Middleville, a beautiful location on the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail
• This beautiful green area you see was once the center of Middleville’s industrial might. It was also the site of the very successful Keeler Brass Company’s manufacturing plant – which moved to a new facility in Grand Rapids in 1901. Why? To be closer to the flourishing furniture industry.
• Tenants who later occupied the old Keeler building included: a featherbone factory, knitting mill, shoe manufacturer and White Products, the predecessor to Bradford White Corporation.
• In the 1950s, Middleville promoted itself as the “Nation’s Biggest Little Industrial Town”. As proof, it pointed to eight local industries.
• The old Keeler building was demolished in the early 1990s.
• What you now see stretching along the waterfront are Stagecoach Park and Riverside Park. This is the town’s creative way of converting a historic industrial area to a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors, appreciate nature and revel in the beauty and magnificence of the Thornapple River.
• Picnicking and bank fishing are available below the dam.
Source: “A Detailed History of Thornapple Township & the Village of Middleville” by Gary A. Finkbeiner, August 2005.
According to the Mayo Clinic: Water makes up 50% to 70% of your body weight. Make sure to replenish the fluids lost from exercise.
Our downtown area started in 1834, a short walk up East Main Street from here. Near our town center you’ll find our Village Hall, several attractive parks, places for food and drink, rest rooms and more.
Middleville residents make good use of our location on the water. And our kayak and canoe entrance is the first ADA compliant ramp on the Thornapple River. Stop into town and stay awhile.
Middleville Facts & Figures
Named for: A post office on a nearby stagecoach line. That name originated from a nearby Native American village called Middle Village.
Location: 16 miles from greater Grand Rapids.
Claim to Fame: Two trailheads on the Thornapple Trail and the first Trail Town in Michigan affiliated with the North Country Trail Association.
First Settler: Calvin Hill, in 1834, who owned 400 acres on both sides of the Thornapple River. He surveyed and planned out the village sometime before 1850.
Last Stagecoach Driver: Monroe A. Dietrich, who was also the Village President of Middleville, made the last run over the Middleville-Wayland stagecoach route in 1869.
Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail: Is shared with the North Country Trail. Some 4.5 miles of the trail are paved and six miles are owned by Middleville. The scenic trail parallels the Thornapple River and parts of it run along an old railroad bed.
Reviews: The Middleville section of the trail has been called one of Michigan’s most beautiful rail trails.
ARLINGTON STREET
• The earliest known inhabitants of this area were the Ottawa and Potawatomi Native American people of the Algonquin.
• The Thornapple River next to you was called Sowanquesake or “Forked River”.
• Nearby is Bradford White Corporation, the largest employer in Barry County, MI. The company has been proudly serving the Middleville community since 1940.
• Further up the trail is the center of Middleville, with refreshments, rest rooms, and easy access to the river.
• You’re likely to see wildlife along the trail. Look for turkeys, raccoons, possum and more. Deer may run along or cross your path so please proceed with caution as you enjoy the trail’s scenery.
EAGLE
Get Moving!
Donated by Bradford White Corporation
MIDDLEVILLE FIRSTS
• Log Schoolhouse, 1838
• Thornapple River Bridge, 1843
• Blacksmith Shop, 1843
• Sawmill, 1846
• Grist Mill, 1849
• General Store, 1850
• Hotel, 1852
• Garage for “horseless carriages,” 1912
The Veterans Memorial began as a way to honor two local high school graduates killed during post 9/11 wars. The original vision expanded throughout the development process and the memorial site has grown to become a significant part of the local community, remembering “All gave some, some gave all.” Pavers located inside the memorial honor local heroes dating back to the Civil War and represent veterans living or deceased who consider Middleville their home.
History of the Site
This important memorial is located near the former coal storage area of the historic Middleville train depot that served the area for many years.
Community Support
The development of this memorial site was made possible through the generosity of donations from local businesses and individual community members. Over 50% of the funds for the memorial came from donations of $500 or less, a tremendous demonstration of the Middleville community coming together to support this project. Donations are still being accepted for engraving the granite walls or the walkway.
Design of the Memorial
The memorial was thoughtfully designed to honor all veterans. The pentagon shape represents the Department of Defense. The interior of the pentagon shape is reserved for recognizing veterans, while the exterior is intended to acknowledge the support from the local community. All pavers are laid in uniform straight lines as a symbol of respect.
Thinking Sustainably
The developers of this veteran’s memorial used some creative thinking and reused materials from a refurbished regional business and the Village to form the walls and pavers at the site.
Memorial Sign Donated by Bradford White Corporation