The unincorporated community of Alger is situated along Michigan Highway 76 (M-76), at its junction with Alger Road, just southeast of the southern terminus of M-33.
International Highway 75 (I-75) runs roughly parallel to Old M-76, just east of the community, although Alger Road does not connect with the Interstate. Sterling is 8.3 miles south, West Branch is 12.2 miles north, and Prescott is 13.5 miles northeast of Alger.
Alger is in Moffatt Township, Arenac County, in the eastern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, northwest of the Thumb.
The village began as a railroad station, at the junction of the Mackinaw division of the Michigan Central Railroad and the Detroit, Bay City & Alpena Railroad in 1883. A post office was established there on March 7, 1884, with John Cole as its first postmaster. In 1884, the townsite was platted and recorded by John Stoughton Newberry and Russell Alexander Alger.
Newberry had served as a member of the US House of Representatives from Michigan's 1st District from 1879 to 1881 and was then a director of the Detroit, Bay City and Alpena Railroad.
Alger, from a prominent Michigan family, was elected as the 20th Governor of Michigan that year, serving from 1885 to 1887, later serving as US Secretary of War and as a member of the US Senate from Michigan. The village was named for Governor Alger.
The railroad brought business to the new village of Alger, particularly during Michigan's lumber boom. At one time, Alger had several mills, restaurants, and saloons. However, in 1896, the railroad from Prescott ceased operations, and Michigan timber had reached the point of depletion in the early 1900s, and the logging rail lines disappeared, along with the businesses. As a result, Alger progressively downsized to a small community of fewer than a thousand people.
Topics related to the village of Alger, Michigan is the focus of this category. As the unincorporated community has no official boundaries, websites representing businesses, industries, churches, schools, organizations, or individuals with an Alger post office address will be considered appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Formed in 2012, Alger Parks and Recreation picks up where a former attempt fell off several years earlier, providing programs, special events, and facilities to stimulate the socialization, health, and physical development of families and individuals, as well as the local economy, and to encourage the use of community facilities. coordinating programs with Moffatt Township and Arenac County, whenever possible. A calendar of events, sponsorships, and contacts are posted.
http://www.algerparksandrec.org/
Privately operated, the site serves as a repository and guide to information about the unincorporated village of Alger, Michigan. Local area history includes historical accounts of the village’s namesake, Russell A. Alger, as well as the town’s logging and railroad history, major local fires, and other topics. A directory of local businesses, events, and government resources is provided, along with a map that highlights local businesses, churches, clubs, and other entities.
http://www.algermichigan.com/
Originally known as the Rifle River Scout Canoe Base, the Boy Scout camp was renamed the Edward N. Cole Canoe Base to reflect his dedication to Scouting in the Detroit area. In operation since 1968, the nationally accredited A-rated summer camp serves the Great Lakes Field Service Council and is located along the Rifle River northeast of Alger, Michigan. Summer and weekend schedules are posted, along with online reservations, a calendar of events, and contacts.
https://colecanoebase.com/
Along with the Resurrection of the Lord Church in Standish, St. Joseph’s is part of the Resurrection of the Lord Parish, headquartered in Standish. The address and a map showing the location of the church in Alger, Michigan are put forth, along with mass schedules, a parish application, faith formation classes and procedures, and church documents on marriage and the family, as well as other informational documents. A parish mobile app is available for iPhone or Android devices.
http://www.arenaccatholic.com/
Locally owned and operated for more than thirty years, the Alger, Michigan company buys scrap metal, junk cars, catalytic converters, old farm equipment, and unwanted vehicle parts, and will tow old vehicles to their location without charge. The company also sells auto and truck parts, for foreign and domestic cars, pickup trucks, as well as small, medium, and large trucks, including semi-trucks, farm vehicles, and other equipment. Free estimates may be requested online.
http://wolvertonauto.com/
