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The history of Saugatuck
and Douglas is based on the bounty and inspiration of
the landscape. Forests and farmlands supported the economies
for many years until entrepreneurial creativity and economic
well-being afforded time for recreation.
Nestled on the edge of
the Kalamazoo River at a point where the river widens
briefly into Lake Kalamazoo, Saugatuck and Douglas have
relied on the river for transportation and sustenance
as well as recreation.
Little is truly known
of the Indians who lived here first beyond their tribal
names: the Ottawa and Pottawatomi. The name Saugatuck
is presumed to be of Indian origin.
What are now the two
communities of Saugatuck and Douglas began as a series
of small settlements along the river. Place names such
as Dingleville, Mack's Landing, Newark, Wallinville, Dudleyville,
and Plummer's Mill are now things of memory.
To the north, the settlement
of Singapore, established to harvest and process the forests
needed to rebuild Chicago after the great fire, provides
one of the community's enduring legends. Now gone from
sight, it is supposed that the dunes upon which it was
built destabilized after the trees rooting them were taken
for lumber. Coupled with an economic downturn, the settlement
was abandoned. A number of Singapore's buildings, ferried
on sleds down the frozen river, were repositioned in what
is now Saugatuck. The real mystery of Singapore is why
it was so named.
Lumber related industry,
however, continued as an important factor in the local
economy. Baskets created for use in the burgeoning agricultural
sector were filled and taken to urban markets across the
"Big Lake" on boats built here as well.
In the late 1800's, urbanites
escaping the heat of summer in the city began renting
rooms here. By the early 1900's tourism had become an
important part of the community. The far side of the river
was dotted with summer tent camps and a summer camp established
by the Rev. George W. Gray from Chicago (now the Presbyterian
Camp). Regular visitors from as far away as St. Louis
found their way here and remain an active part of our
summer community. Rented rooms and tents have been replaced
by a broad selection of B&B's, hotels, and motels.
In 1909, the Big Pavilion
was erected. Outlined in lights powered by its own generator
(the only one in the area), the Pavilion must have been
a dazzling sight in an otherwise dark community. Its dance
hall, a draw well into the mid 1900's was later supplemented
with a movie theatre showing first run films delivered
by boat from Chicago. In 1960, the Big Pavilion, grown
a bit shabby, burned in an historic blaze. The largely
wooden community escaped devastation through a quirk of
the wind that carried the blaze across the river.
Other summer attractions
included a large swimming pool built on the hill and a
roller rink. Once the Oval Beach was established providing
easy access to Lake Michigan, the pool waned in popularity
and was closed
In 1910, artists from
the Art Institute in Chicago began offering painting classes
and established a summer school on Ox-Bow lagoon (created
when the river was rerouted in 1906). Since then, the
area has attracted a great many artists and artisans,
many of whom have made their homes here. The community
is noted for both the number and quality of galleries
here. In the past few years, an ongoing outdoor sculpture
exhibit has been established adding a new dimension to
the art that is so vital a part of the community.
Saugatuck and Douglas
are now firmly established as vacation destinations for
new generations of urbanites seeking respite from the
city in all seasons.
Our local Historical
Society and Museum have published a series of excellent
books about different aspects of our community. More information
about the books is available by calling the SABA phone
number (269-857-3133). The museum is open from Memorial
Day through October. Visit their site at www.sdhistory.com
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