The History of Greenville Michigan – episode 18

The city of Greenville was named in honor of the John Green family that settled here in June of 1844.  The Greens,  John, Deborah and their 4 children were natives of New York State.

 Among the farmers were immigrants from Denmark who primarily settled in the gowen area and later moved into Greenville.  Their contribution to the community is honored by the annual Danish Festival. 
The land in the area was ideal for growing potatoes with Greenville becoming a shipping center for the tubers.   Potato storage warehouses line Lafayette street next to the railroad tracks with one and a 1/2 million bushels of potatoes being shipped from here each year.  Locals claim Greenville to be the potato capital of the world.

Greenville was platted in 1853 and became an official village with its own government in March 1867 when the Michigan State Legislature approved its charter. The area designated as the village included all of Sections 9 and 10 and Rutan’s holdings south of Washington Street, all in Eureka Township.

Today Greenville, At 6.34 square miles (*2010), Greenville is Montcalm County’s largest municipality.

The Flat River Historical Society was organized in 1967 to preserve and promote knowledge of the history of Greenville and the Montcalm County area. It was chartered by the State of Michigan as a Non-profit Corporation in 1968. Serving as the historical archive and local storyteller for more than 50 years, our goal is to present history through exhibits and programs that will interest people of all ages through the discoveries they make from what they see and experience.

The Flat River Historical Museum was dedicated in 1972 and is celebrating 50 years in 2022! Watch for news of special events. Thank you for your support all these years!

Source: https://flatrivermuseum.org/about/

Address: 213 N Franklin St, Greenville, MI 48838

The History of Greenville Michigan in Montcalm County - episode 18

by Discover Montcalm Podcast

Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast

Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.