Town name: Howard City
Year founded: 1868
2020 population: 1835
City, village or unincorporated? Village
Major industries: Manufacturing, retail trade and construction
Town history:
Benjamin Ensley owned the land on which he, E. W. Muenscher, and Mr. Shaw began the settlement that Muenscher platted in 1868. It was named for William A. Howard, a Detroit railroad attorney. The Detroit, Grand Rapids and Western Railroad depot opened in 1869. A post office was established on January 12, 1870, with John B. Spencer as the first postmaster. It incorporated as a village in 1873. The post office name was shortened to "Howard" on February 2, 1895, but restored to Howard City on January 19, 1899.[5]
The village's Main Street was initially constructed on Ensley Street, which was named after early settler Benjamin Ensley. In 1883, however, many of the wooden buildings on Ensley Street burned down. Main Street was then shifted over to Edgerton Street, its present location. The Hudson Knife factory and the Skinner and Steenman sideboard factory were two of the earliest businesses. Later, Hudson Knife Co. went through changes and became the Joslin and eventually Olsen Knife Company, which had the somewhat famous jingle, "Fatty Fatty run for your life, here comes Skinny with an Olsen Knife."[citation needed] Howard City schools were combined with Sand Lake schools to the south in 1962, and renamed Tri County, because students from Kent, Montcalm, and Newaygo counties all attended. The school still runs under the same moniker.[citation needed]
Cache description: Container is a lock n lock among the elephants.
±±±±±±±±±±±±±
This is part of a geocaching series promoting Michigan towns and their histories. Hide one in your hometown today!
LETTERBOX INSTRUCTIONS: Park your car at posted and head south towards the little white bridge. Cross over the little white bridge and stay to the right along the water. Walk in the grass and notice the tree line and water on your right. Pass a large natural bridge spanning the water and continue on until you see a large group of 7-8 elephants. Most are alive, but sadly some have died. Here you will find what you seek.