MLT* Carlisle Mystery Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
THE MICHIGAN'S LOST TOWNS CACHE SERIES has been in existence since 2004! This cache series was created to promote geocaching in towns that have little to nothing left. It has spread from the middle of the mitten to the Upper Peninsula and continues to expand. Visit this link to view the complete list of caches in the MLT series.
THE HISTORY OF CARLISLE
The town of Carlisle existed during the 1800s where the railroad tracks intersect with 76th Street (between US 131 and Clyde Park). There was a general store that was operated by Mr. Thomas Atkins beginning in 1866. There was a stagecoach that came through town, stopping at Sharp’s Tavern to change horses, and continue to Grand Rapids. The last stagecoach came through in 1870. Carlisle was also home to a sawmill for a number years operated by Mr. Frank B. Foote, who also served as the first postmaster of West Carlisle in 1884. Mr. Foote was also responsible for building the first depot on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad at Carlisle. The post office operated here until September 1910.
In the fall of 1895, Rev. Goshert was transferred to serve at the Caledonia United Brethren Church and to organize church services in Carlisle, to be held in the Winchester schoolhouse. There were only a few charter members of the church, but many more were added to the roll resulting from a stirring revival that was held that winter. Services were held in the schoolhouse until 1900.
By 1902, the grocery store was owned by Mr. Nick Laninga (see picture).
Perhaps the most newsworthy event to occur at Carlisle involved Mr. Henry DeWeerd on November 30, 1914. Mr. DeWeerd, a young banker, was killed in a car-train accident where the railroad tracks cross 76th Street. An investigation into the accident appeared in the Grand Rapids Press on the following day.
Local residents remember a mill that stood near the railroad tracks on the north side of the road, as well as Wolfert’s General Store (the site of the original general store operated by Atkins) situated at 603 – 76th Street. Old receipts from the store show the phone number was LE2-6512. The Carlisle Grange (a farmers’ association building where locals met) stood on the southeast corner of Clyde Park Avenue and 76th Street.
Today, the little lost town of Carlisle consists of a few businesses, including Woodtech, Inc., Northwest Hardwoods, and Best Electric, Inc.
The coords can be had by taking the following history quiz:
A. Mr. DeWeerd died in the year 191_.
B. Henry and Mary DeWeerd had this many young children at the time of Henry’s death.
C. Mr. Frank Foote operated the post office in 188_.
D. Henry and Mary were married on June 3, 190_.
E. Rev. Goshert came to the area in 189_.
F. Approximate date of the last stagecoach: 18_0.
G. The post office was first in operation in the year 18_4.
H. By 19_2, the grocery store was owned by Mr. Laninga.
I. Mr. DeWeerd was born in the year 18_6.
J. The phone number of the grocery store was LE2-6_12.
K. The GR Press reported its investigation of the accident on Dec 1, 191_.
L. The car-train accident occurred on November 3_.
M. Church services were held in the schoolhouse until 1_00.
N. Mr. DeWeerd had _ sisters.
O. The sign on the Carlisle Grange had this number: _12.
North AB CD.EFG
West HIJ KL.MNO
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)