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History
of Union Pier, Michigan |
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physical pier at Union Pier no longer exists. The following
historical account of the pier, and the town after which it
was named, is an excerpt from the Harbor Country Guide, 1994
Edition. |
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Union Pier - A Harbor Country®
Community |
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Towering
forests provided ample justification for Union Pier's early
existence. The forests were so dense that squirrels could
run through the community without ever touching the ground.
In 1861 when John Gowdy migrated here from New York, there
were hard and softwood trees which rose 60 feet to the lowest
limbs. Tree trunks measured five and more feet in diameter.
The forests were an incredibly valuable resource if one
looked across the lake to Chicago and recognized that burgeoning
city's insatiable need for timber. Soon Gowdy was joined
by other New Yorkers who understood the economic potential
and another Harbor Country community was born.
Gowdy and
his associates displayed unusual ingenuity, perseverance
and business acumen. Felling the timber and processing it
in saw mills some distance from the lakefront was not significantly
difficult. What these men needed, however, was a lake pier
so ships could carry the cordwood and timber to Chicago.
Pere Marquette Station in Union Pier, early
1900's
They
built their 'Union Pier' and what a remarkable feat it must
have been in the early 1860's. The pier stretched 600 feet
into the surging waters of Lake Michigan. It was equipped
with tracks so that mules and horses could pull timber from
saw mills in the forests to waiting ships.
Business
was good. Soon the men established larger steam saw mills,
a brick factory and even a manufacturing facility for brooms
and tool handles.
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Downtown Union Pier in the
1920's
As many as
a hundred people were employed in Union Pier's early endeavors.
Soon stores, other commerce, and residences were developed.
When Chicago burned in 1871, Union Pier's early settlers
were already building a 130-ton schooner on the beach near
their pier. Soon timber and bricks from Union Pier were
rebuilding Chicago. It was not long, however, before the
once towering forests were depleted. Agriculture was already
and important economic contributor in the region so it was
quite natural that Union Pier's citizens joined the craze.
Peach, apple orchards and strawberry fields were planted
where the forests once stood, and soon produce was being
packed for sale in Chicago. In the 1920's tourist
resorts of every description were under construction. The
Prussa family built a resort on Red
Arrow Highway which included a restaurant, dance hall, cottages,
and a gas station which frequently serviced the car of gangster
John Dillinger...But there is no question that Union Pier's
most famous summer resident for many years was the Olympic
track star, Jesse Owens.
-Ron Miller
© Copyright 1994
Harbor
Country Chamber of Commerce - Used with permission.
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Union
Pier Update August 2005 |
As
of this update Union Pier remains a quaint rural town. There's
not a whole lot of hype and instant amenities to quell the
cosmopolitan appetite. The locals and returning visitors
like it that way. Nightlife? Well, as one national magazine
writer about this area put it: "It's the sunsets, stupid."
You won't find a Wal Mart, Target, or a McDonalds here.
Union Pier does not have it's own newspaper, or Chamber
of Commerce. (It is served by the Harbor Country Chamber
of Commerce). But yes, it does have its own US Post Office.
And yes, there are some newly developed residential areas
with "trophy homes" and a few "McMansions",
but at least the developers did a decent job of retaining
the cottage style architecture. The township leaders met
with many local residents and have agreed to create new
ordinances to abate the expansion of these overwhelming
properties that are out of character for this community.
For the most part, a lot of Union Pier still has many of
the older homes, shops and drafty Inns with creaking floors
and dated furniture. Everything that is not "artificially
quaint and conveniently contrived". |
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For those who just want to chill and not get all wound up
about the lack of nearby conveniences, who just come to
relax and not critique the decor - it's the perfect place.
But if you are not yet over the culture shock, don't worry,
the bustle of traffic congestion, the lure of mall lights
and the smell of formaldehyde in the air (from new clothes)
is only a 20 minute drive away in any direction, save the
Lake. Any of those locations would be outside the Harbor
Country region.
Once that's out of
your system, you'll discover Union Pier is the place where
former "Activity
Junkies" give themselves permission to do nothing
at all. Union Pier is perfect for those who are so over
that "see and be seen" thing, and want to be free
from the stress of putting on airs and anxiety of making
an impression. Leave the competitive and aggressive me-first
behavior behind. You won't need it here.
Of course, this little village on the banks of Lake Michigan
may not be for everyone. If you're one of those that don't
"get" Union Pier and insist on an environment
of exquisite perfection, complete luxury, and love being
served hand and foot (for a price), we'll very gladly send
you somewhere
else. |
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