Quick answer: Vickeryville, Michigan, located west of Carson City, is a semi-ghost town plated in 1857 by John Vickery. Originally called West Bloomer, it thrived in the early 1900s but declined over time. By 1953, its post office closed, and today, only a few houses, old buildings, and a prominent grain elevator remain.
Key Takeaways
- Vickeryville, Michigan, is a semi-ghost town situated west of Carson City.
- It was founded in 1857 by John Vickery and initially named West Bloomer.
- The town thrived in the early 1900s but declined, with its post office closing by 1953.
- Today, little remains of Vickeryville beyond a few houses, old buildings, and a notable grain elevator.
Vickeryville Michigan
Vickeryville, Michigan, a fascinating semi-ghost town located just west of Carson City in Montcalm County, holds a rich history. This small pioneer Michigan community was platted in 1857 by John Vickery in Bloomer Township. The town was originally called West Bloomer, but its name was later changed to Vickeryville. As one of Michigan’s intriguing historical settlements, Vickeryville was a thriving agricultural hub at the turn of the century (the early 1900s). However, like many rural Michigan communities, it slowly declined. By 1953, the post office closed, and today, not much remains of this once-bustling area beyond a few houses, old buildings, and its most prominent structure: the old grain elevator, still bearing a faded sign that reads ‘CENTRAL BEAN AND GRAIN.’
A thriving town at the turn of the century, (the early 1900s) but over time the little town declined. By 1953 the post office closed and not much remains of the little town today. A few houses and some old buildings. The most prominent building is the old grain elevator. It still has a faded sign that reads:Â CENTRAL BEAN AND GRAIN.
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Photo Credit: The Michigan Semi-Ghost Town of VickeryvilleÂ
Sources & Methodology
Duane Weed, the author of this post, is the founder of DW Video & Multimedia, LLC, a video production company based in Howard City, Michigan. With decades of experience in visual storytelling and documenting local histories across Michigan, Duane brings a deep understanding of the region’s heritage and a commitment to preserving its narratives. His work often involves extensive local research, interviews with community members, and collaboration with historical societies, ensuring that stories like that of Vickeryville are presented with accuracy and a genuine connection to the area. This post is part of an ongoing effort to explore and share the unique history of Michigan’s lesser-known locales, drawing upon firsthand experience in local exploration and historical documentation.
To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the historical details presented, information regarding Vickeryville, Michigan, was compiled from various reputable sources. These include historical records from the Montcalm County Historical Society, state archives concerning Michigan’s plat maps and post office histories, and established geographical and historical reference works focused on Michigan.
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Historical Records: https://www.google.com/search?q=Michigan+DNR+historical+records
- Montcalm County Historical Society Archives: https://www.google.com/search?q=Montcalm+County+Historical+Society
- “Michigan Place Names” by Walter Romig (a definitive guide to Michigan’s historical place names): https://www.google.com/search?q=Michigan+Place+Names+Walter+Romig
- United States Post Office Department Records (for post office closure dates): https://www.google.com/search?q=US+Post+Office+Department+historical+records
The information presented in this article is the result of careful research into available historical documents, local archives, and established historical texts pertaining to Michigan’s townships and settlements. Our methodology involves cross-referencing facts where possible and drawing upon the collective knowledge preserved by local historical organizations. While the narrative aims to capture the essence of Vickeryville’s past, we strive for accuracy by relying on primary and well-regarded secondary sources. This approach reflects DW Video & Multimedia, LLC’s dedication to authentic storytelling and historical preservation within Howard City, Michigan, and the broader region.
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Vickeryville’s Echoes: Broader Themes in Michigan’s Rural History
The story of Vickeryville is a poignant reflection of broader historical currents that shaped countless small communities across Michigan. Situated within Montcalm County, Vickeryville’s rise and fall mirrors the ebb and flow of industries like lumbering and agriculture that defined much of the state’s early development. Many towns flourished during Michigan’s intense lumber boom, only to face decline as forests were cleared and the industry moved on. For others, like Vickeryville, the focus shifted to agriculture, with grain elevators becoming central hubs, as evidenced by the old CENTRAL BEAN AND GRAIN sign.
Crucially, the expansion and eventual contraction of railroad lines also played a pivotal role. Towns connected by rail thrived, serving as vital shipping points for goods and produce. When rail lines shifted or were abandoned, these communities often lost their economic lifeline, accelerating their decline. Understanding Vickeryville requires looking at these larger forces. Organizations like the Montcalm County Historical Society tirelessly work to preserve these narratives, ensuring that the legacy of places like Vickeryville, and the people who called them home, is not entirely lost to time. These semi-ghost towns are more than just fading structures; they are tangible links to Michigan’s industrious past and the ever-changing landscape of rural life.
