Architecture for the Centuries

Completed in 1897, the extraordinary Romanesque-style building that is home to Bay City's government, was almost destroyed in 1975 to make way for a more modern structure. After a $3.1 million restoration, City Hall is once again a fine example of the preservation efforts the community has become known for. The clock located in the tower offering spectacular views of Bay City was once powered by water from the Saginaw River and was frequently clogged by fish that became trapped in the mechanism. Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and by request through the Bay County Historical Museum.

The Museum, which offers an extensive research library and several feature galleries, is located in a former 1910 National Guard Armory, listed on the state and national historic registers. Two permanent galleries, "Bay County...Trails Through Time" and "Bay City: Seaport to the World," recount the community's distinctive heritage and evolution as a prosperous international port.

The Center Avenue neighborhood counts more than 250 structures in the National Historic Register district, many of them the late 1800's mansions of lumber barons and shipping industrialists. The well-preserved homes along tree-lined Center Avenue reflect the rich history of our riverfront community and an unsurpassed love of fine architectural design.

When lumber was king and Bay City was a favorite spring-time destination for lumberjacks, a four-block long area along Water and Third Streets known as "Hell's Half Mile" provided ample diversion for the fun-loving "shanty boys." Today's Downtown Historic District offers diversions of another kind with quaint shops, pubs and eateries housed in turn-of-the-century brick buildings. Recognized for its commitment to preserving the historic architecture and character so prevalent in the area, Downtown Bay City received a "Great American Main Street" award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1999.

A variety of guided history tours provide a glimpse of life in Victorian Bay City. Topics and destinations rotate on a regular basis. Tours are available during the spring, summer and fall seasons. For more information about the tours, contact the Bay County Historical Museum.

Heritage Homestead Farm was built by John G. Garber in 1874 when he moved to Bay County from neighboring Midland. Traditional among the German immigrants who settled in the area, the structure includes a barn attached to the house and is accessible through an enclosed passageway to the kitchen. Heritage House is currently owned by the Essexville-Hampton Board of Education and is available for tours. Open by appointment only.

Dedicated in 1930 to commemorate Bay City pilots who gave their lives for their country, the Colonial Revival Administration Building at James Clements Airport was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The building today houses a collection of photographs of Bay City’s military pilots. The airport is home to the Valley Aero Club and local chapters of the Civil Air Patrol and the Experimental Aircraft Association. The boggy areas on the outskirts of the airport are also home to the cream-colored prairie fringed orchid, a rare and threatened wildflower. The Airport Administration building is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

When the community was both physically and politically divided by the Saginaw River, the Midland Street area was the hub of activity for what was then West Bay City. Much like its Downtown neighbor across the river, Midland Street overflows with vintage buildings housing unique shops. But, with as many as 16 night clubs featuring everything from classic jazz to good old rock & roll, the Midland Street Historic District has become known as the Entertainment Capital of Mid-Michigan.

The most visible reminder of early Native American inhabitants is the Ogaukawning Church. Established in 1847, the Indian Mission Church was built by Methodist missionaries to serve the Chippewa Indians at the Kawkawlin settlement in Northern Bay County. The church and its grounds were the social and religious center of the Kawkawlin Chippewa community until the late 1940s. Today the Mission Church is under the trusteeship of the remaining members of the off-reservation Chippewas. It is currently being restored to maintain the integrity of the Chippewa’s place in the history of this community and is available for roadside viewing only.

In the early 1900’s, Bay City was the largest manufacturer of pre-cut, mail order homes. More than 600 different mail order homes, representing 200 different models, were manufactured annually by the Bay City-based Aladdin, Lewis-Liberty and Sterling companies. Many of the homes were constructed and photographed here and promoted in the manufacturers’ catalogs and through the mail order catalogs of Sears Roebuck & Company and Montgomery Ward. These well-preserved homes can still be seen throughout Bay City today. Contact the Bay County Historical Museum at 989-893-5733 for a Walking Tour map.

A must for lovers of nostalgia. Built in 1930, the historic State Theatre is one of Michigan's finest examples of Art Deco design. A sister theatre to Detroit's famous Fox Theater, the State Theater was designed by Howard Crane and modeled after an Aztec temple.

Captain Benjamin Boutell Feature Gallery is named in honor of Captain Benjamin Boutell; his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership were well known throughout Bay County and the country at the turn of the nineteenth century. It was through his vision and leadership that many fledgling industries flourished, making Bay County a thriving community. Although probably best known for his success in the shipping and lumber industries, he was also heavily involved with the start of the sugar industry in Bay County as well as several sugar companies throughout Michigan, Colorado and also in Canada. Captain Boutell was involved in other various industries including: farming, banking real estate, coal, iron and cement just to name a few. Paintings of several of the captain’s vessels by renowned maritime artist Howard Freeman Sprague are currently being exhibited as part of “A Family Legacy: The Story of Captain Benjamin Boutell”. The paintings commissioned by Captain Boutell are believed to be the largest museum collection of Sprague’s work. Family photographs and brief documentary on the family are also featured in the exhibit.

Considered Bay City's first real settlers, brothers Joseph and Mader Trombley were drawn to the area around the Saginaw River to make their fortunes trading with Native Americans. In 1836, they began construction of the two-and-a-half story Greek Revival structure, which is thought to be the first frame house erected in Bay County and was considered the finest residence at that time. The Trombley House was relocated to its present site in Veterans Memorial Park in 1981 and is available for touring. The Olde Thyme Herb Society maintains an historic herb garden there and hosts special events throughout the year.