The Village of Vernon, Michigan is in the northwestern corner of Vernon Township, in Shiawassee County, about forty miles southwest of Lansing.
The chief routes through the village include M-71, Bennington Road (Main Street), and Vernon Road (Maple Street).
Cities and villages within twenty-five miles of Vernon include Durand, Bancroft, Corunna, Lennon, Owosso, Gaines, Byron, Morrice, Swartz Creek, Perry, New Lothrop, Flushing, Ovid, Oakley, Laingsburg, Flint, Chesaning, Linden, Fowlerville, Montrose, and Burton, while the unincorporated communities of Shiawasseetown, Kerby, Middletown, and Duffield are within ten miles of the village.
The Shiawassee River flows through the western portion of the village, forming a small part of its western boundary.
The largest land use area in the village is residential, which includes single-family, duplex, and multi-family buildings. As Vernon is largely a bedroom community, it can be expected that residential would be the largest land use area in the village. The heart of the residential district is north of the business district, an area that developed slowly on irregularly-sized lots as parcels of land were split and combined. Since 2000, the residential area has declined somewhat, as residential land has been repurposed for public or semi-public use.
Commercial property in Vernon is greatest in its central business district, on both sides of Main Street between Walnut Street and Church Street, but there are other commercial properties throughout the village, particularly along M-71.
Vernon has two parks: Sexton Park and Crawford Memorial Park.
Vernon's peak population was 1,008 in 1980. Since then, it has declined each decade to 738 in 2020. Its lowest population was 417 in 1920.
Vernon was first settled by European-Americans in 1833 when Henry Leach came to the area from Detroit. He was soon followed by a squatter named Lathrup and Jacob Wilkinson, who would become the first permanent settler, as the others soon moved on.
A post office was established on September 6, 1842, with James Ratan as postmaster. Like many Michigan communities, the lumber industry was one of the first attractions to the area, and the railroad helped to boost its population.
The Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad ran its track through the settlement and opened a depot in Vernon in 1856. The Ann Arbor Railroad came through later, using the GTW track. The GTW and the AA railroads both had station agents in Vernon during the day. Today, the Great Lakes Central Railroad still uses the track through Vernon, although its depot is no longer open.
The village was platted in 1856, but not recorded until 1866. The first store in Vernon was opened by Milo Harrington in 1857, and the village was incorporated in 1871. Russell E. Bell, a former president of the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, was elected as the village's first president. Vernon was named for the township, which was itself reportedly named for George Washington's home, Mount Vernon.
Today, Vernon doesn't have a lot of industry, although it does support some commercial businesses serving local residents as well as passersby on the state highway.
The focal point of this portion of our guide is the Village of Vernon, Michigan. Online resources for the municipality and any other governmental entities located within the village, as well as local businesses, industries, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, events, entertainment venues, and recreational opportunities within the village, are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
The Vernon, Michigan congregation merged with Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Swartz Creek, and is no longer in operation. Its former site is archived here, including its vision, values, and goals, as well as a statement of faith, an introduction to its pastor, and an overview of its ministries and missions. Sunday worship schedules, contacts, directions, and a map are provided. An archive of sermons is sorted by sermon series, and links to various online resources are included.
http://www.vernonfbc.com/index_old.html
Glacier Wood uses a patented kiln technology that changes the molecular structure of select American hardwoods using only the lumber's natural chemical compounds, which results in consistent color throughout the wood, water repellency, and less water absorption and decay. A description of the process is provided, including its contributions to the environment, tips on care and maintenance, and a list of its products, with photos, prices, and applications. An email address is provided.
http://www.glacierlumber.com/
Serving students in kindergarten and grade one, the elementary school in Vernon, Michigan is a campus of Corunna Public Schools, and is located on East Washington Avenue. Its academic programs, school activities and events, and dining facilities are set forth, along with faculty and staff contacts, parent and staff resources, as well as news and updates on its live feed. Other resources include several photographs, announcements, addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers.
https://www.corunna.k12.mi.us/o/nre/
Founded in 2019, the pub is located on East Main Street in Vernon, Michigan. Available online, its menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, dinner entrees, baskets, salads, and burgers, which are listed here, including prices. Other resources include the address, a map showing its location, a telephone number, and an email address, along with its opening hours, with both dine-in and take-away orders accepted. Photographs and a profile of the business are included.
https://www.shermansirishpub.com/
Vernon Area Florists and Unique Gifts
The full-service florist is family-owned and operated, and offers flower delivery to Vernon, Michigan, as well as nearby areas which are posted on its site, by community and zip code. Its products are listed by season, roses, birthday, sympathy, occasions, and holidays, and orders may be placed online for local delivery. Custom orders are also available. Customer reviews may be submitted or viewed, and the shop's address, a map showing its location, and telephone numbers are provided.
https://www.vernonareaflorists.com/
Platted in 1850 and incorporated as a village in 1871, Vernon is in Vernon Township, Shiawassee County. The official municipal website features the village council, boards, committees, departments, and administrative personnel, along with official meeting notices, agendas, minutes, and announcements of community activities and events. Tax and sewer bill information is provided, other reports and documents may be downloaded from the site, and links to online resources are posted.
http://www.villageofvernon.org/
