PINE GROVE

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Image Credit: Kalamazoo Telegraph , November 1, 1870

Image Credit: Dick Godfrey

Image Credit: Sue Hodapp

Both the township and village of Pine Grove derive their name from the dense, old-growth pine forests that once grew here. In 1847, the first sawmill was built in the township; by 1869, it held seven sawmills, a shingle mill and a stave factory. In 1870, businessmen David Wise and Benjamin DePuy platted Pine Grove Mills. They were optimistic about the economic prospects offered by the mills and the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad. Today, the village is called Pine Grove.

Image Credits: 1873 Atlas of Van Buren County

Image Credits: 1873 Atlas of Van Buren County

The text in the business directory image above reads: "Pine Grove Business Directory.

• David D. Wise, Supervisor, Notary Public and Conveyancer.
• Everet & Wise, manufactures of Lumber and proprietors of Pine Gove Flouring Mills, also dealers in General Merchandise.
• G. Golland, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, highest cash Price paid for all kinds of Produce.
• S. N. Clement, manufacturer and dealer in Lumber, Lath and Shingles.
• L. D. Herman, dealer in Dry Goods, Ready Made Clothing, Groceries and Provisions.
• Benj. Depuy, dealer in Lumber.
• Brooks & McKay, manufactures of Lumber."

Water Tower

The most distinguishing feature of Pine Grove was its large 1870 water tower, which supplied steam locomotives with necessary water. Although it was dismantled, the tower's foundations still exist next to the trail. Can you see them?

Image Credit: Dick Godfrey

New water tower and depot built by the railroad in the 1920s. Image Credit: Sue Hodapp