Situated in the center of Livingston County, the City of Howell, Michigan is bordered mostly by Howell Township, although it shares a small border with Marion, Genoa, and Oceola townships.
The chief routes to and from the city are I-96, which forms most of its southern border, Business I-96 (Grand River Avenue), and M-59 (Highland Road). Other cities and villages within twenty miles of Howell include Fowlerville, Brighton, Pinckney, Webberville, and Byron.
Situated on the city's northeastern border, Thompson Lake is a 262-acre body of water that is fifty-two feet deep at its deepest points. There is a public access site on the west side of the lake.
The first European-American settlements in the area were by George T. Sage, James Sage, John D. Pinckney, and David Austin, who came in 1834. As others joined them, the townsite was laid out by Flavius J.B. Crane and Edward Brooks in the summer of 1835, and first known as Livingston Centre, for its central location in the county.
The first home in the community was built by John D. Pinckney in 1835. That same year, Crane and Brooks built a public house known as the Eagle Tavern on what is now the southeast corner of Grand River Avenue and Walnut Street.
Located in the Eagle Tavern, a post office was established on January 15, 1836, with Flavius J.B. Crane as its first postmaster. At this time, the town's name was changed to Howell, for Thomas Howell, a friend of Mr. Crane.
In 1840, the Old Stage House, another public house, was built on Grand River Avenue, between East Street and Walnut Street. Owned and operated by a Mr. Gay, the Temperance Hotel did not have a tavern connected to it, as most other hotels did. Others included the Union Hall, Shaft's Hotel, and the Melvin House.
Moses Thompson built a sawmill on the stream that forms the outlet for Thompson Lake, which was. named for him.
Livingston County was organized on March 24, 1836, and Howell was named as the county seat. As this designation was strongly protested by a group from Brighton, it wasn't until the county buildings were constructed twelve years later that Howell officially became the seat of government for the county.
William McPherson, a Scottish immigrant, came to Howell in 1836 and became one of the wealthiest and most respected men in the community. Upon his arrival, he opened a blacksmith shop with his father-in-law, Andrew Riddle, another Scottish immigrant.
The Howell Stream Saw Mill was constructed in 1850 and operated by D.T. Chandler, George W. Kneeland, and Shubael B. Sliter. The mill was destroyed by fire the following year but was rebuilt by Kneeland. The new sawmill was powered by the first steam engine manufactured in Howell. Later, John Wright built a planing mill, which was also destroyed by fire and rebuilt.
Howell was incorporated as a village in 1863, and became a city in 1914. Since first appearing on a census report in 1850, Howell's population has declined only once, by 7.1% in 1910. Its population in 2010 was 9,489, and it is predicted that it will increase further when the 2020 census is released.
As the focus of this category is on the City of Howell, Michigan, online resources connected with the city itself, or to any businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, or events within the city are appropriate topics for this guide.
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Recommended Resources
The private business university's main campus is in Howell, Michigan, and it also has an education center in Detroit. Founded as the Cleary School of Penmanship in 1883, by Patrick Roger Cleary, the institution became Cleary Business College in 1891, taking its current name in 2002 after introducing a graduate program. Its academic programs, course catalog, academic calendar, online application, and an overview of its financial aid programs, student life program, and athletics are put forth.
https://cleary.edu/
Begun in the 1950s and 1960s, the blueberry farm currently employs a you-pick business model, although pre-picked blueberries may be available at a higher price, along with homemade ice cream, desserts, and sweets, which may be purchased from its shop or online. Its picking season schedules are published on its site and on its Facebook page, and a profile and history of the business are provided. Contacts, social media, announcements, updates, and a blog are included.
https://www.hazensfarm.com/
Howell Area Chamber of Commerce
Headquartered in Howell, Michigan, the Chamber is a business membership organization that offers a variety of services to its membership and the community, including economic and workforce development, organizational assistance, and leadership training and resources. A member directory, community guide, and calendar of events are published on the site, along with an overview of the benefits of membership, member services, an area guide, announcements, and contact information.
https://www.howell.org/
Incorporated in 1863, Howell is the seat of government for Livingston County, and part of the South Lyon-Howell-Brighton Urban Area. The official municipal website offers city news, a calendar of events, council meeting agendas and minutes, election information, and access to various downloadable forms and other documents. Tax and utility payments may be made online, including an optional automatic payment. City services, facilities, and departments are introduced, and contacts are posted.
https://www.cityofhowell.org/
Locally owned and operated, the company is located in Howell, Michigan, where it provides website design and creation, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media services for small businesses, contractors, non-profit organizations, and personal projects. The web designer is introduced, business hours are posted, and contacts are included. A portfolio of websites created by Lanza Websites is featured, and prospective clients may request a quote or a free consultation through the site.
https://lanzawebsites.com/
Located just south of I-96, on Schroeder Park Drive, in Howell, Michigan, the family-owned business has been in operation since 1967, specializing in automotive and recreational vehicle collision and mechanical repair services, with free auto and RV estimates. Its automobile and RV repair services are highlighted, a photo gallery is displayed, and career opportunities are published on the site, along with a contact form and telephone number. Its address and a map are featured on the site.
https://schroedersbodyshop.com/
Beginning in 1956 as a site for a Christian revival tent, Water's Edge Camp and Conference Center is a ministry of the Eastern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene, hosting children and youth camps, family camps, Christian retreats, recreational vehicle camping, and residential living. Its history, location, staff, and volunteer opportunities are published on the site, which includes schedules, lodging options, rates, online registration, a map, and contacts.
https://www.watersedgecamp.org/
