Marion, Michigan is a little south of central Marion Township, in northeastern Osceola County.
The Middle Branch River flows through the Marion, forming a Mill Pond in the northern part of the village. The Mill Pond was created in 1876 when Christopher Clarke dammed the river to power a saw planing and lathe mill. This business spurred the growth of the community, producing siding, shingles, floor moldings, and barrels. During the decline of the lumber era, a fire destroyed the mill in 1909. In 1911, his wife, Marion Clarke, donated the land surrounding the dam to be used as a park.
The village was founded by Christopher Clarke and John Chadwick, who were instrumental in persuading the Pere Marquette Railroad to open a station there. They arranged for the townsite to be platted, naming it for Clarke's wife, Marion. Besides his mill operations, Clarke also operated a store in Marion, and the post office was originally set up in his store on January 27, 1880, with Christopher Clarke as postmaster. Marion was incorporated as a village in 1889.
The chief routes going through the village are 20 Mile Road (Main Street) and M-66 (Mill Street). which intersect downtown. Cities and villages within twenty miles of Marion include McBain, Tustin, Lake City, Cadillac, Evart, and Leroy.
Marion has maintained relatively steady growth since first appearing on a census roll in 1900 when its population was 741. A couple of decades of decline, beginning in 1920 with the slowing of the area's timber industry, were followed by significant increases in 1940 and 1950. Its peak population was 891 in 1970, but its current population is above 850.
The focus of this portion of our guide is on the village of Marion, Michigan. Online resources for the municipal and township government, local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, and recreational opportunities are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
The annual summer fair is held each June at the fairgrounds in the village of Marion, Michigan. Exhibitor policies and online registration is available, along with an overview of the events, which may differ from year to year, but are likely to include a rodeo, truck and tractor pull, animal and agriculture judging, children's events, and carnival rides. Full details may be downloaded in PDF format. Sponsors are acknowledged, and volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are discussed.
https://marionfair.com/
The public school district offers a K-12th-grade public school curriculum through an elementary school and a combined junior/senior high school, both of which are highlighted here, along with student resources, staff resources, and parent resources, as well as its athletics programs, departmental contacts, and a faculty and staff directory. Athletic schedules, a district calendar, information about its meal services, employment openings, and downloadable applications.
https://www.marion.k12.mi.us/
Owned and operated by Dan Ellis, the local market is located on South Mills Street in the village of Marion, Michigan, just north of the Marion Area Historical Museum, where it offers a full selection of grocery items, as well as Bissell Carpet Cleaners rentals, video rentals, and liquor sales. Its location, hours of operation, contacts, and an overview of the business is offered, and weekly specials and discounts are highlighted on the site, with prices and other details.
https://www.marionvillagemarket.com/
Marion is a small village in north-central Michigan, about fifteen miles southeast of Cadillac. The official municipal website introduces the village council and posts council agendas and minutes, ordinances, public notices, and contacts for the village clerk, treasurer, and president. Phone and fax numbers for the village offices are provided. Information about the historic Mill Pond, the village campground, and other services, programs, and facilities are set forth.
http://marionmichigan.org/
