Melvin, Michigan is a small village in the Thumb Region of the Lower Peninsula. It is in Speaker Township, in lower Sanilac County.
The chief routes to and from the village are Galbraith Line Road and Melvin Road (Washington Street), which intersect in the center of the village. The small village has only a few side streets, including Alley Street, Garfield Street, Hancock Street, Railroad Street, some of which are only a block or so long.
Other cities and villages within twenty miles of Melvin are Yale, Peck, Brown City, Capac, Emmett, Croswell, Sandusky, and North Branch, although the unincorporated community of Valley Center is about two and a half miles to the west.
Melvin was formed to support the area timber industry in the early 1860s, which was bolstered when the Port Huron & Northwestern (Pere Marquette) Railroad extended its tracks through the Thumb Region, establishing a small station in Melvin.
The first building in Speaker Township was a saloon that was built in Melvin in 1862. A post office was established on November 7, 1874. As the post office was housed in his general store, Charles Dewey was the first postmaster.
By the late 1880s, the community was home to a sawmill, a grist mill, two general stores, a hotel, two blacksmith shops, a cabinet-making business, a shoemaker, and a cattle dealer.
Melvin was incorporated as a village in 1907. By that time, the village had a second hotel, two livery stables, a wagonmaker, a dressmaker, a drugstore, a grocery store, a hardware store, a bank, three churches, and a bicycle repair shop.
As with other Michigan towns, once the forests were depleted, the village's economy turned to agriculture, although that didn't support as many people. Farmers produced hay, livestock feed, and cider, and a creamery was opened. Due to the decline of the timber industry in the early 20th century, Melvin's peak population was in 1910, when it had a population of 242. In 2010, its population was 180.
Today, Melvin is still a small community. Each summer, the Melvin (Hog Town) Tavern hosts its annual Hog Town Run, which brings in motorcyclists from across the state and serves as a fundraiser for United Hospice Service at the hospital in Marlette. The motorcycle event begins at a local park in Melvin, and participants ride to the Hospice Residence at Marlette Regional Hospital, where they participate in a "blessing of the bikes." Registration includes a raffle ticket, participation in the run, bike games, and food.
In addition to the tavern, the village is home to a party store, a couple of churches, a fire department, and a post office. Melvin Village Park includes a basketball court, playground equipment, a pavilion, and bathrooms. Concerts and other outdoor events are sometimes held at the park.
The village of Melvin, Michigan is the focus of online resources in this category. Topics related to the village or any businesses, industries, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, events, or recreational activities in the village are appropriate for this portion of our guide.
Recommended Resources
Also known as the Melvin Cemetery, Fairview is situated along Washington Street, north of Main Street, in the village of Melvin, Michigan. The Find a Grave website allows readers to participate in photographing and providing details of cemeteries throughout the country. Photos of the grounds and markers within the cemetery, as well as details of people who are interred there, such as dates of birth and death, with cross-references to those of other family members. A map is also available.
https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/156734/fairview-cemetery
The fundamental, independent Baptist congregation in Melvin, Michigan holds that the King James Version of the Bible is the authoritative Word of God for English-speaking people. Its location is shown on a map, and its Sunday and Wednesday service times are posted, while other events are announced. An audio sermon archive is included, and informational articles are included. The congregation's pastor is introduced, notices are posted, and an online contact form is provided.
https://www.melvinbaptistchurch.com/
Situated on eighty acres of heavy wooded cover, about fifty miles north of Detroit, the game ranch is near Melvin, Michigan. DNR and MDA compliant, and CWD-tested, no license is required, and clients may use ground stands, bait, stalk, or participate in guided hunts. Directions, a list of animals, and prices are posted to the site, along with customer photographs, hours of operation, contact and booking numbers, and a mailing address. Directions from various locations are included.
http://www.midthumbgameranch.net/
South Sanilac Veterinary Hospital
Located in the village of Melvin, Michigan, the licensed veterinarian treats all types of pets and companion animals, offering standard veterinary medical, surgical, dental, vaccinations, and chiropractic care, as well as wellness checks, nutrition counseling, and problem prevention. An overview of what to expect during a visit, online forms, and payment options are stated, and links to other online pet health resources are included. Informational articles are posted.
https://www.thehappyvet.net/
Situated in Sanilac County, in the Thumb Region of the Lower Peninsula, the civil township is featured here. The official township website presents township meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes, as well as a township calendar, ordinances, and zoning information. The address of its township hall in Melvin is posted, and its office hours, telephone, fax number, and administrative personnel are noted. Township boards, departments, and community facilities and programs are included.
https://speakertwpmi.gov/
