Welcome to Historic DeWitt (Michigan USA)

My hubby and I love exploring small towns looking for history and architecture.  Sometimes, we only have a general location for a historic building.  So, we will ask a local resident if they know where it is.   Surprisingly, many people are not familiar with the town they live in.  So, I decided to see what it would be like to be a tourist in the town where I lived and worked for many years – DeWitt, Michigan.

DeWitt (and Clinton County) were named after DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828).  He was the sixth Governor of New York and was largely responsible for the construction of the Erie Canal.   The town’s local history goes back to 1833 when Captain David Scott established the first permanent settlement here in Clinton County.   Since then DeWitt has developed into a charming small town community rich in history and quaint architectural buildings. 

When I first arrived in DeWitt in 1979, its slogan was “Welcome to Historic DeWitt”.  Visitors would come into City Hall and ask, “What’s historic about DeWitt?”  I think that is what prompted the idea of a walking tour featuring historic houses in the downtown area.  Some homeowners granted the City permission to place informational blue-and-white signs in their front yards.  This allowed walkers to read and learn about DeWitt’s history and its citizens who shaped the town.

Included in DeWitt’s history are three historic sites with Bicentennial (1976) Markers, another site has a marker erected by the Clinton County Pioneer Society, and one building is listed as a Michigan Historic Site.  Which ones are they?  Read on to find out more …

I knew the existing “walking tour” could include more historic homes and monuments to the past.  So, I headed to the local library to find a very resourceful book “DeWitt Area History” written by Kenneth R. Coin (1983 with an updated version around 2008).  Within its pages is a chapter on “architecture” with descriptions on the various styles of homes found in DeWitt and a little history (year built, owners, etc.).  I learned a lot reading that chapter! 

So, on a warm and sunny September afternoon, I put on a pair of good walking shoes, grab my camera (because I can’t be a tourist without a camera!), a bottle of water, and a map of the downtown area (maps may be available at the kiosk located at Riverside Park on South Bridge Street).  The kiosk map provided a good start but I expanded the walking tour to include 46 stops in a 3.1 mile loop tour.  FYI – the even house numbers are on the right side of the street and the odd numbers are on the left side.  To begin, I park my car in the City’s public parking lot (corner of Jefferson and Franklin Streets) and head north on Franklin Street.

Stop 1 – Hunter-Shafley House (124 E Madison - SW Corner Madison & Franklin St):

 124 E Madison St

This sign reads, “This Greek Revival style house was constructed in 1855 by DeWitt merchant Horatio Hunter.  It originally stood at 121 E Jefferson Street.  This (two-story) portion of the original house was moved to this site by the Shafley family in 1927.” 

Stop 2 – Anderson house (207 E Madison – NE corner of Madison & Franklin St):

 207 E Madison St

This sign reads, “This small frame house was likely built in the 1850’s by Phillip Peck.  George W Anderson for whom DeWitt’s Grand Army of the Republic Post is dedicated, lived here prior to the Civil War in which he lost his life.”   The house has been extensively remodeled.  Originally it faced Franklin Street with the address of 302 N Franklin. 

Stop 3 – Sweet House (113 E Madison – NW corner of Madison & Franklin St):

Jonathan Sweet built this small frame house (circa 1860).  He was the postmaster for DeWitt and had a store just west of the Clinton House.

Stop 4 – McLouth House (303 N Bridge St – NW corner of Bridge & Madison St):

 303 N Bridge St

This sign reads, “Built in 1871 by Newton and Emily McLouth, this house was of the Italianated design with ornate bric-a-brac porches.  It served as a home to the McLouth Family for almost a century.  It was extensively rebuilt in the 1940’s in a stately colonial style.”  I always liked this house and it remains one of my favorite DeWitt homes. 

Stop 5 – Clavey-Twiss House (203 N Bridge St – NE corner of Jefferson & Bridge St):

 203 N Bridge St

This sign reads, “This large two-story frame house was built around 1905 by Victor Clavey a co-owner in the Clavey and Brya Hardware Store.  The house retains many of its original charming features, most noticeable of which is the long wrap-around porch.”   Who doesn’t love a wrap-around porch?

Stop 6 – Worden House (116 W Jefferson St):

Enoch Lewis built this house (circa 1860).  A short time later, the house was enlarged by Lorenzo Worden who operated a blacksmith shop on the lot next to the house (corner of Bridge and Jefferson Streets). 

Stop 7 Hurd-Costigan House (124 W Jefferson St):

It is believed that this house was built by the VanFleet family (circa 1910).  Later, it served as the home for the Hurd family and then the Costigan family.

Stop 8 – Dills-Cutler-Ward House (203 N Scott St – T intersection of Jefferson & Scott St):

 203 N Scott St

This sign reads, “Jerome and Estella Dills built this large frame house about 1905 as a retirement home.  It’s built in a style widely popular in DeWitt at that time due to the many farmers retiring and settling in the small village of DeWitt during the first decade of 1900.  Six generations of the Dills-Cutler-Ward Family have lived in this house.” 

Stop 9 – Topping House (109 N Scott St):

 109 N Scott St

This sign reads, “Built in the early 1850’s, this saltbox home was originally located at 206 W Main.  Dr. George Topping purchased it in 1856 and used it as an office and drugstore.  It was moved to its present location about 1913.”

Stop 10 – Dr. Simmons House (130 W Main – NW corner of Main & Scott St):

 130 W Main St

This sign reads, “Dr. Richard Simmons had this one-and-a-half story frame house built in the late 1890’s.  It features detailed oak woodwork on the interior.  Dr. Simmons’ office was located in the building now housing the Family Barber Shop.”

Stop 11 – Clinton House Site (110 S Bridge St – SW corner of Bridge & Main St):

 110 S Bridge St

Archive Photo of the Clinton House

This sign reads, “This is the site of the famed hotel built by Capt. David Scott in 1841.  When completed, it was the largest building in central Michigan.  Until it burned in 1930, it served as a focal point and social center for the greater DeWitt area.”

The intersection of DeWitt and Bridge Streets is often referred to as “the Four Corners” of the downtown area.  Here you will find several places to eat or savor a yummy treat (some names and locations are listed near the end of this post). 

Stop 12 – Dresser- Korte House (215 E Main St – NW corner of Main & Market St):

Dating back to the mid-1840’s, this is one of the oldest houses in DeWitt.  It was owned by David Dressler in 1845.  In more recent years, it was purchased by Arnold and Judy Korte.

Stop 13 – Norris-Blizzard House (303 E Main St – NE corner of Main & Market St):

About 1920, Mark Norris built this two-story house.  I think the three-sided bay window on the second floor above the front entry is a nice architectural touch.

Stop 14 – Sibley House (315 E Main St):

 315 E Main St

This sign reads, “This one-and-one-half story gambrel roofed house was built about 1910 for Luther and Florence Sibley.  Sibley was a prominent businessman in DeWitt in the early 1900’s owning the lumber yard and creamery.”   Notice the colorful design integrated in the front of the house near the peak of the roof.

                        

Stop 15 - Wabwahnahseepee (City Hall, 414 E Main St):

This sign reads, “Before 1830, land under and around City Hall was settled by the Ojibwa Indians.  At this time, the Indian village consisted of only a dozen bark wigwams.”

Stop 16 – Lankton-Wilson House (302 E Main St – SE corner of Main & Market St):

This large, two-story brick house was built by Elmer and Augusta Lankton in 1915. 

Stop 17 – Former Clinton County Jail (206 E Washington St):

 206 E Washington St

This is the first of three 1976 Bicentennial Markers placed in DeWitt.  The aluminum sign is mounted on a large stone.  The sign reads, “Site of the first jail and sheriff’s residence in Clinton County.  The cells were located in the basement.  Built by Wm. Utley for the County in 1837 for $1078.  The jail was discontinued in 1857 when the County Seat was moved to St. Johns.” 

Stop 18 – Adams-Strickland-Matson House (202 E Washington St):

 202 E Washington St

This sign reads, “This simple but uniquely crafted building was built about 1846 by surveyor Joseph Adams who soon sold it to Walter Hubble, an early DeWitt merchant.  It became the home and law office of Randolph Strickland, a prominent attorney and politician in 1852.”

Stop 19 – Halterman-Newman House (203 S Bridge St – SE corner of Washington & Bridge St):

 203 S Bridge St

This sign reads, “This colonial revival style house was built in 1908 for Peter and Effie Halterman.  It originally acted as a northern extension of the “Beehive”, a hotel which stood on this corner.”

Stop 20 – Site of the First Permanent Settlement in Clinton County (S Bridge St):

 South Bridge St

This small stone is easy to miss.  It is located at the driveway of Water View Condos (233 South Bridge St) just north of the Looking Glass River.  The plaque reads, “This boulder marks the location of the first permanent settlement in Clinton County, Michigan.  Captain David Scott, the first settler, located here on October 4, 1833.  Erected by the Clinton County Pioneer Society, 1913.”

On the south side of the Looking Glass River are two of DeWitt’s parks.  Riverside Park is on the east side of Bridge Street and Memorial Park is on the west side.

 South Bridge St

Stop 21 – Interurban Grade & Cut (211 E Dill Dr):

Dill Dr View of Interurban Grade

View from"Cut" between Riverside & River Trail Parks

This sign reads, “A top this grade ran the interurban, a train that connected DeWitt with St. Johns and Lansing.  Constructed in 1900, it quickly “urbanized” the sleepy “village” of DeWitt into the 20^th century.”  The “DeWitt Area History” book offers several references to the Interurban including, “The interurban serviced DeWitt for over 25 years discontinuing service in May of 1929.  Only the portion from Dill Road to the Looking Glass River remains to give the viewer an idea of the enormity of the project.”  Until the 1990’s the Interurban Grade was a favorite sledding hill at Riverside Park.  At that time, the City made the “cut” through the earthen mound which allowed Riverside Park to be connected with the adjacent River Trail Park.   

River Trail Park has been nicknamed “Dinosaur Park” because of the dinosaur playground equipment found there.  A loop paved/boardwalk trail travels between Riverside and River Trail Parks and along the Looking Glass River.  A pedestrian bridge crosses the Looking Glass River and connects the parks to City Hall (414 E Main).

 River Trail Park - Dill Dr

River Trail Park

Pedestrian Bridge over the Looking Glass River

Stop 22 – Site of First Grist Mill in Clinton County (SE corner of Dill & Locust):

 Located at Dill Dr & Locust St

This is the second of three 1976 Bicentennial Markers placed in DeWitt.  Despite the size of the boulder, the surrounding trees may hide it a bit.  The aluminum sign is mounted on a large stone.  The sign reads, “Site of the first grist mill in Clinton County.  Built in 1844 by Jesse and Milo Turner.  Dam for water power was located one-half mile south on Prairie Creek.  The head race was located in the nearby Locust Grove.  The mill was destroyed by fire in 1901.”

Stop 23 – New Albany Store (110 E Webb Dr):

110 E Webb Dr

This is the last of the three 1976 Bicentennial Markers placed in DeWitt.  The sign reads, “This Greek Revival style building was built in 1838 as a general merchandise store for George T. Clark, owner of New Albany Village.  Milo and his brother Jesse left for the gold fields in California in 1850.  It has been a private residence since 1850.”

Stop 24 – DeWitt Hotel/Klaver House (102 E Webb Dr – SE corner Webb & Bridge St):

Built by Milo Turner (circa 1839), this building served as a hotel and a horse-changing station for the stagecoach.  Later it became the home for the Moon family and then the Klaver family.  It is still a private residence.

Stop 25 – Adams-Gillett-Durfee House (607 S Bridge St – NE Corner Webb & Bridge St):

This saltbox-style house was built in the late 1840’s for Joseph Adams.  Mr. Adams was an early DeWitt surveyor. 

Stop 26 – Baker-Sibley-Reed House (502 S Bridge St):

 502 S Bridge St

This sign reads, “Constructed in the 1850’s for Joab and Olivia Baker.  Mr. Baker was one of the first attorneys in Clinton County.  This house was greatly remodeled in the early 1900’s by Levi and Mabel Sibley.” 

Stop 27 - Art in the Park (NW corner of S Bridge & W Dill Dr):

Art Piece - "Brilliant"

Located in Memorial Park is a metal art piece entitled “Brilliant”.  It is an artistic interpretation of DeWitt’s past, present, and future.  According to the City’s website, “Through a grant from LEAP (Lansing Economic Area Partnership) the City of DeWitt selected Artist Dace Koenigsknecht to design a sculpture to be constructed at Memorial Park. The unveiling of this beautiful art sculpture took place on June 5, 2014.”

Also in Memorial Park (South Bridge Street) is the Mayoral Memorial Gazebo erected in 1997.  It was established to recognize and honor those who served as DeWitt’s Mayors.   

Mayoral Memorial Gazebo

Plaques Honoring Deceased Mayors

As I cross the Bridge Street Bridge, I see an old barn and a new three-story office building reflecting their images in the Looking Glass River.  I like the juxtaposition of an old building with a modern building.

Looking Glass River

Stop 28 – Coverdale-Twiss House (204 S Bridge St):

 204 S Bridge St

This sign reads, “This large stucco house was built about 1920 for John Coverdale who operated a cheese factory directly south of this house.  Mr. Coverdale was one of the first Ford dealer’s in the area.”  I like the cement lion statues that flank the front porch entry.  How cool is that?!

Stop 29 – Marshall-Ward House (300 S Scott St):

 300 S Scott St

This sign reads, “Christopher Littingwell, an early DeWitt attorney, built the original portion of this Greek Revival style home in 1847.  It was later purchased by Horace Marshall, one of DeWitt’s first blacksmiths.  In 1919 it was acquired by Eddie and Ruby Ward and has remained in the Ward family for three generations.”

Stop 30 – Bennett House (403 W Washington St):

 403 W Washington St

This sign reads, “Built in 1913 by Emily Bennett, this small Cape Cod-style home with wrap-around porch was constructed on a lot purchased for $250.”  

Stop 31 Moon House (411 W Washington St):

 411 W Washington St

This sign reads, “Herbert Moon, a retiree of REO, built this house in 1913.  It is one of the first bungalow style homes to be built in DeWitt.  Its low streamline appearance was a sharp contrast to the tall narrow houses previously popular in DeWitt.”

Stop 32 Whitney House (112 S Logan St):

 112 S Logan St

This sign reads, “James Whitney is believed to built this upright and wing home in the early 1870’s.  It originally stood at 403 W Main and was moved to its present location in 1912 or 1913 by Earl Scott .” 

Stop 33 – Woodruff-Greene House (409 W Main St):

 409 W Main St

This sign reads, “This large two story house was built about 1910 for Clayton and Clara Woodruff. Mr. Woodruff and his brother Mark Woodruff were co-founders of Woodruff Brothers Bank located in DeWitt.” 

Stop 34 – Scott House (609 W Main St):

 609 W Main St

This sign reads, “David and Nancy Scott built this home in the 1860’s.  The house rests on the only known uniform cobblestone foundation that survives in the DeWitt area.  A sawmill once stood behind the house during the late 1800’s”

Stop 35 – Griffin House (703 W Main St):

This house was smaller when it was built in the late 1860’s.  It was enlarged in the late 1800’s.  In later years, the house was purchased by William and Georgiana Griffin.

Stop 36 - Lietzke-Coin House (803 W Main St):

This Italianate cottage is another of my favorite buildings in DeWitt.  It was built by Horace Holmes & Son (circa 1883).  The Pate and Lietzke families used it as a summer and retirement home from the late 1800’s to the 1960’s.  Eugene and Marilyn Coin purchased the house in 1975 and restored it to its 19^th century appearance. 

Stop 37 – Chapin-Alfred House (506 W Main St):

 506 W Main St

510 W Main St

In DeWitt’s early years, this portion of West Main Street was considered “outside of town”.  This Greek Revival style house was built in 1854 by DeWitt Chapin.  He was one of Clinton County’s pioneer lawyers.  In the 1920’s, the house was divided into two houses.  The one-story portion was remodeled into the house located at 510 W Main St.  The two-story upright was expanded and remodeled into a home for William and Dorothy Alfred. 

Stop 38 – VanFleet House (502 W Main St – NW corner Main & Wilson St):

 502 W Main St

This sign reads, “This Greek Revival style house was built in the early 1850’s by Riley J Woodruff.  Mr. Woodruff was an early DeWitt settler and cabinet-maker.  It was later owned by Milton E White, a general merchant in DeWitt.” 

Stop 40 – Woodruff House (314 W Main – NE corner of Main & Logan St):

 314 W Main St

This sign reads, “This two story brick house was built in the 1870’s by Addison Woodruff to replace an earlier home that sat on the site.  Mr. Woodruff was an early DeWitt merchant.  This house is believed to have been the first brick house built in the Village of DeWitt.”

On the south side of the street there are three historic homes (311, 307, and 303 W Main).  I chose to cross the street to get a closer look at them but you can stay on the even numbered side and see them too. 

Stop 41 – Wetherell House (311 W Main St):

 311 W Main St

This sign reads, “This home was built in 1904 for John and Ina Wetherell.  This house is believed to be one of several homes built in town for “retired farmers”.  At the beginning of the Civil War, Mr. Wetherell enlisted and served three years in the 8^th New York Calvary, Company B, before settling in Michigan.”

Stop 42 – Pearce House (307 W Main St):

In the early 1900’s, West Main Street was a popular spot for settlers who wanted to build their retirement home.  The Pearce House was built in 1904 by Varney and Charity Pearce. 

Stop 43 Tucker House (303 W Main St):

This house was built in 1906 as a retirement home for Samuel and Eliza Jane Tucker.  Later, their son Fred and his wife Josephine resided here.

Stop 44 – Dr. George Topping House (210 W Main St):

Built in the early 1860’s, Dr. Topping was one of the first physicians here in DeWitt.  After a trip to the California gold fields, Dr. Topping arrived in DeWitt (mid-1850’s).  Inside the front entrance of the house was a central hallway and open staircase.  The spacious rooms were said to be elegantly furnished.  The third floor would be used for social events/dances.  In more recent years, the house has been divided into several apartments. 

Stop 45 – Florian-Berkimer House (206 W Main St): 

The house that originally existed here was moved to 109 N Scott St (see Stop 9).  In 1913, Bert Florian built this stucco bungalow.  In later years, Lloyd Berkimer lived here.

Stop 46 – Old Methodist Episcopal Church (115 N Bridge St):

This two-story brick building was built in 1931 and renovated in 1961.  According to Wikipedia, on March 28, 1985, this church building was placed on the list of Michigan Historic Sites. 

Ironically, this former church now houses the Looking Glass Brewing Company.  According to their website, they serve "great food for all appetites and produce high quality fresh beer, mead, cider and soda pop for on-site consumption." 

After all this walking, I’ve worked up an appetite.  Here are some places to eat in downtown DeWitt:

Family Tree Café at 129 S Bridge St (sit down casual restaurant with good food & drinks)

Hungry Howie’s Pizza at 121 E Main St (take-out pizza, sandwiches & salads – have a picnic in the park)

Rellies Sports Bar at 202 E Main St (variety of good food & drinks)

Scoopy-Doo’s! at 126 N Bridge St (ice cream & frozen treats)

Sweetie-licious Bakery & Cafe at 108 N Bridge St (nationally recognized and award-winning baked goods & sandwiches).  

In case you have difficulty reading the site directory at the beginning of this blog post, here is the list:

1. Hunter-Shafley House (124 E Madison)
2. Anderson House (207 E Madison)
3. Sweet House (113 E Madison)                      
4. McLouth House (303 N Bridge St)               
5. Clavey-Twiss House (204 N Bridge St)        
6. Worden House (116 W Jefferson St)
7. Hurd-Costigan House (124 W Jefferson St)
8. Dills-Cutler-Ward House (203 N Scott St)   
9. Topping House (109 N Scott St)                   
10. Dr. Simmons House (130 W Main St)           
11. Clinton House Site (110 S Bridge St)
12. Dresser-Korte House (215 E Main St)           
13. Norris-Blizzard House (303 E Main St)
14. Sibley House (315 E Main St)                       
15. Wabwahnahseepee (City Hall, 414 E Main St)
16. Lankton-Wilson House (302 E Main St)                   
17. Former Clinton County Jail (206 E Washington St)
18. Strickland-Matson House (202 E Washington)
19. Halterman-Newman House 203 S Bridge St)           
20. Site of 1^st Permanent Settlement (S Bridge St)
21. InterUrban Grade & Cut (211 E Dill Dr)
22. Site of 1^st Grist Mill (corner Dill & Locust)
23. New Albany Store (110 E Webb Dr)
24. DeWitt Hotel/Klaver House (102 E Webb Dr)
25. Adams-Gillett-Durfee House (607 S Bridge St)
26. Baker-Sibley-Reed House (502 S Bridge St)
27. Art in the Park (corner of Dill & S Bridge St)
28. Coverdale-Twiss House (204 S Bridge St)
29. Marshall-Ward House (300 S Scott St)
30. Bennett House (403 W Washington St)
31. Moon House (411 W Washington St)
32. Whitney House (112 S Logan St)
33. Woodruff House (409 W Main St)
34. Scott House (609 W Main St)
35. Griffin House (703 W Main St)
36. Pate-Lietzke-Coin House (803 W Main St)
37. Chapin-Alfred House (506 W Main St)
38. VanFleet House (502 W Main St)
39. Lankford-Hill House (402 W Main St)
40. Woodruff House (314 W Main St)
41. Wetherell House (311 W Main St)
42. Pearce House (307 W Main St)
43. Tucker House (303 W Main St)
44. Dr Geo W Topping House (210 W Main St)
45. Florian-Berkimer House (206 W Main St)
46. Old Methodist Episcopal Church (115 N Bridge St)

I return to the City parking lot at the corner of Franklin and Jefferson Streets where my car is parked.  But I'm not done with my tour yet.  There are two more sites that are slightly out of the way for me to include in the walking tour but they are worth seeing.  The first is the DeWitt City Cemetery.  Yes, I am suggesting a visit to a cemetery.

DeWitt City Cemetery (approximate address is 800 N Bridge St):

Sign along North Bridge St

A sidewalk runs along the length of the Cemetery (North Bridge Street).  The sign here reads, “Originally the private burial grounds for the Scott Family, this Cemetery was made public by the Scott’s in 1841.  As one of the oldest burials grounds in the County, it is the resting place of many veterans from the War of 1812, Civil War, and “Toledo War”. 

Headstone for Soldier from Revolutionary War

I walk one of the old narrow drives at the north end of the cemetery to find the cement block vault (built in 1918).  The basement of the vault (north side) opened at ground level.  This secured area is where bodies were stored during the winter months when graves couldn’t be dug.  The main floor of this small building was used as a makeshift chapel for services.  The building no longer serves either of these purpose.

Cement Block Vault

The DeWitt City Cemetery is a beautiful piece of property that includes a Veterans Memorial, 9-11 Memorial, and a serene spot called the Healing Garden.  The Healing Garden was established in 2001.  It is maintained by the DeWitt Millennium Garden Club.  In 2005, the Memory Walk was created within the Healing Garden.

 War Dead monument

9-11 Memorial

Healing Garden/Memory Walk

Another unique feature of the Healing Garden is the Healing Labyrinth.  The sign reads, “A labyrinth is a winding path within a circle that takes you from the outside into the center and then back out again.  A labyrinth guides one’s path, with only one entrance and one exit.” 

 Labyrinth Walk

At the southern end of the Cemetery (along Bridge Street) is a Time Capsule Bench (placed there in 1983).  It will be opened during DeWitt’s Bicentennial celebration in 2033.

 Time Capsule Bench

The second site is the Schavey House located at 217 Schavey Road. 

217 Schavey Rd

Nope, you’re not going blind … the sign is faded and unreadable.  According to the “DeWitt Area History” book, it reads “Theodore Schoewe (later changed to Schavey), a German immigrant who came to America in 1854 and to DeWitt in 1872, built this imposing two-story brick house in 1883 on his farm, originally the Goodrich homestead.  This house is high-style Italianate and features bracketed eaves and a two-story five sided bay window.  The very spacious interior features an open staircase and original louvered shutters in most all windows.”  In more recent years, this house has been the home to the Religious Sisters of Mercy.  The grounds also include a small but private cemetery.

Looking for more history?  The DeWitt area has some existing one-room schoolhouses.  Please click on the following link to view my Michigan One Room Schoolhouses blog site to see where they are in DeWitt:

Denice's Michigan One Room Schoolhouses Blog for Clinton County

Walk safely – cross only at street corners and use marked crosswalks where designated - and be a tourist in your hometown!