Picture of the General Store of James R. Trask, Grattan Center, Kent Co, MI
Circa 1899-1900

Carriage and Paint Shop of Jordan Davis, Grattan Center, Kent Co. Mi
Circa 1899-1900

THE GRATTAN MUSEUM

     In1843 the Methodist Episcopal Church of Steele's Corner was started. The historical church building (30 ft. x 40 ft.) was built in 1853 on the site presently known as Belding Road and Tiffany. In 1905 a decision was made to move the church building three miles east to Grattan Center . In 1906 the church was moved using a horse to turn a winch which slowly moved the building on log rollers one hundred feet at a time. It took thirty days to move. On July 15, 1930 the land and building were sold to Grattan Township for $1.00. From 1930 to 1971 it was used as the Grattan Town Hall . In July of 1987 a dedication ceremony was held by the Grattan Township Historical Society and the building became the Grattan Museum . It was located at 11675 Old Belding Road until May 10, 1999 when it was moved to its present location at 12050 Old Belding Road .

     The constructional style with a reverse truss with mortise and tenon joints and wooden pegs is of particular significance. This is a 30 ft. x 40 ft. single story, gabled roof building with no basement. Clapboard siding was used throughout the building. The original structure had narrow stained glass windows, double doors in front with fluted sides and transom windows above, shutters on both front and side windows, and a colonial style steeple. The township removed the steeple, lowered the ceiling, and put wide windows in front. They changed the front door from a double to a single door and removed the transom windows. However, the basic structure is still intact. In 1999 the building was moved to its present location and the following improvements were made. New siding, a new front door, and a new furnace and air conditioner were added. The floors were refinished and both the interior and exterior of the building were painted to give it the appearance it has today.

The museum contains artifacts, pictures, and the history of many of its pioneer families and the surrounding area. It is maintained and operated by the society. It is opened to the public, Sundays between 2 and 4pm , or by appointment.

GRATTAN TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROJECTS

ROADSIDE PARK
The Grattan Roadside Park , located on the north side of M-44 between Nugent and Wabasis Avenues is maintained by the Society. We provide picnic tables, trash pick-up, porta johns, and lawn care. The park is enjoyed by many throughout the year. The Society holds its annual Picnic in the Park here on the first Tuesday in August every year.

ADOPT -A - HIGHWAY
  The Society is part of the Michigan Adopt - A - Highway Program. We maintain a four mile section of M-44 between Tiffany and Lincoln Lake Avenues.

FUND RAISING PROJECTS
The Grattan Historical Society Cookbook is now available at the cost of $10.00 each, $2.00 shipping and handling. Over 250 favorite family recipes make up this great cookbook, some of them dating back to the early 1800's. Order yours today!

An Ice Cream Social is held by the Society on the third Tuesday in August every year at the Roadside Park .

GRATTAN TOWNSHIP MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Membership to the Grattan Township Historical Society is $5.00 per household per year, and is due every January. A subscription to Grattan Glimpses, the Society newsletter, is included with each membership.

MEMBERSHIP ($5.00) _____________

OTHER _____________

NAME_____________________________

ADDRESS__________________________

CITY______________________________

STATE_______________ZIP___________

Make checks payable to: Grattan Township Historical Society.
Mail to: Grattan Historical Society
12040 Old Belding Road
Belding , MI 48809

GRATTAN TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY
12050 Old Belding Rd - Belding, MI 48809
email: forcecrank@aol.com

The Grattan Township Historical Society is a non-profit organization that was started in 1984. The first newsletter of the Society was printed June 25, 1985 . The purpose of the newsletter is to provide and preserve the history of the Grattan area and families, to notify members of upcoming meetings, special events and to give information on programs and museum displays. Today the newsletter is called Grattan Glimpses and 113 issues have been printed. Grattan Glimpses is printed six times a year and is mailed to all current Society members.

2008 Election
President: Dianna Force
Secretary: Pat Nugent

Links

St. Patricks Church History, Parnell, MI

Lowell Area Museum

Grand Rapids Historical Society

Michigan Genealogy on the Web

Michgian Genealogy Web Cemeteries

Ship's Passenger List's to America

French Canadian Society of Michigan

Northeast Michigan Genealogical Society

Cindy's Genealogy List

Don Havey - Michigan in the Civil War

City Directories