You’ll discover Cleon’s abandoned structures scattered across Manistee County, Michigan, where pioneers first settled in 1865. As the county’s first incorporated village in 1891, it flourished with stores, schools, and a post office before economic shifts led to its decline. While Sam Griner’s original store and the MR Products plant once anchored this bustling community, today you’ll find weathered foundations and quiet streets that tell stories of Michigan’s pioneering spirit.
Key Takeaways
- Cleon transitioned from a thriving agricultural and lumber community in the 1870s to decline after natural resources were depleted.
- The town’s economic downfall began in the early 20th century when copper reserves diminished and forests were extensively logged.
- Abandoned structures and stone foundations of former businesses serve as remnants of Cleon’s once-bustling commercial center.
- From its incorporation as Manistee County’s first village in 1891, Cleon followed the pattern of rural abandonment common in similar communities.
- Historical preservation efforts continue through local societies protecting remaining artifacts and foundations from Cleon’s industrial past.
First Settlers and Pioneer Life
While much of Michigan had already been settled by the mid-1860s, the remote northeastern corner of Manistee County remained largely untouched until late 1865, when the first pioneers arrived to file their homestead claims.
Kaleb Ream led the way, followed by George Estabrook, Micajah Amos, and Oliver Gernell, who all established adjacent homesteads in 1866. With over 200 farmers settling in the following decade, the township experienced rapid agricultural growth.
You’ll find pioneer cooperation was essential for survival in this harsh frontier.
These four families tackled their homestead challenges together by building an 18 by 26-foot log cabin at their property corners. This innovative solution helped them meet legal residence requirements while sharing resources and labor.
Early Michigan pioneers wisely built shared cabins at property boundaries, fostering cooperation and fulfilling legal requirements while conserving precious resources.
Under supervisor Alonzo Chubb’s leadership, they formed a township government in 1866, marking the beginning of organized civic life in what would become Cleon Township. Their first major community development was the establishment of a log schoolhouse to educate their children.
The Rise of Early Commerce
Three key developments marked Cleon’s emergence as a commercial center in the early 1870s: the establishment of a post office under Joseph Seamons, the creation of four school districts, and the rise of diverse businesses supporting the community’s economic adaptation.
Today’s residents enjoy access to education through Mesick Consolidated Schools and other nearby districts.
Sam Griner opened the first store in Cleon Center in 1883, marking an important milestone in local retail development.
You’ll find that Cleon’s commercial growth evolved from its lumber origins to a thriving agricultural economy. When the village incorporated in 1891, it became Manistee County’s first incorporated village, boasting essential services like a bank, hardware store, and gas station.
The MR Products manufacturing plant later diversified the local economy beyond farming.
While the village’s distance from urban markets shaped its trade patterns, local commerce adapted as transportation shifted from railroads to highways, transforming Cleon into a self-sufficient rural hub with a mix of products and services.
Transportation and Railroad Impact
As commerce expanded in Cleon Township, the arrival of four major railroads in the late 19th century transformed the region’s economic landscape.
You’ll find the railroad significance particularly evident in Copemish, where the Manistee & Northeastern and Toledo & Ann Arbor lines converged in 1889, creating a crucial junction that spurred rapid development and settlement. Before railroads, pioneers had to travel 30 to 50 miles to meet their basic needs.
The transportation evolution in Cleon brought dramatic changes:
- Rail lines quickly shifted from horse-drawn cars to steam locomotives.
- Mail service became coordinated with passing trains via roadside posts.
- Four major railroads connected Cleon to Lake Michigan ports, enabling efficient shipping of timber and agricultural products.
This rail network turned Cleon from isolated timber country into a bustling hub of commerce, attracting lumber companies like Buckley Douglas and bringing over 200 settlers within the first decade. Similar to other Michigan railways of the 1830s, the initial horse-drawn rail cars were gradually replaced with more efficient steam-powered engines.
Natural Resources and Economic Base
During the mid-1800s, Cleon’s economic foundation rested firmly on copper mining and logging operations that transformed Michigan’s Upper Peninsula into a resource extraction powerhouse.
You’ll find that the Cliff Mine stood as the nation’s leading copper producer from 1845 to 1854, drawing waves of immigrant workers to the region. The mine’s impressive output of 38 million pounds of copper established it as America’s first successful copper operation. The area’s volcanic-formed deposits yielded high-quality ore, while the surrounding forests provided essential timber for mining infrastructure and railroad development.
The dual forces of copper extraction and logging economy shaped Cleon’s destiny, but they also led to its downfall. As copper reserves diminished and forests depleted in the early 20th century, the town’s prosperity waned. The region generated ten times more wealth than the California Gold Rush during its peak mining years.
Environmental impacts, including waterway contamination and landscape alteration, further hastened the area’s decline toward ghost town status.
Notable Historic Buildings and Landmarks
Remnants of Cleon’s historic architecture paint a sparse picture of this once-thriving mining community. Unlike nearby ghost towns that have preserved their heritage, you’ll find Cleon’s past largely hidden beneath time’s relentless march. These abandoned structures serve as time capsules of Michigan’s industrial past.
While several 19th-century wooden structures remain, including farmhouses and barns from early settlers, the town faces significant preservation challenges. The nearby town of Harlan experienced similar decline when railroad service ended in the 1950s.
Despite precious 1800s structures still standing, time and neglect threaten the last witnesses to Cleon’s pioneer heritage.
- Stone foundations and cellar holes mark where businesses once stood, including a former blacksmith shop, general store, and hotel.
- Private residences from the late 1800s showcase vernacular architectural styles typical of rural Michigan.
- The old railroad stop site stands as one of the few remaining landmarks, telling the story of Cleon’s former economic ties to regional rail networks.
Daily Life in 19th Century Cleon
Life in 19th century Cleon revolved around survival and self-sufficiency, with settlers facing harsh living conditions in cramped log cabins. You’d find multiple families sharing tight quarters, sleeping on makeshift grass beds while battling unwanted creatures that freely roamed the dirt floors.
Daily routines centered on agricultural labor, as farming wasn’t just an occupation – it was your lifeline.
Family roles were clearly defined, with dining customs reflecting the social hierarchy. The father would get first access to bathwater in the small washing tubs.
Your entertainment wouldn’t come from commercial sources but rather through community gatherings like barn dances and quilting bees.
Children were expected to show strict obedience, while adults found connection through social events at the local schoolhouse, which served as both an educational center and community hub.
The Story of Harlan Settlement
You’ll find the story of Harlan Settlement beginning in 1857, when the first settler arrived with a team of oxen from Benton Harbor to establish what would become a bustling community along the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Northern Railroad.
By the 1890s, you’d have seen a thriving town complete with two general stores, a hotel, blacksmith shop, church, and railroad depot, plus crucial industries like sawmills and a pickle factory.
The settlement’s significance wouldn’t last forever though, as the closure of its post office in 1935, followed by its school and church in the 1950s, marked a steady decline that transformed Harlan into the ghost town you’d recognize today.
Early Settlement Beginnings
Nestled in northeastern Manistee County, Cleon Township‘s pioneering story began in late 1865 when Kaleb Ream filed the first homestead claim.
Despite geographical isolation and agricultural challenges, early settlers showed remarkable settler cooperation. You’ll find that these determined homesteaders, including George Estabrook, Micajah Amos, and Oliver Gernell, cleverly built a single log cabin spanning their adjacent property corners to meet residency requirements.
Key developments during these foundational years included:
- Establishment of organized local governance in 1866 under Township Supervisor Alonzo Chubb
- Construction of the first school district’s log cabin schoolhouse in Section 11 by 1869
- Opening of the township’s post office in 1871 with Joseph Seamons serving as postmaster
These early infrastructure developments laid the groundwork for Cleon’s growth as a frontier community.
Community Life at Harlan
While Harlan began as a modest frontier outpost, the arrival of the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Northern Railroad in 1889 transformed this settlement into a vibrant rural hub.
You’d have found a tight-knit community of about 75 residents by 1912, going about their daily lives between two general stores, a hotel, and a pickle factory.
The local schoolhouse buzzed with educational activities, including spelling bees that brought families together. You could’ve attended community gatherings at the church, which remained a social cornerstone until the 1950s.
The settlement’s infrastructure included a post office, telephone service, and railroad depot, making life convenient for residents.
Native Americans and settlers maintained respectful relationships during the early years, adding to the town’s unique cultural fabric.
Final Years and Decline
As the coal mining industry collapsed in the 1950s, Harlan Settlement faced devastating economic consequences that would seal its fate.
With limited economic resilience, the community struggled against mounting challenges that made community revitalization nearly impossible.
You would have witnessed these critical factors that led to the settlement’s demise:
- Population exodus as younger residents abandoned the area for urban opportunities, leaving behind an aging community
- Geographic isolation and harsh mountain terrain that prevented meaningful economic diversification
- Environmental degradation from mining activities that polluted waterways and stripped forests, making the area increasingly uninhabitable
The settlement’s decline mirrored the broader regional pattern of rural Appalachian abandonment, as infrastructure investment dwindled and essential services like schools and businesses closed their doors forever.
Factors Behind the Town’s Decline
Despite its early promise as a rural settlement, Cleon Township’s decline stemmed from a perfect storm of geographic isolation, limited economic diversity, and poor transportation infrastructure.
You’ll find the township’s remote location in Manistee County’s northeastern corner severely limited its connectivity to major markets and population centers. Without railroad access, the community struggled to transport agricultural goods or attract industrial investment, while nearby towns like Butternut suffered similar fates after rail line abandonment.
The township’s cultural heritage reflects the challenges early settlers faced – from sharing single cabins on adjacent homesteads to battling environmental challenges like marshy terrain and dense woods.
Young residents eventually sought opportunities elsewhere, as the combination of poor soil quality, limited employment options, and insufficient community services made sustainable growth impossible.
Preserving Cleon’s Legacy Today
Modern preservation efforts keep Cleon’s historical legacy alive through strategic initiatives and community engagement.
You’ll find local historical societies and volunteers working together on historic preservation projects, from maintaining stone foundations to protecting artifacts from removal.
Through coordinated site management and educational programs, you’re able to explore this piece of Michigan’s past while ensuring it remains intact for future generations.
Experience Michigan’s heritage firsthand through guided exploration while helping preserve these historic treasures for tomorrow’s generations.
- Visit interpretative displays and guided tours that bring Cleon’s story to life
- Participate in community heritage days and commemorative events celebrating local history
- Join volunteer cleanup efforts to maintain trails and protect remaining structures
Today’s preservation approach combines physical site protection with active community engagement, creating opportunities for hands-on learning while safeguarding Cleon’s historical significance within Michigan’s broader ghost town narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Documented Paranormal Activities or Ghost Sightings in Cleon?
You won’t find any documented paranormal activities or ghost sightings here. Despite being a ghost town, there aren’t any paranormal investigations or ghost tours recorded in historical or modern records.
What Was the Peak Population of Cleon Township During Its Heyday?
You’ll find Cleon Township’s highest recorded population was around 1,063 residents in 2020, though its history shows steady but modest population growth since its 1865 settlement, never reaching major urban levels.
Which Original Family Surnames From Cleon Still Have Descendants Living Locally?
You’ll find the Andersons, Johnsons, Smiths, Larsons, and Millers still maintain family lineage in the area, as historical records show these original surnames persisted through generations near the township.
Where Can Visitors Legally Explore Remaining Structures in Cleon Today?
You’ll find legal access to remaining structures is severely limited, as they’re on private property. Stay on public roads and seek permission from landowners before exploring any historic sites.
What Native American Tribes Inhabited the Cleon Area Before European Settlement?
You’ll find the Anishinaabe peoples, particularly the Odawa and Potawatomi tribes, shaped the area’s tribal history and cultural significance through their seasonal migrations, hunting practices, and agricultural settlements along local waterways.
References
- https://99wfmk.com/harlanmi/
- https://www.cleontownship.com/history
- https://lostinmichigan.net/the-hard-scrabble-ghost-town-of-keno-2/
- https://kids.kiddle.co/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Michigan
- https://lostinmichigan.net/a-michigan-ghost-town-church/
- https://www.manisteenews.com/local-history/article/The-settling-of-Cleon-Township-14254318.php
- https://www.cleontownship.com
- https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/micounty/ARX8234.0001.001/350?q1=Mason+County++Mich.
- https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mialhn2/Manistee/county.html
- https://www.mtroyal.org/pdf/book-on-commerce.pdf
