Officially known as the City of the Village of Douglas, the city of Douglas, Michigan borders Lake Michigan to the east and the Kalamazoo River to the northeast.
I-194/US-31 cuts through a portion of the city in the west, and the Blue Star Highway runs roughly parallel to the Interstate, crossing through the center of the city. The City of Saugatuck is adjacent to Douglas, in the north. Other cities within twenty-five miles include Fennville, Holland, Zeeland, South Haven, and Allegan.
The city began as two communities separated by what is now Center Street. In 1851, Jonathan Wade bought land south of Center Street and built a home. In 1860, he platted a village that he named Dudleyvile, in honor of Dudley Wade, his brother. Around the same time, William F. Dutcher platted a village north of Center Street that he named Douglas, for his hometown on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. An alternate report came from Fred Wade, a nephew of Jonathan Wade, who said that it had been named for Stephen A. Douglas, a Democrat candidate for president in 1860.
The original plat for the village of Douglas was bounded by Union, Chestnut, Water, and Center Streets.
Later, Dutcher bought the northern portion of Wade's land, and, in 1870, the two communities were together incorporated as the Village of Douglas. A post office was established on March 27, 1866, with Dyer C. Putnam as the first postmaster.
Area sawmills provided much of the lumber used to rebuild Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. When the harvestable trees in the area were exhausted, the economy shifted to growing and shipping fruit, particularly peaches. Due to its position between the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan, the importance of tourism and resorts increased considerably.
In 1867, Thomas Dutcher, who owned a mill on the Kalamazoo River, built a three-story commercial and residential structure downtown, a portion of which was leased to the Masons, as the town's first Masonic Hall. Masons from Douglas, Saugatuck, and Fennville chartered Dutcher Lodge, at the corner of Center and Union Streets, using the second floor, while the first floor served as a venue for government and civic meetings. The building was added to in 1902, doubling its size. The new section became the village hall, and the town's fire truck was parked in the lower level until 1969. Today, the building is the City Hall.
In 2004, Douglas was incorporated as a city but chose to be known as the City of the Village of Douglas.
Other than decreases in the population at the time of the 1890 and 1920 census years, Douglas has increased in population every decade since it first appeared on the census rolls in 1880, with a population of 522. Its current population is above 1,300.
The focal point of this guide is on the City of the Village of Douglas, Michigan. Online resources representing the municipal government, as well as individuals, businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, and events within the city, are appropriate for this guide.
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Recommended Resources
City of the Village of Douglas, Michigan
Douglas is a growing community with a balance of established neighborhoods with historic homes and buildings, and new businesses and residential developments. The official municipal website provides schedules and contacts for the city government, its master plan, election and tax information, and access to various forms and documents. A community profile, service and information links, and a guide to living or doing business in the city are included.
https://ci.douglas.mi.us/
Douglas Dutchers Base Ball Club
Formed in order to promote historical education for the Douglas and Saugatuck communities, the Douglas Dutchers are a community baseball team playing in an 1860 vintage setting, playing under the rules for baseball that were in place at that time. A profile of the team and the Vintage Base Ball concept are put forth, along with its rules, team lineup, and contacts, and supporters and patrons are acknowledged. A schedule and photo gallery are included.
https://douglasdutchers.org/
A campus of Saugatuck Public Schools, Douglas Elementary School is a PK-5th-grade public school. Situated on Randolph Street in Douglas, Michigan, its arrival and dismissal times, office phone number, a district calendar, classroom supply lists, a parent handbook, and instructions for enrolling at Saugatuck Public Schools are provided, along with a staff directory, information about the DES parent-teacher organization, and access to various forms and documents.
https://saugatuckpublicschools.com/projects/douglas-elementary/
Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation, dedicated to social justice issues, and respecting all faiths and beliefs. The address, directions, weekly schedules, and a calendar of events are published to the site, along with an overview of the UCC denomination, a history of the church, which was built in 1882, and an introduction to the church’s pastors and staff. Office schedules, a telephone number, and a contact form are available.
https://www.douglasucc.org/
Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
Headquartered in Douglas, Michigan, the mission of the SDHC is to preserve local history and to foster interest in education. Founded in 1986, the Center has a membership of about seven hundred, including both full-time and seasonal residents, and operates the Old School House in Douglas, which includes a tech center and archive, and also a History Museum in Saugatuck. Membership information, internships, and projects are put forth.
https://sdhistoricalsociety.org/
Unity on the Lakeshore Spiritual Center
Operated by Unity Worldwide Ministries, a network of ministries, ministers, licensed teachers, and individuals who provide practical teachings to help people live healthy, prosperous, and meaningful lives. Identifying as a practical Christianity, its location, Sunday worship service schedules, and an archive of messages from previous sermons are available, along with a calendar of events, photo gallery, and volunteer opportunities are posted.
http://www.unityonthelakeshore.org/
