The Steamer Oriole

Native Americans first came to this area to plant their gardens. Immigrants from many countries were drawn to the Antrim Chain of Lakes primarily to harvest the vast stands of hardwood growing nearby. The Elk Rapids Iron Company was built on the east bank of Elk River and converted the hardwood into charcoal used to fire its blast furnace. In this circa 1890s scene looking west, the Island House, the present day Library, stands in the upper right hand corner, and the steamer Oriole, owned by Edwin Noble, is docked beside piles of wood used to fire tug boats. Dexter Street stretches left to right atop a dam and chute, and corralled logs choke the river before heading to the sawmill near the present day hydro dam. This activity ceased when the supply of hardwood was depleted and the Iron Company closed, after which the population declined but the town remained.

Elk Rapids, Michigan · United States