A Sketch created in 19th Century History
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HORACE HUTCHINS, the sixth child of
Alvin and Clois (Fuller) Hutchins was born the same year the family
moved to his parents final home and farm. His brother Davis was also
born in Michigan in 1846. His Sister Sarah, Manerva, cornelia and
brother William Waterman, "Wat" were born earlier in New York. One more
brother, Orrin, came along in 1852 and sister Hattie. E. in 1862.
Horace was a born farmer and on Nov. 12, 1874 he married Lissetta
Walter, born Aug. 25, 1851 in Germany. Her father, David Walter, owned
a shoe store in
Fennville which was burned in the 1871 fire. Wat lost his wagon shop
also. Walter Street was named for
David Walter.
Horace and Lissetta had four children. Cloyd ELMER, born Nov. 15, 1875 married Bertha Rowe of Allegan; Orrin born April 2, 1878 married Daisey Hadley; Asa Earl born April 18, 1885 married Darlene Sherman, and Ora born Nov. 7, 1890 married Fred C. Thorsen.  Horace purchase 72.5 acres to farm just east of the Harrison farm. the land included what we all know as Eagle Point which now has a nice subdivision. Through the marriage to Lissetta he also became owner of a 37.5 acre farm on the S.E. edge of Hutchins Lake. This property came to a point where the lake road comes to the lake at the little township park. Near the 20th century, Horace had a roller skating rink in a hall on main street, half way between Maple and Elizabeth streets. About 1912 He and Mr. Van Buren started a movie theater upstairs called "Dreamland Theatre" where movies costs were 10¢ each. The theater moved 4 years later to a brick building where it retained that name until 1932 when Clifford Smith took over and named it "OUR" theater. |
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One
interesting 1892 project was in locating the new school building. After
many meetings it was decided that graded school be built, a little
north of the old one and the contract for building was let in October,
but constructions was delayed over the winter. By spring of 1893 the
question poor drainage came up during a discussion where an alternate
site on West Main, between Rose and Mary streets was suggested. It
being where the first Methodist Church, that burned down in 1871 was.
It was thought that the hill was too high but it could be cut down. A
vote was taken and it passed 92 for and 40 against.
Being good law abiding
citizens Horace and cousin Harrison Hutchins stopped the construction
with a court
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injunction, the vote was not
taken at a legal meeting.. Another vote was taken and the building was
completed as pictured above. Of course that building was added on too,
later torn down and the city library and a bank is now located there.
Lizzetta died on their farm near Hutchins Lake, November 27, 1922. The property was first her father's. Go To: FAMILY HISTORY PAGE |
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