| The Lake Township region once consisted of sand
dunes, swamps, and woodlands. Explorers made their way to the area
through Quebec by means of the Great Lakes and their adjoining rivers.
Permanent settlers appeared on the scene 150 years after the French
explorations.
Soon a small community called "Laketon" began to form
just north and east of the present city of Bridgman. In 1846,
the area that would be known as Lake Township was separated from
Oronoko Township. Lake Township was later divided into Lake and
Baroda Township, resulting in a final size of only about 23 square
miles. The first election was held at the home of Benjamin Lemon,
an early pioneer, with a total of 18 votes cast.
Easy access to Lake Michigan and the abundance of wood made lumbering
the first commercial interest in the Township. By 1870 several
sawmills were in operation. A much-needed railroad and a pier
were built, which further stimulated the economic growth of the
area. A lagging economy eventually forced the sawmills out of
operation, and the railroad became a mere reminder of the "good
ole times". After 1890, the economy rebounded. Immigrants
from Russia and Germany poured into the area. In ten years the
population doubled, as did the price of land. Fortunately, much
of the population increase was absorbed in the local fruit and
nursery industries.
In 1968, construction started on the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant.
Today, thanks to the Cook Plant, Lake Township is one of the most
prosperous communities in Berrien County. It has many miles of
beautiful shoreline, several parks, wooded dunes and fertile farmland.
It is truly a beautiful place to live. |
