 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.9% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.3% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $40,476, and the median income for a family was $46,157. Males had a median income of $36,170 versus $26,487 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,137. About 6.2% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Trowbridge Township, Michigan


text:
Valley Township, Michigan

Valley Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,221 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.2 km2, of which 85.3 km2 is land and 7.9 km2, or 8.50%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,831 people, 680 households, and 531 families residing in the township. The population density was 55.6 PD/sqmi. There were 775 housing units at an average density of 23.5 per square mile (9.1/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 95.74% White, 1.91% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 1.09% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.97% of the population.

There were 680 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.0% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.8% were non-families. 15.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $48,672, and the median income for a family was $52,893. Males had a median income of $36,026 versus $27,278 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,990. About 4.7% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 1.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Valley Township, Michigan


text:
Watson Township, Michigan

Watson Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,176 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.5 km2, of which 91.6 km2 is land and 1.9 km2, or 2.04%, is water.

History
On April 14, 1871, a post office named West Watson was established in the western part of Watson Township. On October 2 of that year, the post office was renamed Abronia. This post office operated until June 30, 1902.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,086 people, 694 households, and 567 families residing in the township. The population density was 58.9 PD/sqmi. There were 748 housing units at an average density of 21.1 per square mile (8.2/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 98.08% White, 0.10% African American, 0.67% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.53% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.49% of the population.

There were 694 households, out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.5% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.2% were non-families. 13.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.3% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $49,070, and the median income for a family was $51,591. Males had a median income of $36,591 versus $28,063 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,095. About 5.8% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Watson Township, Michigan


text:
Wayland, Michigan

Wayland is a city in Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,435 at the 2020 census.

The city is located at the northwest corner of Wayland Township, but is politically independent. The city has also incorporated a portion of land in the south of adjacent Leighton Township. U.S. Route 131 forms the western boundary of the city.

History
About two hundred years ago, the area now known as Wayland, Michigan was inhabited by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of the Pottawatomi, a Native American tribe in Michigan. The tribe lived in settled villages, hunted game, and farmed and harvested corn and wild rice, in addition to making maple sugar tree sap. The tribe is federally recognized and is headquartered in nearby Wayland Township. It owns the Gun Lake Casino, opened in 2011. The area began changing under pressure of European-American development. By 1826 the land had been surveyed for settlement in United States style. Colonel Isaac Barnes, attracted by the extensive forests of pine and hardwoods, purchased a tract of land along the Rabbit River and began operating a mill producing lumber and wooden shingles, giving the area its first name, Lumberton.

In 1837, the Barnes family arrived and began clearing the land for farming, and by the 1840s, several more families had settled in the area. This growth brought enough children to the area to justify building the first American-style school in 1844. In 1855 a road was built to connect the two larger towns of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, running directly through Chamber's Corners, the main intersection in the city. This area is now known by that name. This busy road led to increased commerce, and business in the form of dairy farms and factories, which led to further growth over time.

The area was officially named Wayland in 1868 after a town in New York, as many migrants had come from that state.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.03 sqmi, of which 2.98 sqmi is land and 0.05 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,079 people, 1,555 households, and 1,051 families residing in the city. The population density was 1368.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,751 housing units at an average density of 587.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.0% White, 0.3% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.9% of the population.

There were 1,555 households, of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 16.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.4% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the city was 33.3 years. 28.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.1% were from 45 to 64; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,939 people, 1,466 households, and 1,027 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,363.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,591 housing units at an average density of 550.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.75% White, 0.63% African American, 0.91% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 1,466 households, out of which 41.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 14.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,852, and the median income for a family was $50,298. Males had a median income of $35,811 versus $25,786 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,077. About 6.7% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
K-12 public education is provided by Wayland Union Schools.

Major highways
runs north–south through the city, linking with Kalamazoo to the south and Grand Rapids to the north

title: Wayland, Michigan


text:
Wayland Township, Michigan

Wayland Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,573 at the 2020 census.

Communities
Bradley is an unincorporated community situated just east of exit 61 off U.S. Highway 131 at 42.63028°N, -85.63472°W. The Bradley ZIP code 49311 provides P.O. only service. It was founded in 1854 due to the building of a plank road in the area.

Coyville was a rural post office in the township from 1857 until 1859.

Shelbyville is a small unincorporated community in the south of the township on the boundary with Martin Township at 42.59417°N, -85.63722°W. The Shelbyville ZIP code 49344 serves the southern portion of Wayland Township as well as parts of northern Martin Township, a small area of eastern Hopkins Township and part of northeast Orangeville Township in Barry County.

The city of Wayland is at the northwest corner of the township, and is administratively autonomous. The Wayland ZIP code 49348 also serves the northern portion of Wayland Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 86.6 km2, of which 84.5 km2 is land and 2.1 km2, or 2.43%, is water. The Rabbit River loops through the north of the township from the northeast to northwest corners. The southern portion is dotted with numerous small lakes. The extreme southeast corner touches on Gun Lake.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,013 people, 1,053 households, and 824 families residing in the township. The population density was 92.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,169 housing units at an average density of 35.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.45% White, 0.40% African American, 1.46% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.80% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.19% of the population.

There were 1,053 households, out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.3% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.7% were non-families. 16.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.8% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,853, and the median income for a family was $49,675. Males had a median income of $38,381 versus $26,400 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,870. About 0.5% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.5% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Wayland Township, Michigan


text:
Alpena, Michigan

Alpena ( ) is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of Alpena County, and is the only city within the county. The population was 10,197 at the 2020 census, making it the third most populated city in the Northern Michigan region, after Traverse City and Cadillac. The city is surrounded by Alpena Township, but the two are administered autonomously. It is the core city of the Alpena micropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Alpena County and had a total population of 28,907 at the 2020 census.

Alpena is located at the head of Thunder Bay, a bay of Lake Huron. Offshore of Alpena is the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects an estimated 116 historically significant shipwrecks. Alpena is the third-largest American city on Lake Huron, behind Bay City and Port Huron.

History
The Alpena area is home to the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi people. These people groups inhabit the area surrounding the Great Lakes, including Michigan. The Thunder Bay Band of Chippewa and Ottawa merged with the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians in the mid-1800s under Chief Way-ge-maw-waw-be.

Alpena County was originally set off from Michilimackinac County as Anamickee County founded in 1840, which in 1843 was changed to Alpena, a pseudo-Native American word — a neologism coined by Henry Schoolcraft, meaning something like "a good partridge country." This was part of a much larger effort to rename a great many of the Michigan counties at the time.

The first European settler at modern-day Alpena was W.F. Cullings, a fisherman in 1835. In 1856, George W. Fletcher and three others from Detroit platted a village by the name of Fremont, after John C. Frémont. The community was briefly renamed Thunder Bay in 1857 before being renamed again to Alpena in 1871. The city of Alpena was officially incorporated by Michigan State Legislature on March 29, 1871.

Most of the city was lost in the Great Michigan Fire of 1871. Less than one year later, on July 12, 1872, Alpena was hit by another fire, the largest in its history, which destroyed 15 acre of homes and businesses for a total amount of 65 buildings. The blaze started in a barn and lasted for two hours, killing at least four people and causing at least US$180,000 1872 in damages. Alpena was again hit by a disastrous fire on July 11, 1888. In the early 1910s a failed attempt was led by the Alpena Motor Car Company to turn the city into "Automobile City" and compete with Detroit.

The city has a number of notable buildings, including the Art deco Alpena County Courthouse, the I.O.O.F. Centennial Building, and Temple Beth El, one of the oldest synagogues in the United States.

Historical markers
There are seven recognized historical markers in the city:

 * Alpena City Hall
 * Alpena County Courthouse
 * The Daniel Carter Family, Alpena'a first settlers.
 * First Congregational Church
 * Monarch Mill
 * St. Bernard Catholic Church
 * World's Largest Cement Plant (see Lafarge)

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.23 sqmi, of which, 8.54 sqmi of it is land and 0.69 sqmi (7.48%) is water. The city is on the shore of Lake Huron's Thunder Bay, with Alpena Township surrounding it on land.

Climate
Alpena has a humid continental climate (Dfb) with warm summers along with cool nights, moderated by nearby Lake Huron and cold, snowy winters with annual snowfall averaging 84 inches (210 cm).

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 10,483 people, 4,734 households, and 2,565 families residing in the city. The population density was 1227.5 PD/sqmi. There were 5,278 housing units at an average density of 618.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.8% White, 0.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 4,734 households, of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.3% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.8% were non-families. 39.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 42.5 years. 20.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.7% were from 25 to 44; 27.9% were from 45 to 64; and 19.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,304 people, 4,874 households, and 2,865 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,348.9 PD/sqmi. There were 5,200 housing units at an average density of 620.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.66% White, 0.42% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.09% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population.

There were 4,874 households, out of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.2% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,353, and the median income for a family was $40,056. Males had a median income of $34,534 versus $21,951 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,476. About 10.4% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.5% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
While tourism is an important component of the area's economy, both Alpena and Rogers City have an industrial base. In particular, Alpena is home to Lafarge-Holcim cement plant and to Besser Company (maker of a concrete block making machinery), as well as a drywall board manufacturing facility owned by Decorative Panels International. Rogers City is the location of the world's largest limestone quarry (see Michigan Limestone and Chemical Company), which is used in steel making in the Great Lakes and Rust Belt regions.

MidMichigan Health, a federally-designated rural regional medical referral center, is the largest employer in the city of Alpena.

Until it largely closed in 2022, Alpena's primary shopping center was the Alpena Mall, the only enclosed shopping mall in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. In full operation, the former mall featured approximately 20 stores, with JCPenney and Gordon Food Service as the anchor stores. Other retailers operate in this part of town and on M-32 west of town and south on US-23.

Alpena was also home to the Alpena Thunder hockey team, which was disbanded in 2011.

Culture
Alpena is served by a number of institutions that enhance the artistic and cultural character of the city, reflecting its rich heritage in Great Lakes shipping and industry. Alpena is the gateway to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of Michigan's 13 underwater preserves. The cold, fresh waters of the Great Lakes serve a valuable role in preserving the numerous shipwrecks in Lake Huron, documenting a history of tragedy that spans over 300 years. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena is the interpretive and administrative center of the sanctuary, located on the banks of the Thunder Bay River.

The local history of the Alpena area is documented by the Besser Museum, founded with an endowment from industrialist Jesse Besser. The Besser Museum is located on an 8 acre campus in northern Alpena, and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Permanent attractions at the Besser Museum include a planetarium and the Katherine V., a wooden fishing tug that spent its entire life on Lake Huron. The Besser Museum also features rotating collections of art, science, and local history. The museum is the publisher of The Town that Wouldn't Die: A Photographic History of Alpena, Michigan from Its Beginnings Through 1940.

The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library serves Alpena County. Its special collections include the Northeast Michigan Oral History Archive, the comprehensive Great Lakes Maritime Collection, and a full collection of Alpena newspapers dating back to 1871.

Arts organizations in the Alpena area include the Alpena Symphony Orchestra; the Alpena Civic Theatre; and the Thunder Bay Theatre, Northeast Michigan's year-round professional theatre located in the historic 1904 Spens Block on North Second Ave. Cinema in Alpena is supported by the newly opened Sanctuary Cinema, located in a former JCPenney store in Downtown Alpena, and the Maltz Opera House, under renovation to its 1920s-era appearance.

Parks

 * Avery Park
 * Duck Park
 * Island Park
 * Mich-e-ke-wis Park
 * McRae Park
 * Rotary Island
 * Starlite Beach
 * Sytek Park
 * Thompson Park
 * Washington Park
 * Rockport State Park is Michigan's 100th state park and a dark sky preserve, is situated just north of the city on the Lake Huron shore. Within its 4,237 acres, it contains a 300 acre abandoned limestone quarry, Devonian fossils, sinkholes and a protected deep water harbor.  It is a U.S. 23 route heritage site.  It is part of the "Alpena Blueway" paddling route.   There are many other state parks in the area.

Air
Alpena County Regional Airport (IATA: APN, ICAO: KAPN, FAA LID: APN) is the northeast lower peninsula of Michigan's main commercial airport and handles daily Delta Connection flights to Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul via Detroit, and to Pellston operated by SkyWest Airlines. It is a public-use airport located in Wilson Township, Michigan six miles (10 km) west of the central business district of Alpena. The Michigan Air National Guard's Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center co-utilizes the airfield.

Rail
Alpena is situated along the Lake State Railway, formerly the Detroit and Mackinac Railway (D&M). Earlier railroads that served Alpena were built and owned by the Alger Smith and Co. logging company: (1) the Detroit, Bay City and Alpena Railroad, which entered Alpena from the south around 1886, and (2) the Alpena and Northern Railroad.

Bus

 * Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service between St. Ignace and Bay City, Michigan. This route is the Amtrak Thruway service for Alpena.

Major highways

 * serves Alpena on its way along the Lake Huron shoreline. It has been designated the "Sunrise Side Coastal Highway", and runs along (or parallels) the Lake Huron shore. To the north, it passes Grand Lake and Long Lake, then to Rogers City, through Cheboygan, and on to Mackinaw City, where it ends at I-75 and the Mackinac Bridge. On US 23 as it crosses Birdsong Bay just south of Alpena exists a sign which notes that it rests on the 45th parallel, indicating travelers are halfway between the equator and the North Pole. This is one of 29 places (six are in Michigan) in the U.S. where such signs are known to exist. US 23 continues south to Ossineke then further south to Oscoda and Tawas City. US 23 south joins Interstate 75 near Standish where it continues south downstate.
 * ends its 100 mi easterly route from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron traversing the northern Lower Peninsula within downtown Alpena at an intersection with US 23.

Trails

 * Alpena to Hillman Trail from Alpena to Hillman in Montmorency County.
 * North Eastern State Trail from Alpena to Cheboygan in Cheboygan County

Education
Alpena, along with the rest of Alpena County and portions of Presque Isle County, is served by Alpena Public Schools. Alpena Public Schools was established as the first county-wide school district in the state of Michigan in 1963. The district has one high school, a junior high, an alternative/adult high school, and six elementary schools. The elementary schools are Besser, Ella White, Hinks, Lincoln, Sanborn, and Wilson Elementary Schools. Geographically, it is the largest school district in the Lower Peninsula, encompassing more than 620 sqmi.

There are two private schools in Alpena. All Saints Catholic School is affiliated with the four Roman Catholic parishes in the city (St. Anne's, St. Bernard's, St. John the Baptist and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception) and provides preschool to 8th grade education. Immanuel Lutheran School is supported by the Immanuel Lutheran Church and has preschool to 8th grade classes.

Alpena is also home to Alpena Community College. ACC is a two-year associates program that has partnerships with Spring Arbor University and several other Michigan institutions.

Print

 * The Alpena News is the daily (Monday to Saturday) newspaper of record for much of northeastern lower peninsula of Michigan.
 * Daily editions of the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News are also available throughout the area.

Radio
Alpena is home to several radio stations.

Television
Alpena is the third smallest (208) Nielsen Designated Market Area (DMA) in the United States.

Television stations located within the Alpena DMA:
 * Channel 11: WBKB-TV - (CBS, NBC on DT2, ABC on DT3, Fox/MyNetworkTV on DT4); the only locally programmed terrestrial station within the market
 * Channel 6: WCML-TV - (PBS) - satellite of WCMU-TV Mount Pleasant

Cable only television:
 * Cable 3: Alpena Community College educational television
 * Cable 5: Alpena CW - (The CW)

Northeast Michigan is also served by selected major network affiliates from the Northern Michigan DMA, as well as CBC Television programming from CBMT-DT in Montreal. Cable television service is provided within Alpena and many outlying communities by Charter Communications.

Notable people

 * Jesse Besser, inventor and benefactor of the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan; lived in Alpena
 * Paul Bunker, 1901 and 1902 All-American football player; College Football Hall of Famer; born in Alpena
 * William Comstock, 33rd governor of Michigan; born in Alpena
 * Leon Czolgosz, assassin of U.S. President William McKinley; lived in Alpena
 * Bob Devaney, football coach for Nebraska Cornhuskers football and Wyoming Cowboys football; College Football Hall of Famer; lived in Alpena
 * Brian Dutcher, basketball coach for San Diego State; born in Alpena
 * Jim Dutcher, former basketball head coach for University of Minnesota; born in Alpena
 * Robert L. Emerson, Michigan state Senator; born in Alpena
 * The Frost, psychedelic rock band of the '60s and '70s originated in Alpena. Several members were born there.
 * Stanley Grenz, Christian theologian; born in Alpena
 * Blaise Ilsley, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs; born in Alpena
 * Lloyd R. Leavitt, Jr., United States Air Force general; born in Alpena
 * Betty Mahmoody, author of Not Without My Daughter; lived in Alpena
 * Harvey Marlatt, shooting guard for the Detroit Pistons; born in Alpena
 * Andrew Marwede, professional disc golfer; born in Alpena
 * Arthur William McLeod, member of the Wisconsin State Assembly; born in Alpena
 * Joel Potrykus, filmmaker (Ape (2012 film)); born in Alpena
 * Dan Rohn, infielder for the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians; born in Alpena
 * Paul Fitzpatrick Russell, Roman Catholic archbishop and diplomat; lived in Alpena
 * Michael Bailey Smith, actor (Charmed); born in Alpena
 * K. J. Stevens, novelist and short story writer; born in Alpena
 * Kevin Young, first baseman for the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates; born in Alpena

title: Alpena, Michigan


text:
Alpena Township, Michigan

Alpena Township, officially the Charter Township of Alpena, is a charter township of Alpena County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 9,116. The city of Alpena is surrounded by the township, but the two are administered autonomously. Alpena Township is the fourth-largest township by population in Northern Michigan, and the largest outside Grand Traverse County.

Communities
Lakewood is an unincorporated community on US 23 along the northeast side of Long Lake at 45.19083°N, -83.43389°W. It was founded as a summer resort in about 1912.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 141.21 sqmi, of which 104.45 sqmi is land and 36.76 sqmi (26.03%) is water, consisting of near-shore waters of Lake Huron, various inland lakes, and a stretch of the Thunder Bay River. Half of Long Lake occupies the northern portion of the township. Off the northeast shore lies Middle Island, which is home to the Middle Island Light, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,788 people, 4,037 households, and 2,858 families residing in the township. The population density was 93.2 PD/sqmi. There were 4,757 housing units at an average density of 45.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.39% White, 0.10% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.

There were 4,037 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $39,889, and the median income for a family was $46,181. Males had a median income of $34,930 versus $22,813 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,779. About 5.5% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Alpena Township, Michigan


text:
Green Township, Michigan

Green Township is a civil township of Alpena County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,117 at the 2020 census.

Communities

 * Flanders is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of the township approximately 15.5 mi west of downtown Alpena on M-32 at the junction with M-65 at 45.06°N, -83.74667°W. Flanders began as settlement around a sawmill in 1869 and was named for local lumber merchant S.W. Flanders. A post office operated here from December 1885 until February 1914.
 * Hillman is a village located mostly in neighboring Hillman Township in Montmorency County. While the village encompasses a total area of 1.70 sqmi and a population of 701, only a very small portion of 0.04 sqmi and four residents are within Green Township.
 * Spratt is an unincorporated community along M-65 approximately 4.5 mi south of Flanders at 45.00861°N, -83.74806°W. It was named for the Spratt family, who were pioneer lumbermen in the area. A post office operated from March 1900 until August 1934.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 80.06 mi, of which 71.04 mi is land and 9.02 mi (11.27%) is water, consisting primarily of Fletcher Pond in the southwestern part of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,205 people, 471 households, and 365 families residing in the township. The population density was 16.9 PD/sqmi. There were 789 housing units at an average density of 11.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.34% White, 0.41% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 1.16% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.08% of the population.

There were 471 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.9% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.5% were non-families. 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $34,271, and the median income for a family was $37,768. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $22,708 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,454. About 4.6% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Green Township, Michigan


text:
Long Rapids Township, Michigan

Long Rapids Township is a civil township of Alpena County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 977 at the 2020 census.

Communities

 * Godfrey was the name of a post office here from 1883 until 1912.
 * Lachine is an unincorporated community near the southern boundary of the township on M-65 less than a mile north of its junction with M-32 at 45.0775°N, -83.71611°W It was founded in 1909 as a station on a branch of the Detroit and Mackinac Railway, named by a railroad conductor from Lachine, Quebec, Canada. A post office was established in March 1910. The Lachine ZIP code, 49753, includes most of the southern portion of Long Rapids Township, as well as most of southern Wellington Township to the west and large portions of Wilson Township, Green Township, and Ossineke Township.
 * Leer is an unincorporated community near the northern boundary of the township at 45.19778°N, -83.73944°W The rural settlement was named after Lier, Norway, by the Norwegian immigrants who settled here. A post office operated from March 1901 until April 1910. Leer and the northern portion of Long Rapids Township is served by the Posen ZIP code of 49776.
 * Long Rapids is an unincorporated community in the central portion of the township at the junction of M-65 and Long Rapids Road. It is less than a mile north of the main branch of the Thunder Bay River at 45.12583°N, -83.7225°W with the name coming from the long stretch of rapids in the nearby river. The settlement developed around the sawmill of Albert Merrill and was at first known as "Merrillville". A post office named "Long Rapids" operated from October 1873 until August 1933.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 54.67 sqmi, of which 54.19 sqmi is land and 0.48 sqmi (0.88%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,019 people, 404 households, and 300 families residing in the township. The population density was 18.6 PD/sqmi. There were 560 housing units at an average density of 10.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.31% White, 0.10% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.10% from other races, and 0.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.18% of the population.

There were 404 households, out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.1% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.5% were non-families. 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $36,083, and the median income for a family was $41,818. Males had a median income of $35,179 versus $20,694 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,829. About 2.9% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Long Rapids Township, Michigan


text:
Maple Ridge Township, Alpena County, Michigan

Maple Ridge Township is a civil township of Alpena County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,559 at the 2020 census.

Communities

 * Bolton is an unincorporated community in the township approximately 12 mi northwest of Alpena along the partially abandoned Detroit and Mackinac Railway at 45.18139°N, -83.58972°W. It was named for Henry Bolton, who along with Donal McRae opened a general store in Alpena in 1866. From 1871, as Bolton & McRae, they operated one of the leading cedar lumbering firms in the area. A post office operated here from October 1880 until March 1955.
 * Cathro is an unincorporated community in the township approximately 10 mi northwest of Alpena along the Detroit and Mackinac Railway at 45.15889°N, -83.55444°W. The community was named for George Cathro, a prominent farmer in the area. A post office operated here from November 1894 until March 1955.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 53.82 sqmi, of which 51.62 sqmi is land and 2.20 sqmi (4.09%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 1,715 people, 640 households and 490 families residing in the township. The population density was 33.0 PD/sqmi. There were 814 housing units at an average density of 15.7 per square mile (6.1/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 99.30% White, 0.06% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.06% Asian, and 0.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.17% of the population.

There were 640 households, of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.5% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.3% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.07.

27.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.0 males.

The median household income was $35,871 and the median family income was $38,490. Males had a median income of $33,482 and females $20,192. The per capita income $16,024. About 10.0% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.4% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.