Surrounded by Metamora Township, the Village of Metamora, Michigan is in southern Lapeer County.
As the Metamora post office serves most of the township, including the unincorporated communities of Farmers Creek and Thornville, we will include these two Metamora Township communities in this portion of our guide, although its primary focus is on the incorporated village of Metamora.
The primary route to and from the village is Dryden Road, which serves as its main street. Downtown, it is intersected by Metamora Road. Blood Road serves as the southern portion of the village's eastern boundary and exits the village in the south.
Besides Farmers Creek and Thornville, which are about three miles from Metamora, the unincorporated communities of Hunters Creek and Hadley are about three and six miles away, respectively. Other incorporated cities and villages within twenty miles of Metamora include Lapeer, Dryden, Imlay City, Almont, Davison, Leonard, Oxford, Lake Orion, Columbiaville, Ortonville, Goodrich, and Grand Blanc.
Connected to Metamora by West Dryden Road, M-24, Pratt Road, and Sandy Shore Drive, Farmers Creek is northwest, on the border between Metamora and Hadley townships. Situated on the northeast shore of Lake Metamora, Farmers Creek was named for the stream that is there. The community was first settled by John L. Morse in 1834, who was named postmaster when a post office was established there on January 3, 1836. The Farmers Creek post office was closed on September 30, 1903.
Thornville is located on the Metamora and Hadley township border, on the South Branch of the Flint River, directly east of Metamora along East Dryden Road. A post office was established there as Amboy on March 21, 1837, with Joseph S. Gibbins as postmaster. Benjamin Thorne came to the area from New York in 1839, and became the community's third postmaster, succeeding Charles Wright, on December 3, 1845. On July 14, 1854, the community and post office was renamed for him. The Thornville post office was closed on June 30, 1905.
The village of Metamora was first settled by Eber Barrows, who came in 1839 and opened a log inn there in 1843, and a store was added in 1850. For a time, the community was known as Barrows Corners. With the opening of the Territorial Road (Metamora Road) as the major north-south route from Pontiac to Lapeer City, and the establishment of a stage line along this road, hotels and new settlers began to arrive in the community. In order to compete, Barrows upgraded his early structure and renamed it the Northern Exchange Hotel. He competed with Lorenzo Hoard's House, an enlargement of a village store built by Daniel Ammerman in 1850.
The second period of growth began around 1850 with an increase in agriculture-related businesses to serve the growing number of farms in the surrounding region, particularly apple orchards, although raising sheep became a significant part of the township's economy, as well. Price B. Webster became the first postmaster of Metamora on January 23, 1850. Although the post office was closed on April 29, 1854, the Etna post office was moved to Metamora, taking that name, on June 26, 1854. During the period from 1850 to the early 1870s, early structures were replaced by larger, more modernized buildings, and several new businesses were introduced. These included wagon and blacksmith shops, general stores, and doctor's offices.
In 1872, the Detroit & Bay City Railroad extended its tracks through the region, opening a station at Metamora, and the village was incorporated in 1885. During the last three decades of the 19th century, brick buildings replaced frame structures, new churches and schools were built, and the village's population grew. In 188, the Metamora Town Hall and Opera House were built, featuring a Romanesque facade, full stage, and a large hall. Although the village's growth had slowed by 1890, several new commercial buildings were added.
By 1910, automobiles had become more prominent, and many of the smaller towns within twenty-five miles of major urban centers were losing population and businesses to cities like Pontiac and Flint. While there were population losses, a new generation of property owners introduced horse-breeding farms and hunt clubs to the area, and the village continued to offer convenience shopping and other services to residents and passersby.
Metamora was able to maintain overall growth despite sporadic population losses, and its peak population of 565 was gained in 2010, although it is predicted to decline slightly when the 2020 census numbers are released.
Online resources representing governmental bodies within the village of Metamora, as well as the communities of Farmers Creek and Thornville, and any local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, and recreational opportunities are appropriate topics for this category.
Recommended Resources
While specializing in weddings, the family-owned and operated event venue has also hosted homecoming events, graduation parties, and other events. A map shows its location on North Oak Street in Metamora, Michigan, directions are offered, and a telephone number and email address are included. Available for intimate weddings or larger events of up to 175 guests, the 1878 home forms an ideal setting. An overview of the business is provided, and a gallery of photographs illustrates the settings.
https://dovemanor.com/
The civil township in Lapeer County, Michigan includes the village of Metamora and the unincorporated communities of Farmers Creek and Thornville. The official township website offers a profile and brief history of the township, along with a list of elected officials, department heads, and administrative personnel, as well as various forms, reports, applications, and other documents, either viewable online or downloadable. Township cemeteries, utilities, and services are featured.
https://metamoratownship.com/
Affiliated with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church has served the Metamora, Michigan community since 1878. Its address and a map are presented, along with its Sunday worship times, a calendar of programs and events, the church phone number and the pastor's email address, and the history of the church. The church's leadership and an introduction to the church are provided for those who may be attending for the first time, and a sermon archive is included.
https://pilgrimmetamora.org/
Situated on Dryden Road in the community of Thornville, Michigan, in both Dryden and Metamora townships, the church was established as a Community Church in 1840, and its current building was constructed in 1847, although it has been remodeled, renovated, and added onto over the years. The church's location, history, and a statement of beliefs are featured, along with weekly service times, a calendar of events, and links to its video sermon archive, as well as a downloadable mobile application.
http://www.thornvillechurch.com/
The official municipal website presents a profile of the village, introduces the village councils, commissions, and department heads, and posts meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes, plans, ordinances, and reports. The members of the Downtown Development Authority are introduced, as well, and its budget data, development and financing plan, and annual reports may be downloaded. Other resources include a calendar of events and a facility for online tax and utility payments.
https://www.metamoravillage.com/
Originally built as a general store in 1848, it soon became a stagecoach stop known as the Lorenzo Hoard House, and became the White Horse Inn after Frank Peters acquired it in 1923. Briefly closed in 2012, it was renovated and reopened in 2014. Its history and a photo gallery are displayed, and its reservable heated igloos, able to accommodate up to ten guests, are highlighted, and reservations may be made online. A calendar of events, menus, gift cards, and career opportunities are included.
https://www.thewhitehorseinn.com/
