The Only Source of Water That Supplied an Entire Town: Ogemaw Springs, Michigan, Late 1800s

The Michigan county of Ogemaw is rumored to have the most amount of small lakes, brooks, and springs...but I haven't seen any proof of that anywhere. I read it somewhere but still can't find any proof...but it did bring attention to the oldest settlement in that county: Ogemaw Springs, and the only source of water that entire town had in the late 1800s.

It was in 1871 when the Ogemaw Lumber Company built a mill on the land. It did very well, and the area began to grow. Soon it had sawmills, a post office, and grocery store. That success only lasted a couple of years - then The Great Panic of 1873 kicked in, bankrupting many businesses and drove the Ogemaw Lumber Company into the ground. In an attempt to salvage what was left, the business was transferred to another company.

The county was organized in 1876 and Ogemaw Springs made an attempt to be named the county seat. The community and surrounding areas threw their support to West Branch and Ogemaw Springs lost out. Thanks to this turn of events, it spelled the end for Ogemaw Springs. The post office closed in 1893, followed by the depletion of timber. That was it for the village.

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Sensing this, the residents of Ogemaw Springs flocked to West Branch to find work and continue their lives.

By the way, where does the word 'springs' come in as part of the name?

There was a fresh water spring in the village that happened to be their only supply of water – not just for the 200 residents, but for the trains as well. Townsfolk were ordered not to dump their garbage and waste into the spring, as it was the only source they had.

The gallery below shows that historic spring and even goes underwater to show you how crystal clear the water is. Also included are vintage photos from around the county...

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