Online Catalog

You can visit the History Center Archives in person to learn what’s in our collection, but much of the material is now indexed in the CatalogIt Hub. On this page, you can browse through several sets of items or use a search box to look for something specific in the collection.

Boarding House, Singapore

Drawing

Ink drawing on watercolor paper of a large, multiple-story building that once existed in Singapore, Michigan. Drawn by Margaret McDermott based on a description by Laura Hudson Hutchins interpreted by architectural historian Dr. James Schmiechen. The drawing appeared in SDHS publication "Raising the Roof" 2nd edition page 13 and "Remembering When" newspaper articles [see 2021.87.114].

Image caption from "Raising the Roof" 2nd ed., page 13: THE BOARDING HOUSE AT SINGAPORE 1837-1869 Singapore, Saugatuck Harbor As described by one former resident, "this great human beehive" was a gray and unpainted house (60'x 40'), three stories high and had a bar room, dance floor (the kitchen), and an "immense" cooking stove. Over its lifetime it housed hundreds of mill workers as well as travelers/immigrants seeking land and jobs. Drawing by Margaret McDermott, based on recollections of Laura C. Hutchins, cited in H. H. Hutchins, Western Allegan Pioneer Days (1919, reprint, 1995).

2021.41.62

Ink - Black

The Big House or Astor House was built in 1837 or 1838 as housing for Singapore mill workers and their families. Early immigrants from the Netherlands, traveling by ship on the Lake Michigan, often stayed at Singapore before attempting the final leg of their journey to Holland, Michigan.

Buildings: Lost

Buildings: Commercial

2021.41

Schmiechen, James A.

Donation

McDermott, Margaret

7-1/2 in

11 in

039 Singapore

Make a Donation

Support the expansion of our collection.

DONATE