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 Friday
evenings in early 19th Century South Haven were filled with
the hustle and bustle of horse and buggies, fruit wagons and
an endless stream of well wishers rushing to meet the giant
steam boats carrying travelers from Chicago and Milwaukee. Fringe-top
surreys carried vacationers to over 200 of the finest resorts.
Founded
in 1787 by Ottawa, Miami and Pottawattamie tribes, the area
was christened "Ni-Ko-Nong" which translates to beautiful
sunsets. Pioneering times brought J.R. Monroe who founded the
area in 1833.
Pioneer families came over the decades to settle with the opening
of sawmills. This new industry made hotels, schools, homes,
stores and tanneries possible to exist on the banks of the Black
River.
The choice lumber was shipped across Lake Michigan to ports
in Chicago and Milwaukee and early steamers were built in South
Haven shipyards. As lumber gave way, room for fruit growers
opened up and soon peach, apple and blueberry farmers made up
the Michigan fruit belt.
Visitors came to the area for beaches, weather, entertainment,
resorts and an opera house. But it was in the 20's and 30's
when commerce exploded in the area. Horse and buggies made way
for the automobile. In 1969 South Haven was crowned the World's
Blueberry Capital. This title is still held today.
Over the years great progress and prosperity has created a charming
village that keeps one hand clasped onto yesteryear while the
other stretches out to greet the future. |
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