1881 Parisville Fire – Devastating blaze destroyed a town, and brought miracles
The 1881 fire that swept much of Michigan’s Thumb devastated one town. However stories of miraculous events are passed down today.
News & Fun in Michigan
Huron County is located at the tip of the “thumb” area of Michigan. It is surrounded on three sides by water – Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. The county has a land area of 824 square miles bordered by an irregular shore, 93 miles long.
Huron County ranks as one of the top agricultural counties in Michigan. Major crops grown in the county are corn, navy beans, sugar beets, wheat, alfalfa, oats, and barley. Major agricultural enterprises include dairy, livestock, and poultry production.
Because of the natural beauty and ideal topography and sandy beaches, it’s an ideal setting for the tourism industry.
?The shoreline offers numerous opportunities for vacationers. With two state parks – Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park. Two roadside parks – Jenks Park and Brown Park. Also, the County maintains nine county parks along the shoreline.
The 1881 fire that swept much of Michigan’s Thumb devastated one town. However stories of miraculous events are passed down today.
The historic photo depicts C. Haist and Company’s Store in Kilmanagh, Michigan, circa late 1800s. It highlights the store’s role as a community hub and features Italianate architecture typical of the era.
The park first opened as a county park in 1925. In 1927 the state acquired the property and called it Huron State Park. In 1944, the park was renamed in honor of Albert E. Sleeper, governor of Michigan (1917-1920) and resident …
This early 1900s photo captures the rural railroad depot at Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, taken by Louis James Pesha. The image includes a windmill-powered water tower, a wooden depot station, and both a horse-drawn buggy and early automobile, capturing a transitional …
Huron County, Michigan, is noted for its historic achievements spanning agriculture and industry, including the first winter wheat processed in the U.S. and the largest grindstone produced. Its rich history contributes to Michigan’s identity and attracts tourists and historians alike.
Mary K. Ban, a 43-year-old from Caseville, died in a single-vehicle accident on M-25 in Lake Township early Wednesday morning. Preliminary investigations suggest her Jeep left the roadway and collided with trees. Authorities continue to investigate the crash while emphasizing rural road safety.
Eugene Clayton McKee, 61, was sentenced to 18 months to 10 years after evading justice for 15 years for an OWI charge and absconding. Arrested in July 2024, his history of repeat OWI offenses reflects ongoing challenges in Michigan’s impaired driving issues and law enforcement’s commitment to accountability.
With 150 miles of shoreline the contrast between the rocky, rugged Lake Huron side is toured to the sugar sand and calm waters of Saginaw Bay. The thumb region is a great area to explore.