Lake Allegan Historical markers Ken Yonker posted 3 years ago
Name: ken yonker
Email address: yonkerkatz@netscape.com
Phone number: 2696860909
Message: Lake Allegan Members, In Nov. 2019, our Michigan Governor determined that month to be “historical marker accuracy month” looking for the correction of historical markers on State land to be addressed. We have an opportunity to assist on a very important marker here. Valley Township was contacted last week by Allegan County asking for input on the Allegan County markers (Heritage Trail Program) on SOM and other lands. The marker (#6) at the west end of our lake (SOM property) states CCC camp/ POW camp. The adjacent marker (#9) by swan creek (audio) states old CCC pine tree seedling farm. Both of these are incorrect. The SOM CCC museum and SOM historical Library also state this is not correct. Allegan County never had a CCC camp. It was a Resettlement (RA) camp. There were only about 78 RA camps in the United States, and we may have the only one in Michigan or even in this section of the United States. You can read all about our correct (RA) history by googling Unities States Library of Congress Resettlement Act program- reforestation of Allegan. The Camp was in operation 1936-1937 and was built in 1935. Of course in 1935 the Calkin Dam had not yet been built and there was no Allegan Dam Road. Allegan County 120th road was used. 120th has never been abandoned but citizens are being denied the right to know about it or use it. This topic could be a great property value boost for Lake Allegan. I suggest working with Allegan County Tourism and the SOM DNR to assist in getting historical markers and roads and easement correct.
Does SOM stand for State of Michigan? What does CCC stand for? Mary Zick commented 3 years ago Yes, SOM stands for State of Michigan and CCC stands for Civilian Conservation Corps and RA stands for Resettlement Act Ken Yonker commented 3 years ago